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Principles of Economics
(Micro)
Virginia Tech

Welcome to the Course!

With the start of the semester approaching, I wanted to share some important information about course expectations before the first day of class. My goal with this list is to ensure you are familiar with those expectations and to put you at ease before classes officially begin.

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You will have access to a dedicated Canvas course a few days before the semester begins. There will be an orientation module in that course that offers more details about how to purchase access to the different platforms we'll use, assignment instructions, and official course policies. Even though I'll mention some course material below, you don't need to purchase anything before the first day of classes. Once you arrive on campus, allocate some time to getting the course material. I'll post an official announcement in Canvas (which will likely end up in your email inbox) when our Canvas course is unlocked and ready for you to access.

10 things you should know before the semester begins:

  1. In-Person Format: Most of our class meetings this semester will be held in person and will not be offered virtually. There may be a few times during the semester when we can't meet in person, but I'll provide an asynchronous video lesson that you can complete on your own time. All graded assignments in the course are completed online, but a portion of your exam scores will be based on activities and discussions that only happen in class. 
     

  2. Graded Participation: Active participation is an important component of being successful in this course. We will use the iClicker Cloud app for interactive participation during class time. Unlike some of your other courses, physical iClicker remotes will not work in our class. However, iClicker Cloud access is included with purchases of new physical remotes. Alternatively, you can purchase a 6-month digital subscription at a lower cost. You’ll need a laptop, phone, or tablet to participate in these interactive assignments.
     

  3. My Teaching Style is Different: My section of Econ 2005 is unlike the other sections at Virginia Tech. We all cover the same material, but I place a stronger emphasis on small-stakes assignments. I'll let you learn the easy stuff on your own. Our class time is for problem-solving and interactive activities. Keep in mind that Virginia Tech expects students to spend at least 6 hours per week on our coursework outside of class, so plan accordingly to keep up with out-of-class assignments.
     

  4. Expect to Think, Not Memorize: This course focuses on learning to think differently about problems. Throughout the semester, you’ll be asked to apply concepts, analyze decisions, and evaluate real-world issues from an economic perspective. Most questions I ask will require critical thinking rather than straightforward recall. If you’re used to “plug-and-chug” math problems or multiple-choice tests that reward memorization, be prepared for a different kind of challenge. Engaging with the material regularly will make this much easier!
     

  5. Weekly Assignments Matter As Much As Exams: Instead of relying on a few high-stakes exams during the semester, this course uses multiple weekly assignments to reinforce learning. It's really important that you stay ahead of due dates. Staying on top of due dates is critical. The Canvas calendar does not always list everything, so use a planner to stay organized.
     

  6. MyLab Platform: Your textbook, study resources, weekly assignments, and exams are all hosted on Pearson’s MyLab platform. The best price is through Pearson’s website (about $130) because the campus bookstore charges around $160 for an access code. If you prefer to read from a physical copy of the book, I recommend purchasing a used copy of an older edition on Amazon before the semester begins. You’ll be able to pay and register for MyLab once Canvas opens.
     

  7. Save Money on Books & Course Materials: Many textbooks (for our course and others) are cheaper online than at the VT bookstore. Before buying anything for your courses, check to see if older editions work for your other professors. Amazon offers a student version of Amazon Prime, which provides several benefits and 3-day shipping of items directly to your dorm.
     

  8. Canvas is Your Central Hub: We will use multiple online platforms this semester, but Canvas is the central hub for most course materials and announcements. I recommend configuring your Canvas preferences for daily digests and setting up email forwarding if you don’t regularly check your VT email. When you register for class-related sites, be sure to always use your VT email so that your grades sync correctly. This is true for all your courses!
     

  9. No Late Work or Make-Ups for Technical Issues: Technical issues happen to all of us, and our course has accommodations already built into the grading for occasional problems. As such, no late work or make-up assignments will be given. If you run into technical issues during the semester, there are public computers on campus, or you can rent a laptop from the library.
     

  10. I Love Economics (And Hope You Will Too!): I’m passionate about economics and education, and I bring that energy to every class. I also write a weekly newsletter connecting economics to current events and pop culture. You are welcome (but not required) to follow my social media accounts for additional insights or discussions outside of class.​


I am really looking forward to the upcoming semester, and I hope you enjoy your next few months with me as your instructor!

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