Reading for Economics

We frequently receive requests for reading references from new students who are interested in undertaking some preparatory reading before they arrive in Durham for the start of term in October. In response to these requests, we have compiled the list below of the main recommended textbooks for the last academic year in the three core first year Economics modules. You may wish to consult some of these books, which may be available from your local library, before your arrival in Durham. However, you are recommended NOT TO BUY any of the books at this stage, as textbook recommendations may change before the start of the academic year (due to the publication of new editions of textbooks or to changes in staff teaching on modules, etc.). You may also be able to purchase second-hand copies of textbooks more cheaply from current students once you have arrived in Durham.

In particular, please note our request that you undertake some preparatory reading for the maths part of Economic Methods (details below).

Elements of Economics

·       Begg, D., Fischer, S. and Dornbusch, R. (2008), Economics, McGraw-Hill, 9th edition.

·        Blanchard, O. (2008), Macroeconomics, Pearson International, 5th edition.

·        Pindyck R. S., and Rubinfeld D. L., (2009) Microeconomics, Prentice Hall, 7th edition

Economic Methods

The reading list is currently being revised with new teaching staff and reading lists.  Please refer to the Department of Economics website or the module handbook to see the up to date list which will be available closer to the start of term.

The World Economy

·        Cleaver, T. (2007), Understanding the World Economy, Routledge, 3rd edition.

·        Snowdon B, (2009) Globalisation, Transition and Development: Conversations with Eminent Economists, Edward Elgar,

·        Krugman P and Obstfeld M (2009) International Economics  Pearson/Addison-Wesley, 8th edition

Students with no previous knowledge of economics may find the following book helpful:

·        Cleaver, T. (2004), Economics: The Basics, Routledge.

In addition, there are an increasing number of ‘popular’ books on economics or economic issues that aim to make the subject more accessible to a wider audience. Amongst these you may particularly enjoy:

·        Levitt, S. and Dubner, S., (2005), Freakonomics: a Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything, Allen Lane.

·        Frank, Robert H., (2008) The Economic Naturalist: Why Economics Explains Almost Everything, Virgin Books Ltd.

·        Harford, T. (2009), ‘The Logic of Life’, Abacus.

Lastly, economics is a constantly evolving discipline and keeping abreast of current affairs and developments in the field is important. Taking out a student subscription to The Economist magazine is recommended for this purpose.

For more information about the Natural Sciences degree programme, please contact:

Dr. James Blowey
Deputy Head of Faculty
Faculty of Science Office
Level 3 Chemistry Building
Durham University
DH1 3LE
UK

Tel: 0191 334 1014
Fax: 0191 334 1018
Email: natural.sciences-director@durham.ac.uk

WWW: Natural Sciences home page

The Natural Sciences web pages are maintained by James Blowey