A beginning level study of economics, this group will ask 'What is it', then go on to explore supply, demand and markets.
To understand how people, businesses, governments and other organizations interact in markets via their consumption, production and financial behaviors, a basic foundation in economics is extremely helpful. The subject matter of this course, introductory microeconomics, is a good starting point to build such a foundation. We will study the behavior of participants in markets by focusing on supply and demand characteristics. The open source material and study outline come from The Saylor Foundation, and specifically we will cover Units 1-3 in this six week study group. Participants in the group can expect to understand the material through readings, active asynchronous discussions and exercises.
If you have signed up as a participant, please send me an email. Instructions and content are noted in 'Activity Wall'
Using the link to saylor.org (in left panel), access the curriculum for this course. Given our time is short, we'll concentrate on Units 1-3.
Familiarize yourself with the organization of saylor.org's web page 'Principles of Microeconomics'.
Read 'Purpose of Course', 'Learning Outcomes', 'Course Requirements'.
Continue reading under 'Course Overview' the preliminary information for Unit 1.
Note in particular the 'Unit 1 Time Advisory'. This is a realistic estimate of the time you'll need to commit in preparation. So, for example, in our course, we'll complete Subunits 1.1 and 1.2 during the first week - you should allocate approximately 5 hours during that week to preparation.
You will be expected to complete each Unit's Assessments, and participate in asynchronous discussions.
We'll keep additional materials to a minimum (in consideration of your time), but it's a good idea to start reading/following online news sites (Economist, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, CNN, to name a few) as the current business/economic news and topics we discuss will be highly correlated.
If you've not yet signed up as a participant, now is the time to do so.
