Economics in Context

Textbooks and instructional modules developed at GDAE will now be available from the
Economics in Context Initiative at Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center.


Principles of Economics in Context combines GDAE’s Microeconomics in Context and Macroeconomics in Context books to offer a full presentation of economic issues in real-world context, including economic, environmental, behavioral, and social issues. The text is available in print and as an eBook.
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Microeconomics in Context lays out the principles of microeconomics in a manner that is thorough, up to date, and relevant to students. Like its counterpart, Macroeconomics in Context, the book is uniquely attuned to economic, social, and environmental realities. The “in Context” books offer affordability, accessible presentation, and engaging coverage of current policy issues from economic inequality and global climate change to taxes and globalization. The Fourth Edition was released in Fall 2018. More details and ordering information.


Macroeconomics in Context is the companion text to Microeconomics in Context. While covering standard topics such as classical and Keynesian approaches, the text addresses issues of ecological sustainability, non-marketed production, quality of life, and income distribution. The text focuses on policies that achieve macroeconomic stabilization while promoting long-term sustainability and human well-being. The Third Edition was released in early 2019. 
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Essentials of Economics in Context is specifically designed to meet the requirements of a one-semester introductory economics course that provides coverage of both microeconomic and macroeconomic foundations. Theoretical expositions in the text are kept close to reality by integrating numerous real-world examples and by presenting the material in an accessible and engaging style. This text addresses current economic challenges, paying specific attention to issues of inequality, globalization, unpaid work, technological change, financialization, and the environment, making it a genuinely twenty-first-century introduction to economics. More details and ordering information


Macroeconomics in Context: A European Perspective is latest addition to the bestselling “In Context” series of textbooks. Written with a specific focus on European data, institutions and historical events, it offers engaging treatment of high-interest topics, including sustainability, Brexit, the euro crisis and rising inequality. Policy issues are presented in context (historical, institutional, social, political and ethical), and always with reference to human well-being.
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Environmental and Natural Resource Economics: A Contemporary Approach, by Dr. Jonathan M. Harris and Dr. Brian Roach, presents in-depth analysis of major topics in resource and environmental economics. Drawing on both standard and ecological perspectives, the text relates theoretical questions to current issues such as population growth; water, food, and energy systems; pollution control; global climate change, trade and the environment; and “green” economics. The fourth edition is fully updated with new information and data on climate change and other issues. 
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See related supplemental updates on environmental economics issues


Teaching Modules on Social and Environmental Issues in Economics

These teaching modules are designed for use as stand-alone supplements in undergraduate or graduate-level courses, and are available as PDFs free of charge. The modules range from 25-60 pages, and most include discussion questions, glossary, references, and exercises. You can download them for free from the Economics in Context Initiative.