This course covers how we view economic systems and activities from socio-economic, institutional economic and evolutionary economic perspectives.

Topics covered include -

- micro-macro dichotomy and their alternatives

- prediction versus design

- types of socio-economic modelling (e.g. dynamic systems modelling)

- Friedman and the defense of “unrealistic assumptions”

- role of financial institutions in ecological economic modelling.

Please attend all sessions as sessions the units build on each other. In case you are ill, please let Prof. Stagl know by email.

The course emphasizes discussion as a mode of learning. Each class consists of discussions of one to three assigned academic article / book chapters and occasional lecture style input by the professor.

The course readings are adapted to some extent in line with the interests and research areas of participants.

- Preparation for class (reading).

- Active participation.

- Presentation in one session that is dedicated to the student's research topic.

This course is open to all students of the PhD or doctoral program at WU. Students from other universities are welcome, but need the consent of the course instructor.

Intermediate level of economics.

It is easiest to get in contact with me via email (stagl@wu.ac.at) or WU mobil 0676-82135790. Personal or online appointments can be booked with Ms Barbara Gaal (barbara.gaal@wu.ac.at)