ECON 308: World Economic History

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.

Discover the power of the profit-maximizing rule in perfectly competitive markets. Unearth how setting price equal to marginal cost optimizes consumer and producer benefits. Grasp the significance of this rule for societal resource utilization.

Grasp the essence of Real GDP, a pivotal tool to gauge an economy's true performance. Through relatable scenarios, understand how production, inflation, and external events influence this economic measure. Economics, as showcased, is integral in deciphering our global landscape.

Unexpected inflation can shift wealth between lenders and borrowers. This phenomenon affects the real value of money repaid, disadvantaging the creditors. Additionally, businesses face operational expenses like menu costs during inflation adjustments.

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.

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.