An accessible introduction to the key ideas that shape how economies work. Explore major economic questions, real world cases and practical tools to better understand the forces influencing everyday life, society and public debate.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This course provides an engaging overview of core economic concepts through big questions that impact daily life, public policy and the wider world. Using real examples and discussion based learning, you will develop greater confidence in interpreting economic issues and debates.
What will we cover?
What drives prices, growth, prosperity and inequality in modern economies.
How money, banking and government policy influence everyday life.
Why economic choices involve trade offs, incentives and behavioural factors.
Case based exploration of current economic challenges and dilemmas.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Identify key economic mechanisms underlying everyday issues and news stories.
Use basic economic concepts to analyse social, financial and policy questions.
Outline different perspectives on growth, inequality, money and markets.
Participate confidently in informed discussions on major economic debates.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Everyone is welcome. This is an introductory level course and assumes no prior study of economics. You will need a good standard of English to participate in discussions. An open mind, respectful curiosity and willingness to listen to a range of views will help enrich the learning experience.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This is an interactive course taught through short presentations, group discussions, case studies and practical activities. There are no formal assignments, but optional readings may be provided for those who wish to explore topics further.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no extra costs associated with this course. You may like to bring something to record your own notes during the sessions.
Vina Theodorakopoulou teaches at the intersection of technology, business and society, helping learners connect big ideas on economics, innovation and human behaviour to real-world decisions and practical outcomes. With a background in financial and professional services and a PhD in behavioural economics, she brings practical insight into how decisions are made under uncertainty and how systems -from markets to organisations- affect everyday life and work. At City Lit, her courses span topics such as AI and ethics, global capitalism, innovation, sustainability and communication. Across all subjects, she focuses on connecting ideas to practice, encouraging learners to apply what they learn in meaningful and tangible ways. She has a strong interest in global cultures and communication, reflected in her teaching of languages and cultural forms, including Greek dance. She believes learning should open up new ways of thinking about work, culture and how we live — and offer practical value beyond the classroom.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/economic-literacy-answers-to-the-big-questions3043546Economic literacy: answers to the big questionshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/s/istock-2149346220_cropped_1024.jpg189189GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Economics/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Courses/vm/Issues Facing Our World2285117716721677170012285117716771653<p>An accessible introduction to the key ideas that shape how economies work. Explore major economic questions, real world cases and practical tools to better understand the forces influencing everyday life, society and public debate.</p>003043540Economic literacy: answers to the big questions189189https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/s/istock-2149346220_cropped_1024_1.jpgInStockDaytimeThuKeeley StreetNo longer available5-10 weeksWeekday2026-10-29T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allOct 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHPC335189189Economic literacy: answers to the big questions151123189Vina Theodorakopouloueconomic-literacy-answers-to-the-big-questions/hpc335-2627<p>An accessible introduction to the key ideas that shape how economies work. Explore major economic questions, real world cases and practical tools to better understand the forces influencing everyday life, society and public debate.</p>0015-FullStillOpen|2026-10-29 00:00:00<p>This course provides an engaging overview of core economic concepts through big questions that impact daily life, public policy and the wider world. Using real examples and discussion based learning, you will develop greater confidence in interpreting economic issues and debates.</p><p>An accessible introduction to the key ideas that shape how economies work. Explore major economic questions, real world cases and practical tools to better understand the forces influencing everyday life, society and public debate.</p><p></p><ul><li>What drives prices, growth, prosperity and inequality in modern economies.</li><li>How money, banking and government policy influence everyday life.</li><li>Why economic choices involve trade offs, incentives and behavioural factors.</li><li>Case based exploration of current economic challenges and dilemmas.</li></ul><ul><li>Identify key economic mechanisms underlying everyday issues and news stories.</li><li>Use basic economic concepts to analyse social, financial and policy questions.</li><li>Outline different perspectives on growth, inequality, money and markets.</li><li>Participate confidently in informed discussions on major economic debates.</li></ul><p>Everyone is welcome. This is an introductory level course and assumes no prior study of economics. You will need a good standard of English to participate in discussions. An open mind, respectful curiosity and willingness to listen to a range of views will help enrich the learning experience.</p><p>This is an interactive course taught through short presentations, group discussions, case studies and practical activities. There are no formal assignments, but optional readings may be provided for those who wish to explore topics further.</p><p>There are no extra costs associated with this course. You may like to bring something to record your own notes during the sessions.</p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs/economics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">View all our upcoming Economics courses and workshops here.</a></p><p><a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk/refer-a-friend" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Give a friend £20 off their first course</a><br>And you will also get £20 off your next course over £99.</p>Politics & economicsEconomicsvirtual151189123HPC335NONEThu29/10/26 - 10/12/2612:45 - 14:4512:4514:456 sessions (over 7 weeks)65-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetVina TheodorakopoulouBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allNo longer available2026-10-29T00:00:00+00:00Oct 2026Culture, history & humanities189189Economic literacy: answers to the big questionseconomic-literacy-answers-to-the-big-questions/hpc335-2627<p>An accessible introduction to the key ideas that shape how economies work. Explore major economic questions, real world cases and practical tools to better understand the forces influencing everyday life, society and public debate.</p>0015-FullStillOpen|2026-10-29 00:00:00<p>This course provides an engaging overview of core economic concepts through big questions that impact daily life, public policy and the wider world. Using real examples and discussion based learning, you will develop greater confidence in interpreting economic issues and debates.</p><p>An accessible introduction to the key ideas that shape how economies work. Explore major economic questions, real world cases and practical tools to better understand the forces influencing everyday life, society and public debate.</p><p></p><ul><li>What drives prices, growth, prosperity and inequality in modern economies.</li><li>How money, banking and government policy influence everyday life.</li><li>Why economic choices involve trade offs, incentives and behavioural factors.</li><li>Case based exploration of current economic challenges and dilemmas.</li></ul><ul><li>Identify key economic mechanisms underlying everyday issues and news stories.</li><li>Use basic economic concepts to analyse social, financial and policy questions.</li><li>Outline different perspectives on growth, inequality, money and markets.</li><li>Participate confidently in informed discussions on major economic debates.</li></ul><p>Everyone is welcome. This is an introductory level course and assumes no prior study of economics. You will need a good standard of English to participate in discussions. An open mind, respectful curiosity and willingness to listen to a range of views will help enrich the learning experience.</p><p>This is an interactive course taught through short presentations, group discussions, case studies and practical activities. There are no formal assignments, but optional readings may be provided for those who wish to explore topics further.</p><p>There are no extra costs associated with this course. You may like to bring something to record your own notes during the sessions.</p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs/economics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">View all our upcoming Economics courses and workshops here.</a></p><p><a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk/refer-a-friend" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Give a friend £20 off their first course</a><br>And you will also get £20 off your next course over £99.</p>Politics & economicsEconomicsconfigurable
16721677Economicshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs/economics1/2/285/1177/1677/16721/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Economics
