I know this might sound strange, but I’m going to be applying for grad-school in about a year. Even though I’ll probably be applying for International Affairs/Relations, most programs have one course in micro- and macroeconomics, which makes sense. Since I’ve got time, I want to get a head start. I’ve read a lot of books and essays by economists: Amartya Sen, Joseph Stiglitz, Friedrich Hayek, Adam Smith, etc. and books about economic phenomenons like The World is Flat and Freakonomics, but not since high school have I read anything on economics.
So, in universities, what sort of stuff is basic reading? I don’t want textbooks, since I probably won’t buy them and probably can’t get them at the library.
Textbooks. You’re going to have to buy them eventually anyway, so why not just start with them?
Since you’re going into IR you’re presumably not looking for any of the more mathematical treatments. Landsburg’s “Price Theory” is an excellent introduction to microeconomics. I don’t know of anything as good on the macro side, although Bernanke’s book is supposed to be pretty good. Can you find out what books your university’s course uses?
I’m still sorting out the programs. I’m not even applying until next January. I’ve thought of looking for some syllabi, but haven’t gotten around to it yet.
If you need a break from the serious books, and want something light, I’d recommend The Invisible Heart - a high school economics teacher woos a hot English teacher by lecturing her on economics. Think the lengthy monologue from “Atlas Shrugged”, as written by someone with a sense of humor who actually likes people. It’s good!