ECON 1150: Basic Economics

Grasp the distinction between nominal and real exchange rates, using the yen and dollar as examples. Learn how these rates influence purchasing power in different economies. Understand their implications in the global trade landscape.

Understand the economic implications of "cost" and its relevance in daily decision-making. Learn about shoeleather costs, including its tangible and intangible components. Grasp how different scenarios impact these costs and ways to optimize them.

Explore the concept of government-created monopolies, which are entities granted exclusive rights, like licenses, patents, and copyrights. While they can promote innovation and efficiently operate in high-cost industries, they might also introduce inefficiencies and stifle competition. Weighing the pros and cons is essential.

Discover the intricate workings of a market economy, highlighting its notable advantages such as efficiency and innovation, and addressing the critical challenges like income inequality and market failures. Understand the balance between market and non-market elements in global economic systems.

Explore the fundamental concept of the circular-flow diagram in economics, which simplifies the intricate interactions between households and firms. Includes examples illustrating how money, labor, and services flow between these economic actors.

Unravel the complexities of long-run economic growth and its driving factors. Discover why rising productivity stands out as the cornerstone of sustainable economic expansion. Understand the role of various elements in shaping a nation's economic trajectory.