“It’s simple economics, son. I don’t understand it at all.” Kyle’s Dad Southpark

1. “It’s simple economics, son. I don’t understand it at all.”Kyle’s DadSouthpark Economics for Non-Majors Carol Stivender

2. In the right place? ECON 1101-001 Economics for Non-Majors Wed and Fri, 2:00pm – 3:15pm Rowe 130 Instructor: C. Stivender

3. How to find me Office: 218B, Friday Building E-mail:costiven@uncc.edu Office Hours: Wed: 11:00am - 12:15pm, 3:30pm - 6:00pm Fri : 11:00am - 12:15pm and by appointment as needed.

4. How to find me Grad Asst: Name ___, 218A Friday Bldg E-mail: econtutor@uncc.edu My Website:www.belkcollege.uncc.edu/costiven (see website for test schedule, PowerPoint's, syllabus, etc)

5. Book information Issues in Economics Today Robert Guell, author (Pub, McGraw Hill) You can use 3rd, 4th or 5th edition. There are changes in chapter sequences, but the material is essentially unchanged. The economic theory we will be covering does NOT change between editions. You are safe going back as far as 3rd edition.

6. Course Description • Econ for Non-Majors: Economic issues without complicated, principles-level emphasis on theoretical models. Contemporary economic issues may include pollution control, inflation, poverty, government price controls, and crime. You cannot take this course if credit has already been received for either ECON 2101 or ECON 2102.

7. Course Objectives • Satisfies a Social Science requirement under the Inquiry in the Sciences section of the General Education Requirements. • This course will help the student: • develop problem-solving skills • develop skills associated with independent thinking • address social, political, and global issues using tools of economic analysis.

8. Course Policies • Academic Integrity • HAVE SOME. • Don’t cheat, and don’t be complicit in cheating. • Bad things happen when you compromise your integrity, academic or otherwise. • See university policy.

9. Course Policies • Attendance • The most successful students attend, arrive on time and stay the entire class period. • Please show some respect if arriving late. • Attendance will begin to count in 3-4 weeks from now when we begin to form our discussion groups. Until then, I will not be taking attendance. Skip at your own risk. • If you miss class, DO NOT ask me what you missed. Ask your classmates.

10. Course Policies • Attendance • No make-ups for ANY reason. Really. • The classroom is the primary source of information. I am under no obligation to email or post information that is announced and discussed in class. And I probably won’t. • More on attendance later as discussion groups are formed.

11. Course Policies • Attendance Policy (After Test 1) Individual

12. Course Policies • TESTS • There are four regular semester tests and one final exam. • Your test policy depends on your absences (See Attendance section)

13. Agenda • First 2-3 weeks: Fundamental Economic Concepts Coverage of basic concepts useful in most discussions of topics in an economics context, such as: • Cost / Benefit Analysis • Marginal Analysis • Supply and Demand • Efficiency vs Equity • Role of Government • Markets • Around week 4 (after 1st test): Formation of 6-member discussion groups

14. Agenda • Rest of semester: Discussions of Topics Chosen by Class • Remaining topics chosen by class in online poll. • Go to my website to cast your vote for discussion topics. Deadline, Monday, Jan 18. • We will begin with most popular topic selections and continue to those with next highest votes, covering as many as possible in remaining time.

15. Agenda • Rest of semester: Discussions of Topics Chosen by Class • Generally, each topic will consist of three phases: • I will present overview of topic and economic concepts/terminology necessary for discussion. • Groups will use class time to individually address discussion questions specific to topic. • That week’s leaders will represent group in full class discussion/debate of issues.

16. Agenda • Rest of semester: Discussions of Topics Chosen by Class • For example, assume the discussion topic is “The Market for Human Kidneys”: • I would give an overview of the kidney market, including: • How the market currently works • Review of laws governing human kidney exchange • Discussion of black markets, government intervention in markets, etc.

17. Agenda • Rest of semester: Discussions of Topics Chosen by Class • For example, assume the discussion topic is “The Market for Human Kidneys”: 2) Groups then discuss questions such as: • What are some costs/benefits of legalizing the sale of human kidneys? Of NOT legalizing? • Who is against the free market for kidneys, and why? • Would the costs/benefits be distributed among us evenly?

18. Agenda • Rest of semester: Discussions of Topics Chosen by Class • For example, assume the discussion topic is “The Market for Human Kidneys”: 3) The class then comes back together to learn what other groups came up with. • May take the form of debates with selected groups assigned as for/against certain issues. • May be a larger group discussion with members of each group relaying their ideas. • Different topics will lend themselves to different approaches.

19. Agenda • Rest of semester: Discussions of Topics Chosen by Class My job is to make the discussion experience interesting, enlightening, thought-provoking, topical and hopefully controversial.

20. Agenda • Rest of semester: Group Dynamics • Attendance will be taken by groups and TA. • Students whose groups have perfect attendance will be rewarded handsomely.

21. Important Dates

22. Important Phone Numbers In Case of Emergency Other

23. Wrap-Up • Complete syllabus • Please read the entire syllabus for additional details about class policies, schedule, chapter readings, etc. • Syllabus is posted on my website (www.belkcollege.uncc.edu/costiven) and the Belk College website (www.belkcollege.uncc.edu) under “Course Syllabi”, and will be provided by email. • Questions? Comments? Complaints?