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

Describe microeconomics
Describe macroeconomics
Contrast monetary policy and fiscal policy

A case based upon the environmental devastation of the Aral Sea that illustrates economic concepts of opportunity cost and social marginal cost.

Ricardian Explorer, implemented on the internet, simulates a Ricardian trade model with linear production technology and a CES utility function. The typical simulation has two countries and two goods. While Ricardian explorer was developed to supplement a course in international trade, it can also be used in intermediate microeconomics and microeconomic principles courses. The authors of the simulation are Alberto Isgut and Tanya Rosenblat of Wesleyan University.

A news story interviews a woman who claims that it was difficult for her to find employment because she had children. The story is used to examine the concept of statistical discrimination and whether public policy should be used to discourage statistical discrimination in this case.

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.

The text of this case is a transcript of a story broadcast on NPR's All Things Considered on January 22, 1996. The story concerns Congressional debate about agricultural programs, particularly the price support program for peanuts. The story includes statements from a member of Congress as well as representatives of peanut growers and peanut processors. The peanut program includes import restrictions, a price floor and peanut growing licenses, and this case describes those and includes statements from peanut growers, processors and consumers.

In this example, students are asked to research the effects of Wal-Mart on small town economies, relate those effects to their own town, and draw a conclusion based on those effects.

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

Employees, employers, and a workforce trainer describe how asking questions on the job can help you improve and impress employers by demonstrating your willingness to learn.

Employees in the transportation and logistics industries read important information like safety manuals, operating instructions and packing slips. When you're reading for work, it's important to make sure you understand what you are reading. If you aren't sure, make sure you know what steps you can take to get the information you need.

Employees at a warehouse and shipping company explain how they are careful to enter information accurately into forms to make sure that orders are correct and go to the right place, keeping customers happy and their jobs moving smoothly.

Determining area is critical to many jobs in the construction industry. Workers use a formula to find the area of roofs and floors and solve other important problems on the job.

Employees explain how they use the mathematical concept of grouping and sorting every day in their jobs in the logistics and transportation industries.

Managers and employees in fields like healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing explain why it's important to make a good first impression at a job interview and give some tips for preparing for one.

Many hiring managers are looking for someone who is willing to learn new skills and be adaptable, and learning on the job can benefit employees throughout their careers.

Problem solving is a key aspect of many kinds of jobs. Employees and managers in several industries give examples of problem solving in the workplace.

A workplace trainer and employees in the healthcare and transportation industries explain how being on time in a work environment is important for productivity and safety.

Employees in the transportation and logistics industries read manuals and other reference items to learn procedures and look up information they need to know to be successful on the job.