Microeconomics

The main goal of the course is to provide the basic elements of the modern microeconomic theory to build the analytical background necessary for other courses in economics. Toward this goals the course first analyzes the fundamental determinants of the behaviour of two types of economic agents: consumers (consumption choices, also using a behavioural economics approach) and firms (production choices). Then, the interactions of these agents is studied in the context of different market structures: perfect competition, monopoly, oligopoly and monopolistic competition. Some cases of market failures and public intervention will be discussed.

At the end of the course, students will be at ease with the basic tools necessary to analyze individual choices of consumption and production, as well as the functioning of the most well-known market forms. Through a series of examples and exercise classes they will have the opportunity to move from economic theories to their practical application to case studies. This process will allow them to apply the tools acquired also in other disciplines such as law or political science.