Economics possesses an extraordinary ability to unravel the intricate workings of economies, financial systems, and the forces that shape our global markets. For those who are curious about understanding the economic dynamics that govern our world, consider Oxford Summer Courses. Embark on a transformative journey through our Economics summer school, where you will have the opportunity to explore economic theories, analyse real-world economic challenges, and gain insights into the complex interplay of supply, demand, and policy decisions.

Where are Oxford Summer Courses Hosted?

For ages 9-12, our junior summer courses are hosted at renowned boarding schools including Harrow School, Eton College, and St. John's Beaumont. For ages 13-24, our summer courses are hosted in Cambridge and Oxford University colleges. Apply now to secure your spot in one of our prestigious summer courses.

Disclaimer:

Please note that the following list of books is recommended reading to broaden your knowledge and deepen your appreciation of economics. While some of these books may be included in the Oxford Summer Courses curriculum, the specific content of the summer school can vary. If you wish to study economics with us, you can apply to our Economics summer school.

1. "The Wealth of Nations" by Adam Smith

• "Every individual necessarily labours to render the annual revenue of the society as great as he can."
• Published in 1776, "The Wealth of Nations" by Adam Smith is often considered the cornerstone of modern economics. Smith's exploration of the principles of free-market capitalism remains relevant to this day.
• Discussion:
• How do Adam Smith's ideas on the invisible hand and the division of labour relate to today's global economy?

2. "Freakonomics" by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

• "Morality, it could be argued, represents the way that people would like the world to work, whereas economics represents how it actually does work."
• In "Freakonomics," Levitt and Dubner take a unique approach to economics, applying economic principles to topics as diverse as crime rates, parenting, and sumo wrestling.
• Discussion: How does "Freakonomics" challenge traditional economic thinking and encourage us to see the world through an economic lens?

3. "Capital in the Twenty-First Century" by Thomas Piketty

• "The past devours the future. The slow devouring of the past by the future is the defining characteristic of capitalism."
• Piketty's groundbreaking work on wealth inequality and capital accumulation in the 21st century has sparked global discussions on economic disparities.
• Discussion: How does Piketty's analysis in "Capital in the Twenty-First Century" inform our understanding of income inequality and its implications for society today?

4. "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman

• "A reliable way to make people believe in falsehoods is frequent repetition because familiarity is not easily distinguished from truth."
• Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel laureate in economics, explores the two systems that drive the way we think—fast, intuitive thinking and slow, deliberate thinking—in this book that blends psychology and economics.
• Discussion: How does understanding human cognitive biases, as presented in "Thinking, Fast and Slow," benefit economists and decision-makers?

5. "The Road to Serfdom" by Friedrich Hayek

• "The curious task of economics is to demonstrate to men how little they really know about what they imagine they can design."
• Published in 1944, Hayek's book is a passionate defence of classical liberalism and a warning against the dangers of centralised planning.
• Discussion: In what ways does "The Road to Serfdom" shed light on the role of individual liberty and limited government in economic systems?

6. "Nudge" by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein

• "A nudge, as we will use the term, is any aspect of the choice architecture that alters people's behaviour in a predictable way without forbidding any options or significantly changing their economic incentives."
• This book introduces the concept of "nudging" in economics, emphasising how small changes in choice architecture can lead to better decisions.
• Discussion: How do the principles of "nudging" outlined in this book influence public policy and individual decision-making in economics?

7. "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

• "The problem with money—its what happens afterward. For the first time in your life, whatever happens next—you have no control over it."
• Michael Lewis provides an engaging narrative about the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on the individuals who saw it coming and bet against the housing bubble.
• Discussion: In what ways does "The Big Short" highlight the complexities and ethical considerations of financial markets?

8. "Poor Economics" by Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther Duflo

• "The poor are skeptical about the future; they think luck and connections, not effort and ability, are what get you ahead."
• Banerjee and Duflo, Nobel laureates in economics, present a refreshing approach to understanding global poverty through randomised controlled trials.
• Discussion: How do the insights from "Poor Economics" challenge conventional wisdom regarding poverty alleviation strategies?

9. "The Undercover Economist" by Tim Harford

• "Economics is about people—the choices that people make and the impact of those choices on each other."
• Tim Harford explores everyday mysteries through an economic lens, revealing the hidden economic forces at play in our lives.
• Discussion: How does "The Undercover Economist" encourage readers to see the economic aspects of ordinary situations and decisions?

10. "The Shock Doctrine" by Naomi Klein

• "The history of the contemporary free-market utopia is a history of violent disruption."
• In "The Shock Doctrine," Naomi Klein examines the impact of economic policies on societies during times of crisis.
• Discussion: How does "The Shock Doctrine" provide a critical perspective on the consequences of economic policies in various parts of the world?

Summary:

Oxford Summer Courses invites you to immerse yourself in the captivating world of economics. In this blog post, we present a meticulously curated list of 10 essential economics books that will transform your understanding of economic principles. From Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nations" to Naomi Klein's "The Shock Doctrine," these books will transport you to different economic perspectives and immerse you in diverse economic themes. Through our Economics summer school, you will have the opportunity to analyse and discuss these influential texts, gaining valuable insights into the complex world of economics. Join us on this economic journey at Oxford Summer Courses and embark on a transformative experience that will shape your understanding of economic forces. Who knows, you might just discover a newfound passion for economics and create insights that will last a lifetime.

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About the author

Rhys Mackenzie is the Website Marketing Manager at Oxford Summer Courses. With extensive experience in SEO and digital content management, they are passionate about showcasing the best that Oxford has to offer. Their previous role at Experience Oxfordshire gave them a deep appreciation for the city's unique cultural and academic offerings. Learn more about Rhys here.