Resources for Econ Starters

What economics can do and how to get started!

Economics studies incentives and behaviour to help us understand how the world works … and to make it a better! As such economics has a myriad of potential applications that can help tackle some of the major challenges of our time, including climate change, inequality, development, health outcomes, social injustice, and much more.

Step into your course with knowledge and ideas about what economics can do and how it can relate to your own interest by exploring the resources below!

Economics is more than you might think! Watch!  

1. Economics … is much more than you think! Open your eyes to what economics can do with this video from the American Economic Association. https://vimeo.com/135871291

2. Economics … the study of choice! Discover what economics can do with this video from Discover Economics! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXAR-j5OaSI

3. EconplusDal … the journey to economic mastery! Numerous tutorial videos resources on economics concept along with tips and tricks for succeeding with your econ studies. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQbBh9Jn2IjcSPZOiNKJu0g

Watch Craig Palsson (PhD, 2017) recommend five great introductions to the world of economics (plus a special romantic book tip!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSdW2qULhyE

The books recommended in the video include:

• Freakonomics (and Super Freakonomics) by Levitt and Dubner
• The Armchair Economist by Landsburg
• Nudge by Thaler and Sunstein
• Moneyball by Lewis
• Poor Economics by Banerjee and Duflo

Explore the below websites for articles written by academic economists on wide range of current issues.

1. The Conversation: An independent source of news analysis and informed comment written by academic experts. An excellent source of commentary on current issues. https://theconversation.com/uk

2. VoxEU: Set up to promote "research-based policy analysis and commentary by leading economists", VoxEU is a great resource providing columns, blogs and reviews. https://cepr.org/voxeu

3. Economics Observatory: Questions and answers on key economic questions of today written by economists, searchable by topic. https://www.economicsobservatory.com/

Put your headphones on and listen to commentaries on issues of our day!

1. Freakonomics Radio: This popular podcast will challenge the assumptions you hold about the world around you! https://freakonomics.com/

2. VoxTalks: Presents groundbreaking new research, commentary, and economic policy ideas through interviews with some of the world’s leading economists. https://cepr.org/voxeu/voxtalks

3. Planet Money: This NPR produced podcast takes on money and politics with a creative and entertaining twist. https://www.npr.org/sections/money/