Economics 101 - Principles of Economics
Professor John W. Sell
Course Assistant: Aden Pavkov
Aden's Office Hours Monday 7:00 - 9:00pm (Luce Suite F)
or by arrangement with him.
Fall 1999

Economics is a way of thinking. This course will help you to understand how economists think about the world and why this way of thinking is useful. A major theme of the course is that there are no limits to the applicability of economic reasoning. You can "think like an economist" in your daily life as well as when making business or financial decisions. Another goal during the next fourteen weeks, is to give you the tools that will be necessary for further economics or business economics coursework. This is a challenge and an opportunity. Make the most of it!

Each student is expected to send me an e-mail by the end of the first week of classes to indicate that he/she has found and read this document and understands the expectations of the course.

Since this is an introductory course, there are no formal prerequisites. However, people who suffer from "math phobia" and who are unwilling to read things more than once if that is necessary to understand them, will not do well here. If you feel uncomfortable with the high-school geometry and algebra taught in Math 101 or the abstract thinking of, say, Philosophy 100, then you are not yet ready for this course and should consider postponing it.

The course is conducted under the Code of Academic Integrity as printed in the Scot's Key. Each of you is expected to read this section by the end of the first week of class. Any questions concerning the Code's applicability to this course should be addressed to me immediately. You are also expected to read the guidelines contained in a document titled, "Purposes, Expectations, and Priorities at Wooster." Your enrollment in this course beyond the first week certifies that you understand and accept the principles contained in this document as they apply to this course. If you are uncertain about this, discuss it with me by the end of the first week of class.

Course grades are interpreted consistent with the College Catalogue and are determined solely on the basis of four examinations. All examinations are cumulative and each counts 25%. The final examination will be given during the final examination period which, for this course, is Wednesday December 15, 1999 at 9:00am. There will be no make-up examinations. In the unlikely event that you should miss one of the midterm examinations for a legitimate reason, the weights of the remaining examinations will be increased proportionately.

As incentive to learn more about how economics applies to everyday life, you are encouraged to consider writing an extra credit paper reviewing the murder mystery, Murder at the Margin, by Marshall Jevons. If you choose to submit this paper, it is due no later than 9:30am on Tuesday November 30, 1999. Papers submitted after the deadline will not be read.

While class attendance is not mandatory, it is advisable since lecture material is not a simple summary of the required reading. If you choose to come to class, I and your colleagues would appreciate it if you would arrive on time. This class meets TTh 9:30 - 10:50am.

Finally, if you are not satisfied with your performance in the class, please see me early in the semester. I can probably help you achieve better results, but only if I know of your problem soon enough. It is up to you to contact me to discuss your concerns. I am available and willing to talk as follows:

Office, office hours, contact methods.

or, e-mail to: jwsell@acs.wooster.edu
Aden's e-mail: pavkovar@wooster.edu

revised by Jws on 26 August 1999.