AGNR 570: Adv Natural Resource Economics

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 dynamics of frictional unemployment in a constantly changing economy. Learn about government roles and strategies in mitigating its impacts. Understand how workforce transitions can be made smoother with informed interventions.

Explore the differences between the Four-firm Concentration Ratio and the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index. Understand how they assess market concentration and dominance. Get insights into market power dynamics by comparing these two indices.

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.

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.