Economics

Description: Economic debates rage around us as individuals and as a society every day.  This full year course seeks to provide a background and mental framework from which to understand and engage these debates.  The first semester is primarily focused on microeconomics and the second semester moves to macroeconomics.  The 20 standards for economics education promulgated by the Council for Economic Education (http://www.councilforeconed.org/ea/standards/) will serve as our roadmap.  The course is designed to promote understanding and application of economic principles in everyday life.  I am an avid student of economics with an appreciation for the mystery and wonder of the territory it attempts to describe.  I hope this proves contagious.

Expectations: The primary expectation is that students will seek to understand topics via class discussion and scan for application of these principles in the world around them.  An inquisitive posture, initiative, and active participation are expected.  Two short writing assignments will be required each week.  Class participation is a grading criterion.

Textbook: The course does not have a formal textbook.  Selected readings and podcasts will be assigned.  A regular news source such as The World, Week, The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, or any of the numerous others will be helpful.  Such resources are available online or in libraries if one does not come to the home.  Internet access will be required to access some materials.  Several assignments will be submitted during the week via email, so access to an email account is also necessary.

 

Tutor: Glen Cole

updated 3/15/2011