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If you are interested in diving into the world of economics, it helps to know what the best resources are. The resources I’ve listed here are the best that I’ve come across for learning economics, and many I still use regularly. Happy learning!
Online Courses
- Marginal Revolution University
- A website founded by two George Mason University economics professors. They offer well crafted and free video courses on a range of topics, including introductory microeconomics, macroeconomics, trade, and more. They even have exercises to test your learning – highly recommended!
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This is an intro microeconomics course offered by MIT Open Courseware – great for getting a good introduction to the subject.
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This is an econometrics (statistical tools for economics) course designed for beginners. Very useful reference.
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Learning the core concepts of economics in a systematic way, such as a complete course or just reading a textbook is essential for being grounded in basic economic theories. From there, you can add to your knowledge through reading news or listening to podcasts. But without the underlying foundation, you may make little progress in understanding economics.
Textbooks
Reading books remains one of the most efficient ways of learning. If you don’t have an overall understanding of economics, it’s best to start here, by reading some classic textbooks:
- Greg Mankiw’s Principles of Economics is a great starting point to get you an overall basic framework. From there you can branch out depending on your interests, such as, microeconomics, macroeconomics, international finance, or labor economics, among others.
Books
Textbooks are great for a foundation, but it can be more interesting to read books that apply economics to real life issues. However, I recommend having a solid foundation in economics first. Here are some great books that will help you understand economics better through the way they apply economic thinking:
- Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations, remains a classic in the field. He had an enormous influence on the field of economics and continues to be referenced today. If you desire a comprehensive lens on economic thinking and its history, this is essential reading.
- Greenspan and Wooldridge wrote Capitalism in America, an economic history of the US. You’ll get to see many historical events explained and interpreted through an economics lens.
Podcasts
- Conversations With Tyler (Cowen)
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A leading economist interviews other experts, generally economists. Listen to this to learn how economists see the world.
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- Freakonomics Radio
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Enjoyable conversations on a variety of topics related to current economic research. Get an idea of some of the economics research being done today. Hosted by the authors of the “Freakonomics” books.
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Journals
- Journal of Economic Perspectives
- A journal meant to be accessible to non-economists. It features articles on topics relevant to the general public written by experts. A great place to be introduced to what cutting edge economics research has to say on pressing issues.
News
- The Economist Magazine
- Many economists read it because it interprets world affairs through the lens of economic knowledge. It also covers economic and financial news as well as updates on what economic research has to say on various topics relevant to the public. (Weekly)
- Wall Street Journal
- Follow business news and get an overall sense of what’s happening with the US economy.
- Financial Times
- Similar to the Wall Street Journal, but based out of London.
