The Economics of Everyday Life
ECON 1019
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
Why do some religions thrive while others lose followers? Why might competition fail to eliminate media bias?
Would legalizing drugs reduce violence? Do more police prevent crime—and how can we tell? How can
nonviolent protesters gain power against opponents willing to use force? Can affirmative action be productivity
enhancing?
This course explores the power of economics to illuminate everyday life and some of society’s most contentious
questions. Topics range from religion, romance, and racial discrimination to crime, illegal drugs, political conflict,
and artificial intelligence. Each class pairs an idea with academic research, moving from a social observation to
the economic ideas and evidence needed to evaluate it. Students will learn to uncover incentives and tradeoffs,
recognize unintended consequences, distinguish compelling stories from credible evidence, and develop
arguments of their own. Every claim—including the instructor’s!—is open to challenge
Strong encouraged prerequisite: Ec 10 or equivalent introductory economics. Intermediate microeconomics and calculus are not
required. Students should be comfortable with algebra and graphs; probability, strategic interaction, and
empirical research designs will be introduced as needed.
Course Notes
Ec 10 or equivalent introductory economics. Intermediate microeconomics and calculus are not required. Students should be comfortable with algebra and graphs; probability, strategic interaction, and empirical research designs will be introduced as needed.
N/A
NOTE: This course requires additional sections; you will be prompted to choose secondary components during the Add to Cart process
