By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Describe microeconomics
Describe macroeconomics
Contrast monetary policy and fiscal policy

This Excel spreadsheet assignment brings students step-by-step through the process of solving and analyzing a Keynesian cross model. It is most appropriate for principles-level macroeconomics courses.

In 2005, FRONTLINE/World featured the PlayPump, a promising new technology that pumped fresh water when children played on a merry-go-round. The story appealed to the good intentions of politicians, celebrities, and funders, who gave support to installing thousands of these devices in Africa. In this video, reporter Amy Costello continues her investigation into what happened to those communities as the promise of the PlayPump fell short, villages were left with non-working PlayPumps for months, and the device's biggest American boosters began to back away from a technology they had once championed. [23:42]

Listen as Jacqueline Novogratz discusses investing in sustainable small business solutions for the world's poor. The goal, says Novogratz, CEO of Acumen Fund, is to find a way to bring essential services to low income people not just today but in a way that's sustainable over time.

Principles of economics students are asked to collect and analyze data on a few macro economic aggregates to give them a first taste of empirical work.

Lucas Benitez worked picking tomatoes in Southern Florida for wages that were barely enough to live on. Conditions were deplorable and workers faced a climate of intimidation, fear and violence right here in the United States. Lucas Benitez rose up to create an alliance of workers and consumers that forced fast food giants McDonalds and Taco Bell to change their ways. He was able to transform the lives of some of the worst paid people in America, and bring dignity to their working lives. [11:04]

Introduction to economics using notes and a corresponding video teaches students the basic definition of economics which involves individual choice. [1:12]

When girls are allowed to go to school, they have a significant impact on their family and community. Students learn and think critically about the variety of reasons why it is in everyone's best interest to ensure that all girls, across the globe, have access to an education.

Links to data which cover agriculture, education, environment, health and population and other issues regarding economic development.