Economics

Trimester 1, 2007

Dr. Brown

463-2201, ext. 321

Course Description

As an introduction to economics and economic principles, this course focuses primarily on the interplay between economic issues and society. Social issues, policies, and cultural change—and the ways in which economics affects each—will form the basis for this class. Included among the diverse topics we cover will be the growth and impact of the American corporation and the role that institutions like the entertainment industry, sports franchises, fast food, and so forth play in our economy. We will also investigate the power that government wields through an analysis of regulation, taxation, and the like. We will also look at the market economy—especially the stock markets—in order to appreciate macroeconomic development. Lastly, we will explore banking systems, forms of credit, and other large concerns that invariably shape our everyday lives. Indeed, whenever possible, we will try to establish links between the topics we review and their influence over our own lives.

Evaluation

Each student will read selections from Economics: Crosscurrents of the American Dream , collateral reading materials, and the like. Each student will write evaluative essays based on three economics-related films that we watch. Each student will also write a 1-2 page essay on three homework essay assignments. Students will also produce a marketing project, which each will present to the class. Lastly, each student will take a midterm and a final exam, each comprised of essay questions related to each half of the course.

Course Mantra

This is an elective and though it is not an AP course you should take it seriously. At the same time, let’s try to enjoy the materials and have some fun with the course.

Grades

Here is the breakdown by percentage of the assessments that go into tabulating your trimester grade for the course.

30% Tests

25% Film-related Essays

20% Homework Essays

10% Marketing Project

15% Participation

Syllabus

Date Topic(s) Assignment (due next class)

Sep 6 Introduction to the Course Text: 35-47

Sep 10(70) What is economics? HO: Do the Math

Sep 11 Making Economic Decisions

Sep 12 Personal Budgeting Text: 117-123

Sep 17(70) Credit and Debt HW: 1-2 page essay

HW Essay: How should Americans (and the Nation) approach the issue of credit? What can be done to reduce our individual and national debt? (Due Sep 20)

Sep 18 Culture of Leisure Prepare presentations

Sep 19 Culture of Leisure: presentations

Sep 20 Culture of Leisure: presentations HO: Food, Energy Woes…

Essays are due in class.

Sep 24(70) Fast Food Nation: The Costs of Eating

Library Work

Sep 25 “Super Size Me” Film Paper, Due Oct 4

Sep 26 “Super Size Me”

Sep 27 “Super Size Me”

Discussion/Group Work

Oct 1(70) Fast Food Nation: presentations Text: 123-136

Oct 2 Money and Banking Text: 156-171

Oct 3 Taxation and Spending HW: 1-2 page essay

HW Essay: What’s your opinion? What’s the most equitable way to tax a citizenry? Who should pay taxes? Are there those who should be exempt? What percentage of taxable income should someone contribute? (Due Oct 10)

Oct 4 Government Responsibilities and Regulations

“Super Size Me” essays are due in class.

Oct 10 “Roger & Me” Film Paper, Due Oct 18

Essays are due in class

Oct 11 “Roger & Me” Study for midterm exam

Discussion

Oct 15(70) MIDTERM EXAM Text: 71-87

Oct 16 Forms of Business

Oct 17 “The Corporation” Marketing P., Due Oct 29

Oct 18 “The Corporation”

“Roger & Me” essays are due in class.

Oct 22(70) “The Corporation” HO: Corporate Psychopaths

Oct 23 Defining a Corporation

The Corporate Pathology

Oct 24 The Corporate Neighbor

Oct 25 Concluding our look at Corporations

In-Class work on presentations

Oct 29(70) Marketing Presentations Text: 51-67

Oct 30 Examining Markets HO: Voodoo For Nov 1

Supply and Demand

Oct 31 The Stock Exchange: A Case Study HW: 1-2 page essay

HW Essay: What sector of the stocks and bonds market do you envision performing well over the next few years? Why do you believe this? (Due Nov 8)

Nov 1 Krugman’s Corner: Economics and Politics

Nov 5(70) “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room” Film Paper, Due Nov 15

Nov 7 “Enron”

Nov 8 “Enron” HO: US & Carbon Emissions

Discussion

Essays are due in class.

Nov 13 Economics and Fuel: Are there Solutions?

Nov 14 Economics and Prohibitions

Nov 15 Economics and War: What are the Costs? Study for final exam

“Enron” essays are due in class.

Nov 19(70) FINAL EXAM

Nov 20 Course Wrap-Up and Evaluation