We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Take this course
Chris Sivewright and Oxford School of Learning

UPDATES:

  • March 2024 : 50 lectures added on global economics

  • March 2024 : lectures added on the macroeconomic policies of Donald Trump

  • March 2024 : lectures added on the influence of the macroeconomy of China

  • March 2024 : Lectures added on Japan and macroeconomics

  • January 2024 - quizzes added (macroeconomics and behavioural)

  • August/September 2023: New section on Behavioural Economics to complement the Macroeconomics

Key details:

Read more

UPDATES:

  • March 2024 : 50 lectures added on global economics

  • March 2024 : lectures added on the macroeconomic policies of Donald Trump

  • March 2024 : lectures added on the influence of the macroeconomy of China

  • March 2024 : Lectures added on Japan and macroeconomics

  • January 2024 - quizzes added (macroeconomics and behavioural)

  • August/September 2023: New section on Behavioural Economics to complement the Macroeconomics

Key details:

  • 48 hours of lectures on macroeconomics

  • Several workbooks on macroeconomics

  • Hundreds of discussions on macroeconomics

  • Regular updates via Educational Announcements

  • Behavioural Economics

  • The Instructor has macroeconomics textbooks on Amazon

Five reasons to TAKE THIS COURSE right now:

  1. You cannot lose - 30 day refund if you really really don't like the course BUT if you DO like it:

    a. updated lectures

    b. case studies based on very very current news items

    c. detailed responses to messages

    d. I constantly attempt to have a 'class atmosphere' e.g. throwing questions open to all

    e. regular Announcements that are not disguised sales ploys

    f. regular FREE access to numerous other courses offered by me

  2. I am a lecturer/teacher in Economics by trade i.e. I teach full-time for a living. I have been Principal, Director of Studies and Head of Economics. (Oxford, UK)  I have lectured in University, adult evening classes and also run over 50 seminars in the UK

  3. I am/have been an Examiner for FIVE different examination boards

  4. I have 100+ books on Amazon - many of them about business/economics

  5. The success of my students has been featured on the BBC, Daily Telegraph, The Times and I have been featured on TV in 2 countries.

Many of my courses are to improve lives. One of the Economics courses is to raise money for charity. (100% of revenue goes to the charity) Fundamentally this course here, is about helping you.

About the course

Using ONLY aggregate demand and aggregate supply, this course explains the basics of macro economic policy. The lectures are fully supported by notes - often repeated to ensure learning - that may be copied and used for other studies. 

If you wish to understand more as to why governments cut/raise taxes, cut/raise government expenditure, how this impacts on inflation, unemployment and growth - then this is the course for you.

Topics:

  1. Gross Domestic Product (GDP): Measures the total value of all goods and services produced over a specific time period within a nation's borders.

  2. Unemployment Rate: Indicates the percentage of the labour force that is jobless and actively seeking employment.

  3. Inflation: Describes the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising, and subsequently, purchasing power is falling.

  4. Monetary Policy: Involves the management of a nation's money supply and interest rates by its central bank to control inflation and stabilize currency.

  5. Fiscal Policy: Refers to the use of government spending and taxation to influence the economy.

  6. Interest Rates: The cost of borrowing money or the return for investing, which are critical in monetary policy and personal finance.

  7. Balance of Payments: A record of all economic transactions between residents of a country and the rest of the world in a given period.

  8. Exchange Rates: The value of one currency for the purpose of conversion to another, impacting international trade and investments.

  9. Economic Growth: The increase in the inflation-adjusted market value of the goods and services produced by an economy over time.

  10. Business Cycles: The upward and downward movements of GDP and other economic indicators over time, encompassing periods of expansion and contraction.

  11. Supply and Demand: The fundamental economic model of price determination in a market, showing how prices vary based on a balance between product availability and consumer desire.

  12. Aggregate Demand and Supply: The total demand for goods and services and total supply of goods and services within an economy at a given overall price level and in a given time period.

  13. Budget Deficits and Surplus: A budget deficit occurs when expenses exceed revenue, and a surplus occurs when revenue is higher than expenses.

  14. Public Debt: The total amount of money owed by the government to creditors, which can influence a country's fiscal policy and economic health.

  15. Trade Policies: Regulations and tariffs that a country applies to its imports and exports, affecting its balance of trade.

  16. Labour Markets: The supply and demand for labour, in which employees provide the supply and employers the demand.

  17. Capital Markets: Where savings and investments are channelled between suppliers who have capital and those who are in need of capital.

  18. Economic Indicators: Statistics that provide information about the overall health of the economy, such as GDP, unemployment rate, and inflation rate.

  19. Recessions: A period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced, generally identified by a fall in GDP in two successive quarters.

  20. Stagflation: A situation in which the inflation rate is high, the economic growth rate slows, and unemployment remains steadily high, presenting a dilemma for economic policy.

    The course is pitched at a beginner level and thus is IDEAL for anyone just starting an economics course or simply wants to understand macro-economic policy.The initial lectures are short - egg-timer size. - and, if you look at other egg-timer courses, you will know that if you have any questions then they will be answered very quickly.

PLUS the course also includes Behavioural Economics. Behavioral economics melds psychology with economics, exploring why people sometimes make irrational decisions, and how their behaviour does not always follow the predictions of economic models. It challenges traditional assumptions of rational choice, investigating heuristics, biases, and framing effects that influence consumption, investment, and other economic activities.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The usa economy analysed
  • Economic impact of war
  • Modern comparisons with other economies
  • Aggregate demand and reasons for shifts
  • Behavioural economics
  • European productivity
  • Imbalances in society
  • Supply-side policy
  • Expansionary monetary policy
  • Detailed revision section
  • The great reset
  • Show more
  • Show less

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers supply-side policy and expansionary monetary policy, which are core concepts for understanding macroeconomic policy
Includes behavioral economics, which complements macroeconomics and adds a psychological perspective to economic decision-making
Provides detailed revision and discussion sections, fostering a comprehensive understanding of macroeconomics
Chris Sivewright, the instructor, has expertise in macroeconomics and has published textbooks on the subject
Course materials are thorough and repetitive, aiming to reinforce learning and accommodate diverse learning styles
Offers regular updates via educational announcements, ensuring that the material remains current

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Expert-led macroeconomics & behavioural insights

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to macroeconomics and behavioural economics, guided by an exceptionally knowledgeable instructor. Students particularly value the clear and concise explanations, which make complex economic concepts understandable for beginners. The course is praised for its regular updates, ensuring the content remains relevant with current global events and policies. The inclusion of a dedicated Behavioural Economics section is frequently highlighted as a unique and valuable addition, enriching the traditional macroeconomic framework. While highly regarded for foundational learning, some suggest it might be less suited for advanced learners seeking deeper theoretical dives.
Practical tools for reinforcing learning.
"The newly added quizzes are really helpful for testing my understanding and identifying areas for review."
"I found the workbooks very useful for reinforcing the lecture material and applying the concepts."
"The practice questions in the quizzes truly helped solidify my learning and ensure I grasped the key ideas."
Adds a unique, insightful dimension.
"The behavioural economics section is a fantastic addition, offering a fresh perspective on economic decision-making."
"It was fascinating to see how psychology ties into economic models; this unique blend truly enhanced my learning."
"This course uniquely blends traditional macro with the human element, which I found particularly engaging."
Regularly refreshed with relevant global events.
"The recent updates on global economics, like Trump's policies and China's macroeconomy, made the content highly relevant."
"I appreciate how the instructor continuously updates the material with current news and case studies, keeping it fresh."
"It's great to see new lectures added, ensuring the course remains current and applicable to today's economic landscape."
Ideal for those new to economic principles.
"This course is perfect for someone like me, just starting out in macroeconomics; the concepts are introduced very clearly."
"I found the explanations incredibly easy to follow, even when dealing with abstract economic ideas."
"It truly breaks down difficult concepts into manageable, 'egg-timer' sized lectures, which helps with retention."
Benefited from an instructor's deep expertise.
"The instructor's deep knowledge really shines through in every lecture, making complex topics digestible."
"I truly appreciated learning from such an experienced economics lecturer; his insights are invaluable."
"His extensive background as an examiner and author adds immense credibility to the explanations and examples provided."
Excellent basics, but limited for advanced study.
"While excellent for beginners, I found some topics a bit basic given my prior intermediate knowledge."
"I was hoping for more in-depth analysis on certain advanced macroeconomic models, but it stayed at a foundational level."
"For those with a strong economics background, parts of the course might feel more like a review than new learning."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in (Oxford) Diploma : Macroeconomics/Behavioural Economics with these activities:
Refresh macroeconomics basics
Review the fundamental concepts of macroeconomics to strengthen your understanding before starting the course.
Browse courses on Macroeconomics
Show steps
  • Revisit textbooks or online resources to review the basics of macroeconomics.
  • Work through practice problems or quizzes to test your understanding.
Organize course materials
Compile and organize course materials, notes, and resources for easy access and review.
Show steps
  • Create folders or notebooks for different modules or topics.
  • File or scan lecture notes, assignments, and other relevant documents.
  • Use digital tools or apps to organize and annotate your materials.
Review Blanchard's Macroeconomics
Read or revisit Blanchard's Macroeconomics to supplement your understanding of macroeconomics concepts covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Read the relevant chapters of Blanchard's Macroeconomics.
  • Summarize key concepts and ideas in your own words.
  • Identify areas where you need further clarification.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Join a study group
Participate in a study group to discuss concepts, share insights, and collaborate on assignments.
Show steps
  • Connect with classmates to form or join a study group.
  • Establish regular meeting times and a communication channel.
  • Prepare for meetings by reviewing materials and identifying discussion topics.
Practice macroeconomic problem-solving
Solve macroeconomic problems to reinforce your understanding and application of the concepts.
Browse courses on Macroeconomics
Show steps
  • Find practice problems in textbooks, online resources, or previous assignments.
  • Attempt to solve the problems independently.
  • Check your solutions and identify areas where you need improvement.
Find a macroeconomic mentor
Seek guidance and support from a professional in the field of macroeconomics to enhance your learning.
Browse courses on Macroeconomics
Show steps
  • Network at workshops, conferences, or through online platforms.
  • Reach out to professors, economists, or industry experts and express your interest in mentorship.
  • Establish clear expectations and goals for the mentorship relationship.
Create a macroeconomic model
Develop a simplified macroeconomic model to apply the concepts learned in the course.
Show steps
  • Identify the key variables and relationships in a macroeconomic system.
  • Construct a model using equations or diagrams to represent these relationships.
  • Analyze the model to predict economic outcomes under different scenarios.
Attend macroeconomic workshops
Expand your knowledge and connect with experts by attending workshops focused on specific macroeconomic topics.
Browse courses on Macroeconomics
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant macroeconomic workshops in your area or online.
  • Register and prepare for the workshop by reviewing materials or completing pre-assignments.
  • Actively participate in the workshop, ask questions, and engage with other attendees.
Contribute to open-source macroeconomic projects
Engage with the wider macroeconomic community by contributing to open-source projects and sharing your knowledge.
Browse courses on Macroeconomics
Show steps
  • Identify open-source macroeconomic projects on platforms like GitHub.
  • Review codebases and documentation to understand the project's goals.
  • Contribute bug fixes, feature enhancements, or documentation improvements.

Career center

Learners who complete (Oxford) Diploma : Macroeconomics/Behavioural Economics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Economist
Economists study how societies produce, distribute, and consume goods and services. They analyze data to understand economic trends, forecast future economic conditions, and develop policies to address economic issues. This course may be useful for economists who want to enhance their understanding of macroeconomic policy and behavioral economics, as these concepts are essential for analyzing economic trends and developing effective economic policies.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts evaluate the financial performance of companies and make recommendations on investment decisions. They analyze financial data, such as income statements and balance sheets, to assess a company's financial health and prospects for future growth. This course may be useful for financial analysts who want to enhance their understanding of macroeconomic policy and behavioral economics, as these concepts are essential for analyzing economic trends and understanding how they impact company performance.
Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts study market trends and consumer behavior to help businesses make informed decisions about product development, marketing, and sales strategies. They analyze data from surveys, focus groups, and other sources to understand consumer needs and preferences. This course may be useful for market research analysts who want to enhance their understanding of macroeconomic policy and behavioral economics, as these concepts are essential for analyzing consumer behavior and understanding how economic trends impact consumer demand.
Investment Banker
Investment bankers help companies raise capital by issuing stocks and bonds. They also advise companies on mergers and acquisitions. This course may be useful for investment bankers who want to enhance their understanding of macroeconomic policy and behavioral economics, as these concepts are essential for understanding economic trends and advising companies on financial decisions.
Private Equity Investor
Private equity investors invest in private companies with the goal of generating a profit. They typically buy companies that are undervalued and have the potential for growth. This course may be useful for private equity investors who want to enhance their understanding of macroeconomic policy and behavioral economics, as these concepts are essential for understanding economic trends and identifying undervalued companies.
Venture Capitalist
Venture capitalists invest in early-stage companies with the goal of generating a profit. They typically invest in companies that have the potential for high growth. This course may be useful for venture capitalists who want to enhance their understanding of macroeconomic policy and behavioral economics, as these concepts are essential for understanding economic trends and identifying promising early-stage companies.
Chief Financial Officer
Chief financial officers (CFOs) are responsible for the financial health of their organizations. They oversee financial planning, budgeting, and accounting. This course may be useful for CFOs who want to enhance their understanding of macroeconomic policy and behavioral economics, as these concepts are essential for understanding economic trends and making sound financial decisions.
Policy Analyst
Policy analysts research and analyze public policy issues to help policymakers make informed decisions. They analyze data, conduct research, and write reports to provide policymakers with evidence-based recommendations. This course may be useful for policy analysts who want to enhance their understanding of macroeconomic policy and behavioral economics, as these concepts are essential for analyzing public policy issues and developing effective policy solutions.
Business Analyst
Business analysts analyze business processes and systems to identify areas for improvement. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, develop solutions, and implement changes to improve business performance. This course may be useful for business analysts who want to enhance their understanding of macroeconomic policy and behavioral economics, as these concepts are essential for analyzing business processes and developing effective solutions.
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and guidance to businesses on a variety of topics, including strategy, operations, and finance. They analyze business problems, develop solutions, and help businesses implement those solutions. This course may be useful for consultants who want to enhance their understanding of macroeconomic policy and behavioral economics, as these concepts are essential for analyzing business problems and developing effective solutions.
Data Analyst
Data analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. They use their findings to make recommendations for business decisions. This course may be useful for data analysts who want to enhance their understanding of macroeconomic policy and behavioral economics, as these concepts are essential for analyzing data and understanding how economic trends impact business performance.
Marketing Manager
Marketing managers develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products and services. They analyze market trends, identify target audiences, and develop marketing strategies to reach those audiences. This course may be useful for marketing managers who want to enhance their understanding of macroeconomic policy and behavioral economics, as these concepts are essential for understanding consumer behavior and developing effective marketing campaigns.
Product Manager
Product managers develop and manage products throughout their lifecycle. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to bring new products to market and improve existing products. This course may be useful for product managers who want to enhance their understanding of macroeconomic policy and behavioral economics, as these concepts are essential for understanding consumer behavior and developing products that meet consumer needs.
Sales Manager
Sales managers lead and motivate sales teams to achieve sales goals. They develop and implement sales strategies, set sales targets, and monitor sales performance. This course may be useful for sales managers who want to enhance their understanding of macroeconomic policy and behavioral economics, as these concepts are essential for understanding customer behavior and developing effective sales strategies.
Public relations manager
Public relations managers manage the public image of organizations. They develop and implement public relations campaigns to promote a positive image of their organization and its products or services. This course may be useful for public relations managers who want to enhance their understanding of macroeconomic policy and behavioral economics, as these concepts are essential for understanding public opinion and developing effective public relations campaigns.

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in (Oxford) Diploma : Macroeconomics/Behavioural Economics.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of macroeconomic principles and models, covering topics such as GDP, inflation, unemployment, monetary and fiscal policy, and economic growth.
This textbook introduces the field of behavioral economics, which combines insights from psychology and economics to explain why people sometimes make seemingly irrational decisions.
Provides a concise and accessible overview of the global economy, covering topics such as economic growth, inequality, and the role of government.
Explores the many ways in which our decisions are influenced by irrational factors, such as emotions, social norms, and cognitive biases.
Uses real-world examples to illustrate how economic principles can be applied to understand a wide range of social issues, from crime to education.
Popularized the concept of nudging, or using subtle interventions to influence people's behavior in a positive direction.
Explores the complex factors that determine why some countries are wealthy and others are poor, focusing on the role of institutions and political economy.
Examines the long-term trends in wealth and income inequality, arguing that capitalism has an inherent tendency to increase inequality over time.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser