ECON 102: Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy

Explore the multifaceted role of economists in society, their interpretation of complex economic data, and how they provide guidance to decision-makers. Discover why economists may offer conflicting advice due to varying economic theories, data interpretation, personal values, and political ideologies.

Discover the principle of opportunity cost, distinguishing between explicit and implicit costs. Using the example of Hanna's Pizzeria, grasp how business decisions weigh the costs of forgone alternatives. Learn how these costs influence financial and economic choices.

Unpack the primary subdivisions of economics: Microeconomics, centered on individual economic agents, and Macroeconomics, which looks at broader economic trends. Understand the core differences and inherent connections between these two fields. Explore real-world examples to comprehend their implications.

Explore the fundamental concept of scarcity in economics. Understand the tension between our infinite desires and the finite resources we have. Grasp how scarcity influences our choices, necessitating trade-offs in everyday decisions.

Explore the historical barter system and its challenges, particularly the double-coincidence of wants. Witness how the need for simpler transactions led societies from direct barter to embracing mediums of exchange like money.

Explore how elasticity of demand impacts gains from trade in economies. Understand the relationship between demand elasticity and benefits for consumers and producers. Debunk misconceptions about inelastic demand and trade gains.