Netherlands

Public Economics is about how the public sectors that represent ‘the State’ promote the public interest. This course is situated in the context of democratic countries that rely mostly on free markets. It deals with practical or real-life aspects of public economics in confrontation with micro- and macro-economic theory. Over time, economic theories and models have become more specific and rigorous whereas social, political, and economic reality has become more multifaceted. The passing of time brings complexity to the world, both for the private market and that of the public sector. Part of this growing real-life complexity is due to the more ambitious role that governments tried to play since the last century, while part is due to choices made by governments themselves. Complexity has increased opportunities for abuses, rent-seeking, and for mistakes in policies. This complex reality with its ‘wicked problems’ makes it much more difficult for governments to (a) allocate resources, (b) redistribute income, (c) protect some incomes and influence, in various ways, the level of production, employment, prices, and economic activity appropriately to the economic theoretical standards. The goal of this course is to engage in this complex issue from the perspective of public economics, and from there to design a public finance solution to some wicked problem. Entry Requirements include courses in Micro or Macro Economics and Statistics.

Mathematics is at the same time a conceptual framework, a collection of proven theorems, and a toolbox. In this course, students encounter all three of these aspects by studying one of the central mathematical issues for applications in science and engineering. The general topic of the course is the solution of linear partial differential equations using the separation of variables, Fourier series, and Fourier transforms. The study involves both computational and rigorous mathematical aspects. While the actual computation of solutions is the main objective, students also learn the mathematical theorems establishing the validity and limitation of the different methods. Interested students are also offered the possibility to experiment with numerical approaches.  In addition to the contact hours, each student is expected to work nine hours a week on the course. This time should be devoted to reviewing the material of the preceding lecture; finishing the exercises started in the preceding problem session; preparing exercises to hand in; studying the corrections of the previously returned hand-in problems and making sure everything is clear. Entry Requirements: Calculus and Linear Algebra.

This course focuses on the transatlantic Cold War and thus on developments in and interactions between the US, the USSR and Europe from the angles of primarily diplomatic, as well as cultural and technological history.  After completing this course students are able to: summarize the main developments in international politics in the post-World War II world, as well as some of the main themes in international relations theory; plan their own research, i.e. find relevant literature, and work out a thesis on their particular topic; and present the results of their research, both orally and in writing.  Prerequisites include one of the following courses: Ancient Literature and History, Ancient History, Medieval History, Early Modern History, Modern History, or Introduction to Political Theory. Knowledge of modern history (especially post-World War II history) is required for this course. If students have not taken a prerequisite course, they must request permission from the instructor to enroll.

This course offers interpretations of current (and past) development processes and patterns, specifically in relation to Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Taking into account a range of overlapping dimensions (from social, economic, cultural, and political to institutional), the course explores the multifaceted and layered nature of development and its variegated impacts on the ground. Thus, the course adopts a geographical lens to unpack various economic and societal shifts taking place in developing and emerging countries. Questions addressed in the course include what are the main dimensions of development in the so-called global South? What are the primary drivers of change? What opportunities and barriers exist? What are the main strategies to induce development? What coping strategies are employed? Central to this course is the critical reflection on, and recognition of the multiple meanings of, development and its manifold local expressions within an interconnected world. Entry Requirements: Introduction to Human Geography.

What is the optimal consumption choice for a consumer given her preferences and income? When will a manager of a firm decide to expand production? What are the costs for the government when it supports the farmers with a per unit subsidy and is such a subsidy socially efficient?  Should monopolies be regulated and if so, how? When does it make sense for a firm to introduce a variable-wage payment scheme? Which attitudes to risk exist and how does this influence behavior? Such questions are treated in this course. The course is specially designed for non-economics students. Assumed previous knowledge: Students are expected to have a good command of secondary school calculus (including simple derivatives).

The course gives an in-depth view of brand concepts and covers several aspects of marketing communication. The starting point and primary topic are how brands can be managed. The course studies what a brand is, which elements constitute a brand, and what needs to be considered in brand management. Brand measurement as well as the basic branding strategies related to brand systems and brand extensions are discussed. For building brands, advertising, and communication are perhaps the most important instruments and deserve explicit attention. Advertising and communication seek to influence consumer behavior; therefore, understanding the basic aspects of that topic is important for studying brand management.