Dr Martin Ruhs introduces the Department's expanding portfolio of economics courses, in the context of the on-going debate about where economics is headed, starting with the world economic downturn. What were the causes of the global financial crisis and why did most economists fail to predict it? How should we regulate the global flows of capital, labour and commodities? Who are the "new economic powers" and how will they shape the world economy? How can social entrepreneurship affect economic and social processes in the 21st century? This presentation will introduce the expanding portfolio of economics courses at CONTED. Dr Martin Ruhs is a University Lecturer in Political Economy, and economist Professor Jonathan Michie is Director of the Department for Continuing Education.