Charles Hackner - Instructor Welcome to Econ 2301 / 2302 Principles of: Macroeconomics /Microeconomics Charles Hackner - Instructor

Agenda for Today Missions Keys to success Responsibilities Stuff you need to know Learning web and Syllabus review Some real stuff to think about

Your Mission Demonstrate a thorough understanding of Macroeconomics / Microeconomics by providing thorough and complete answers to exam questions. Understand how the Economic system works so that you can make the system work for you.

My Mission Support you in achieving your missions.

6 Keys to Success Read, Listen, Discuss, Observe, Think Asking good questions!!!!!! Helps enhance your critical thinking skills

Student Responsibilities Throughout the semester you need to make sure you are officially enrolled in the class. Take care of your business. Treat college like you would treat a job If you don’t understand something, it’s your responsibility to ask for help.

Stuff You Need to Know What do you get graded on? 3 essay type exams No homework, No quizzes, No research papers Example of an essay type answer is available on my LearningWeb I will provide a list of potential questions for each exam I will select questions from the list for the exams How to do well with essay type questions Get started early and ask questions!!! Work in groups Practice writing your answers No one should have exactly the same answers!!!!

Stuff You Need to Know How do we make this work? Schedule of topics – in your syllabus You should always know what we are going to talk about and come to class prepared Attendance – it’s important that you be here Take care of your business. Behavior in class Treat people with respect Act like you have good sense Think before you speak to avoid inappropriate comments that could be hurtful to anyone. Electronics Put cell phones on vibrate If you have to take a call, go to the hallway to deal with it It is to your advantage to pay attention in class, not play with your toys Laptops, recorders, etc. are okay Do not interfere with any student’s ability to learn!!!!

Stuff You Need to Know Key resources for you / how to be successful Come to class prepared Study the material to be covered Anything you don’t understand – look it up Write down the questions and ask the teacher when you get to class Textbook It’s just one of may resources – buy it, don’t buy it, it’s up to you. HCCS Learning Web Notes and other helpful information Hccs.edu, click on Learning Web, type in Hackner, etc The Web – Google can be your best friend Each other Get control of your time Make a schedule and use it Track your progress!!!

The Learning Web and your Syllabus http://learning.hccs.edu/

The Story of Stuff

Let’s get real Employment instability Productivity and average real earnings Wealth inequality How much money will you need for the rest of your life? How will you get it, and keep it?

January 1948 through August 2016 United States Unemployment Rate Percentage of labor force Bureau of Labor Statistics

Wealth Inequality in America https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPKKQnijnsM

Your Money How much will you need for the rest of your life? Assumption – you will have to work for the rest of your life – call it 60 yrs. How will you get it? This is a question everyone has to answer. It’s better to deal with the future now than get surprised when you get there!