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 weekly forum explores the changing world of business, consumer behaviour and everyday economics through short videos, podcasts and media case studies. Each session begins with a brief multimedia clip - for example, from the Wall Street Journal’s “The Economics Of…” series, Aviva Investors’ “AIQ Podcasts”, or high‑quality explainers from reputable media outlets - which serves as a springboard for open, dynamic discussion.
Together we will unpack surprising business phenomena (e.g., Labubu doll mania, Dubai’s “chocolate frenzy”), explore new business models (e.g., Duolingo’s non‑profit strategy), and analyse economic shifts in sectors from aviation to hospitality to tech. The aim is to use real-world examples to understand broader trends in markets, consumer psychology, digital transformation and the evolving global economy. This is an informal, friendly and interactive course for anyone curious about how the economy shows up in our daily lives.
What will we cover?
Each week focuses on a different trend or phenomenon reported in the business or mainstream media. Topics may include:
Viral consumption and the psychology of hype (e.g., toys, collectibles, food crazes)
How companies shape consumer behaviour through design, pricing and incentives
New business models: freemium, subscription, non-profit, platform‑based
The economics of global leisure: cruises, privatised islands, influencer travel
Everyday macroeconomics: inflation, supply chains, labour markets explained simply
AI-driven business transformation and digital innovation
Corporate ethics, sustainability and the economics of reputation
Winners and losers in a changing world economy
These themes are flexible and will respond to current media coverage and learner interest.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Understand and explain key consumer and business trends as they appear in the news
Analyse how economic incentives shape business decisions and everyday life
Discuss contemporary case studies within broader social, technological and market trends
Critically evaluate media narratives around business and the economy
Develop confidence in discussing economic issues without needing specialist knowledge
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No prior knowledge of economics or business is required. Curiosity, an open mind, and a willingness to engage in discussion are what matter most.
Learners will benefit from following major news sources - ideally one quality newspaper, magazine, or podcast - but the tutor will always provide the media clips and supporting materials needed for each week.
A good level of English will help you participate fully in the group discussion.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Each session begins with:
a curated short video or podcast extract
a brief introduction from the tutor
a set of open questions to spark discussion
Learners are encouraged to contribute their own perspectives, examples, and media finds as the course progresses. There is no compulsory homework, though optional reading, articles, or follow-up videos may be suggested for those who want to explore a topic further.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No additional costs. Just bring your curiosity and if you find an interesting business story during the week, feel free to share it with the group on our Google Classroom.
Vina Theodorakopoulou is a passionate advocate at the intersection of technology, business and society. With a rich background including a PhD in behavioural economics and over 25 years in financial and professional services, she wears many hats: social entrepreneur, podcaster, multilingual educator and dedicated teacher at CityLit. Vina believes in shaping today’s workplace while paving the way for tomorrow’s. Her active allyship for accessible digital skills, financial literacy and lifelong learning fosters belonging and fuels collective progress. At CityLit, she teaches a range of thought-provoking subjects including Ethics in AI, Philosophy & Societal Purpose, History of Global Capitalism, Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies, Sustainability, as well as Modern Languages, encouraging learners to embrace communication as a tool for empowerment and cross-cultural connection. Beyond the classroom, Vina writes thought leadership articles exploring neurodiversity, the future of work, and the strength of individual purpose. In her spare time, she teaches dance and coaches Kids First rugby, embodying a values-driven life of polymathy, energy and community.
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/everyday-economics3052645Everyday Economicshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/a-taste-of-politics-hpc36.jpg8989GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Economics/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Courses/Online courses228511771672167717311228511771677<p>Make sense of everyday economics - from shopping habits to business trends - through real‑world media and lively discussion.</p>003052636Everyday Economics8989https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/a-taste-of-politics-hpc36.jpgInStockEveningWedOnlineAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2027-04-14T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allApr 2027Culture, history & humanitiesHPC3648989Everyday Economics895889Vina Theodorakopouloueveryday-economics/hpc364-2627<p>Make sense of everyday economics - from shopping habits to business trends - through real‑world media and lively discussion.</p>0000-Available|2027-04-14 00:00:00<p>This weekly forum explores the changing world of business, consumer behaviour and everyday economics through short videos, podcasts and media case studies. Each session begins with a brief multimedia clip - for example, from the Wall Street Journal’s “The Economics Of…” series, Aviva Investors’ “AIQ Podcasts”, or high‑quality explainers from reputable media outlets - which serves as a springboard for open, dynamic discussion.</p><p><br>Together we will unpack surprising business phenomena (e.g., Labubu doll mania, Dubai’s “chocolate frenzy”), explore new business models (e.g., Duolingo’s non‑profit strategy), and analyse economic shifts in sectors from aviation to hospitality to tech. The aim is to use real-world examples to understand broader trends in markets, consumer psychology, digital transformation and the evolving global economy.<br>This is an informal, friendly and interactive course for anyone curious about how the economy shows up in our daily lives.</p><p>Make sense of everyday economics - from shopping habits to business trends - through real‑world media and lively discussion.</p><p>Each week focuses on a different trend or phenomenon reported in the business or mainstream media. Topics may include:</p><ul><li>Viral consumption and the psychology of hype (e.g., toys, collectibles, food crazes)</li><li>How companies shape consumer behaviour through design, pricing and incentives</li><li>New business models: freemium, subscription, non-profit, platform‑based</li><li>The economics of global leisure: cruises, privatised islands, influencer travel</li><li>Everyday macroeconomics: inflation, supply chains, labour markets explained simply</li><li>AI-driven business transformation and digital innovation</li><li>Corporate ethics, sustainability and the economics of reputation</li><li>Winners and losers in a changing world economy</li></ul><p>These themes are flexible and will respond to current media coverage and learner interest.</p><ul><li>Understand and explain key consumer and business trends as they appear in the news</li><li>Analyse how economic incentives shape business decisions and everyday life</li><li>Discuss contemporary case studies within broader social, technological and market trends</li><li>Critically evaluate media narratives around business and the economy</li><li>Develop confidence in discussing economic issues without needing specialist knowledge</li></ul><p>No prior knowledge of economics or business is required.<br>Curiosity, an open mind, and a willingness to engage in discussion are what matter most.</p><p>Learners will benefit from following major news sources - ideally one quality newspaper, magazine, or podcast - but the tutor will always provide the media clips and supporting materials needed for each week.</p><p>A good level of English will help you participate fully in the group discussion.</p><p>Each session begins with:</p><ul><li>a curated short video or podcast extract</li><li>a brief introduction from the tutor</li><li>a set of open questions to spark discussion</li></ul><p>Learners are encouraged to contribute their own perspectives, examples, and media finds as the course progresses.<br>There is no compulsory homework, though optional reading, articles, or follow-up videos may be suggested for those who want to explore a topic further.</p><p>No additional costs.<br>Just bring your curiosity and if you find an interesting business story during the week, feel free to share it with the group on our Google Classroom.</p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">View our other Politics, Economics and Current Affairs Courses in London & Online</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 & economicsEconomicsvirtual898958HPC364NONEWed14/04/27 - 05/05/2718:00 - 19:3018:0019:304 sessions (over 4 weeks)41 to 4 weeksEveningWeekdayOnlineOnlineVina TheodorakopoulouBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2027-04-14T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2027Culture, history & humanities8989Everyday Economicseveryday-economics/hpc364-2627<p>Make sense of everyday economics - from shopping habits to business trends - through real‑world media and lively discussion.</p>0000-Available|2027-04-14 00:00:00<p>This weekly forum explores the changing world of business, consumer behaviour and everyday economics through short videos, podcasts and media case studies. Each session begins with a brief multimedia clip - for example, from the Wall Street Journal’s “The Economics Of…” series, Aviva Investors’ “AIQ Podcasts”, or high‑quality explainers from reputable media outlets - which serves as a springboard for open, dynamic discussion.</p><p><br>Together we will unpack surprising business phenomena (e.g., Labubu doll mania, Dubai’s “chocolate frenzy”), explore new business models (e.g., Duolingo’s non‑profit strategy), and analyse economic shifts in sectors from aviation to hospitality to tech. The aim is to use real-world examples to understand broader trends in markets, consumer psychology, digital transformation and the evolving global economy.<br>This is an informal, friendly and interactive course for anyone curious about how the economy shows up in our daily lives.</p><p>Make sense of everyday economics - from shopping habits to business trends - through real‑world media and lively discussion.</p><p>Each week focuses on a different trend or phenomenon reported in the business or mainstream media. Topics may include:</p><ul><li>Viral consumption and the psychology of hype (e.g., toys, collectibles, food crazes)</li><li>How companies shape consumer behaviour through design, pricing and incentives</li><li>New business models: freemium, subscription, non-profit, platform‑based</li><li>The economics of global leisure: cruises, privatised islands, influencer travel</li><li>Everyday macroeconomics: inflation, supply chains, labour markets explained simply</li><li>AI-driven business transformation and digital innovation</li><li>Corporate ethics, sustainability and the economics of reputation</li><li>Winners and losers in a changing world economy</li></ul><p>These themes are flexible and will respond to current media coverage and learner interest.</p><ul><li>Understand and explain key consumer and business trends as they appear in the news</li><li>Analyse how economic incentives shape business decisions and everyday life</li><li>Discuss contemporary case studies within broader social, technological and market trends</li><li>Critically evaluate media narratives around business and the economy</li><li>Develop confidence in discussing economic issues without needing specialist knowledge</li></ul><p>No prior knowledge of economics or business is required.<br>Curiosity, an open mind, and a willingness to engage in discussion are what matter most.</p><p>Learners will benefit from following major news sources - ideally one quality newspaper, magazine, or podcast - but the tutor will always provide the media clips and supporting materials needed for each week.</p><p>A good level of English will help you participate fully in the group discussion.</p><p>Each session begins with:</p><ul><li>a curated short video or podcast extract</li><li>a brief introduction from the tutor</li><li>a set of open questions to spark discussion</li></ul><p>Learners are encouraged to contribute their own perspectives, examples, and media finds as the course progresses.<br>There is no compulsory homework, though optional reading, articles, or follow-up videos may be suggested for those who want to explore a topic further.</p><p>No additional costs.<br>Just bring your curiosity and if you find an interesting business story during the week, feel free to share it with the group on our Google Classroom.</p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">View our other Politics, Economics and Current Affairs Courses in London &amp; Online</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
