Economics for a changing world
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Looking through the lens of competing economic theories and policies, you will learn how economics can help analyse the current challenges facing the global economy. This will include how to manage a country’s economic growth in a globalised world; the socio-economic impacts of international trade; how multinational companies influence the distribution of wealth through global value chains; the role of finance for economic development; the causes and consequences of financial crises and how to address the challenge of climate change.
What you will study
The module equips you with the theoretical tools necessary to understand contemporary developments in the global economy. A pluralist view of economic theory is adopted, enabling you to appreciate the debates between different approaches. You'll learn about international macroeconomics, with discussions of international transactions, growth, trade, finance, the climate crisis and more. The module is made up of the following three blocks, plus additional sections that aim to develop skills that are part of the economist’s skill set, such as mathematical modelling, debating on economic issues and using MS Excel.
Block 1: The Big Questions and Initiatives
Block 1 identifies the global economic challenges of the twenty-first century from a historical perspective, the actors behind global economic governance, and the different types of economic goals identified by international institutions. It also discusses accounting methods for analysing international transactions and how economists choose and use economic models.
Block 2: Growth and Trade
In this block, you'll learn theories of growth, which explain what factors drive economic development and their implications for inequality. You'll also learn the core theories describing global commercial interactions, such as trade between countries. For example, how multinational corporations are key players in global networks of production and what are the economic mechanisms that determine distinctive power distributions across global social actors.
Block 3: Finance, Macroeconomics, and Global Challenges
Block 3 analyses the open economy, including the role of finance in development, the challenges that international financial transactions pose to policymakers, and economic and financial crises. It also looks at the suitability of traditional models to analysing new global economic challenges on the horizon, including the climate and care crises. You'll also have the opportunity to debate an international economic policy issue with your fellow students.
Throughout the module, you'll develop mathematical skills, including introductory calculus and how economists use mathematics to model global economic challenges.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements. However, this is an OU level 3 module, and therefore, it builds on study skills and subject knowledge acquired from studies at OU levels 1 and 2. OU level 3 modules are intended only for students who have recent experience of higher education in a related subject, preferably with the OU.
We strongly recommend that you study an introductory economics module, such as Essential economics: macro and micro perspectives (D217), before studying this module.
DD321 also teaches a few economics models that use mathematical methods, including calculus. The module materials include a week of activities to help with the revision of algebra, graphs, equations and logarithms. If it's a long time since you last studied mathematics, we suggest you study Discovering mathematics (MU123) or an alternative mathematical module at a pre-calculus level before studying DD321.
What's included
You’ll be provided with printed module books and have access to a module website, which includes:
- a week-by-week study planner
- module materials
- audio and video content
- computer-based interactive activities
- assessment guide
- online tutorials and forums
- resources to prepare for a debate with other students.
Computing requirements
- Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
- Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
- Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
- Operating systems – Windows 11 or latest supported macOS. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
- Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
- Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.