Narrative Economics

University of Urbino via Coursera

Overview

Attention Future Learners! Before you make the decision to enroll, kindly invest a few moments to understand what the Narrative Economics course entails. This succinct yet insightful program unravels a critical concept for anyone interested in economics: the pivotal role of narrative contagion in shaping economic theories. Narratives, or the stories permeating public belief and decision-making, are essential in understanding both historical and current economic dynamics and enhancing future economic predictions.

This course delves deep into how prevailing societal narratives inform critical economic decisions—be it investing, saving, education, or employment choices. Narrative Economics explores the transmission and impact of these stories on economic behavior and underscores the necessity of integrating narrative understanding into economic research, policy-making, and institutional structuring to better anticipate and navigate economic happenings.

The curriculum is divided into four engaging modules:

Part I introduces core concepts, showcasing how evolving stories influence economic realities such as recessions, growth, and inequality.
Part II aims to dissect the reasons behind the virality of certain narratives, offering a structured approach to narrative analysis.
Part III identifies nine influential narratives, including discussions on artificial intelligence, stock market dynamics, and job security.
Part IV speculates on future narrative trends and the potential for interdisciplinary research advancements in Narrative Economics.

Renowned economist Robert J. Shiller, from the University of Urbino, introduces these concepts in a manner that's exploratory rather than dogmatic, encouraging participants to engage with, expand, and evolve the foundational ideas presented.

Offered by Coursera, this course is not just for professionals but anyone eager to understand the power of stories in economic shifts. Whether you're delving into Artificial Intelligence or broader Economics, this course represents the first step towards a deeper comprehension of how narratives drive economic change. Join us to explore this germinal idea and contribute to its growth in the vast field of economics.