Expanding Your Economics Knowledge: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you preparing for your AP Microeconomics and Macroeconomics exams and eager to delve deeper into the fascinating world of economics? This guide offers a comprehensive overview of resources and steps to enhance your understanding, whether you are a student or a curious learner. From academic texts to periodicals, get the insights you need to succeed and explore the world of economics to its fullest.

Getting Started: A Classic Introduction

Introduction to Positive Economics by Richard G. Lipsey (13th edition) provides a fundamental introduction to the field. This book, first published in 2015, has stood the test of time by being used at the London School of Economics. It will refresh your knowledge and offer a solid foundation in economic principles.

Staying Updated: The Latest Materials

The world of economics has evolved significantly since your initial studies. To stay updated, consider exploring resources like the CORE (CORE - Economics for a Changing World). This site offers comprehensive materials that include free online books and courses, such as Online Textbook - Contents for CORE Economics. These materials will help you revisit and reinforce key concepts.

Key Texts and Authors

One essential text is Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty. This book delves deeply into wealth distribution and inequality, offering insights that are crucial for both your studies and understanding contemporary economic issues.

For Further Exploration: Recommended Reading and Resources

By diving into more advanced texts, you can broaden your understanding of economics. Here are some recommendations:

The Worldly Philosophers by Robert Heilbroner. This classic provides an engaging history of economic thought and key figures who shaped the discipline. Samuelson and Nordhaus's Economics. While their nineteenth edition is somewhat dated, it remains a comprehensive resource that can serve as a stepping stone to deeper study.

To stay updated with the latest in the field, visit academic libraries with strong economics sections and browse through current academic journals. Subscriptions to publications like The Wall Street Journal and The Economist will also provide you with current data and global perspectives, offering a broader context for the economic concepts you study.

Mathematical Skills: Essential for Economics

Economics requires strong mathematical skills. If you haven't yet, consider studying Calculus and Statistics. These subjects are fundamental for understanding economic models and theories. There are numerous resources available for these subjects, including textbooks and study guides, which can help you assess your preparedness for more advanced math.

Pursuing a career as a professional economist, particularly one holding a Ph.D., might be challenging if you find the math too difficult. However, these skills are essential for in-depth study and practical application of economic principles.