This chapter introduces the key concepts to be covered in the course on money, banking, and financial markets. It will examine how financial markets and institutions work, the role of money in the economy, and the links between monetary policy, business cycles, and inflation. Understanding these topics is important because financial markets and institutions affect the economy, and monetary and fiscal policy impact recessions, expansions, and the price level. The course will use models and concepts from economics to analyze asset markets, financial structure, and aggregate outcomes.