- Docente: Raimondello Orsini
- Credits: 2
- SSD: ECON-01/A
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially)
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Economics, Markets and Institutions (cod. 6644)
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from Sep 15, 2026 to Dec 09, 2026
Learning outcomes
This course aims to introduce students to the economist's methodological approach by fostering an awareness of the historical evolution of economics as a discipline, its cultural foundations, and its broader social impact. Upon attendance to the classes, students are expected to:
- develop an understanding of the role of economics as a social science and of its distinctive analytical methodology;
- understand the methodological assumptions underlying the study of socio-economic phenomena, and how these assumptions influence both the formulation of research objectives and the selection of appropriate methods and tools for achieving them.
Course contents
Political Economy vs. Economics: Classical and Neoclassical Economics
The Economic Method: the use of models, quantitative tools, and experiments. Economics and epistemology.
Economics as the Science of Rational Choice: decision-making in different contexts—parametric, under uncertainty, and strategic.
Rationality: perfect, imperfect, and bounded rationality. Cognitive biases and nudge policies.
Rationality, Self-Interest, and Social Norms: experimental evidence.
Overview of Selected Fields of Economics Offered in the Second and Third Years of the Degree Programme:
- Environmental Economics
- Monetary Economics and Monetary Policy
- The Economics of Inequality and Poverty
- History of Economic Thought
- Economic Policy
Readings/Bibliography
A list of recommended readings will be made available one week prior to the beginning of the course.
Teaching methods
Teaching methods: lectures, PowerPoint presentations, in-class exercises and polls, discussion, and debate.
Assessment methods
The course concludes with a pass/fail final assessment, which confers eligibility and serves as a prerequisite for progression within the Bachelor's degree programme. Although taking the assessment is not mandatory, students are strongly encouraged to complete it and obtain a passing result before sitting the first-year second-semester examinations.
The final assessment consists of a written examination, with the possibility of an oral component at the instructor's discretion.
Teaching tools
PPT, Google Forms. AI, Videos, OST.
Office hours
See the website of Raimondello Orsini