The course examines the world of finance and the interaction between governments, businesses and consumers. It looks at a variety of issues such as the recent recession, unemployment, university tuition fees, inflation, global warming, taxation, exchange rates, the UK’s membership of the European Union and world poverty. Your knowledge and understanding are then normally further developed through class work assignments which often involve interpreting, analysing and evaluating case study material (for example, a chart, a newspaper article or a video). You will learn a number of techniques for analysing problems (e.g. supply and demand analysis) and you will be encouraged to develop and express your own views on what should be done to solve economic problems.