This course was conceived as a marriage between Paul's 'Great economists' course and Richard's 'Real-world economics' course, both of which ran in 2023-24. We will look at key issues in economics and society, review how different thinkers have tried to understand the issue in the past, consider how it plays out today, and discuss together what might be done in future to manage things better. We will look at one topic per week and topics could include 'globalisation and protectionism', 'price versus value', 'our housing market problems' and 'is there such a thing as sustainable growth?'. The format will be a seminar: a short presentation on the topic, a look at past ideas, its importance today and future options or ways forward. The group's thoughts, judgements and perspectives will be an important part of the course.