Objective:
The aim of this module is to enable students to acquire a basic literacy in economics. This involves a basic understanding of how the economy works. It also involves understanding that there are different competing perspectives in the economics profession. It is important to understand how these different perspectives lead to different policy recommendations in addressing important public issues.
On completion of this module you should be able to:
- Understand how the economy and society are interrelated.
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of income distribution and the dynamics of a capitalist economy over time.
- Demonstrate a knowledge of how different perspectives in economics lead to different policy conclusions.
- Demonstrate a knowledge of specific topics in economics, including government policy, money, trade and unemployment.
Textbook:
Stanford, J., (2015) Economics for Everyone: A Short Guide to the Economics of Capitalism, 2nd Edition Pluto Press – there is an early edition of this book available free online or here:
We will also examine the ICTU’s “No Going Back: a new deal towards a safe and secure future for all”. You will find it on the ICTU web page or here:
no_going_back_final_document_may_2020
This is a core module in the Trade Union Studies Certificate programme worth 10 credits. It will be offered once every two years in each fixed location either by way of ten 3-hour night classes; 5 full day classes or a combination of each.
Learner’s Journal:
Please find included a document that explains the process of keeping a learner journal. Also included is a template for you to work off each week. We recommend that you complete this journal on a weekly basis as this will form part of your assessment.