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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 until we get closer to 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 meetings will be held in person, and lectures will not be recorded or offered over Zoom. If I ever need to be away from campus, I will provide an online lecture. While most graded assignments are completed online, a significant portion of your final grade comes from daily in-class polling questions, so attendance matters.
     

  2. Graded Participation: Active participation is key to your success in this course. We will use iClicker Cloud for interactive polling questions during class. Unlike some courses, physical iClicker remotes will not work in our class. If you’ve purchased a new remote recently, iClicker Cloud access is included, or you can purchase a 6-month digital subscription at a lower cost. You’ll need a laptop, phone, or tablet to participate in these polling questions.
     

  3. My Teaching Style is Different: My section of Econ 2005 is not like other sections at Virginia Tech. While we all cover the same material, I place a stronger emphasis on small-stakes assignments completed outside of class. I'll let you learn the easy stuff on your own—our class time is for problem-solving and interactive activities. Virginia Tech expects students to spend at least 6 hours per week on our coursework outside of class, so plan accordingly.
     

  4. Expect to Think, Not Memorize: This course is not about memorizing formulas—it’s about learning to think like an economist. You’ll be expected to apply concepts, analyze decisions, and evaluate real-world issues from an economic perspective. Many questions on assignments and exams 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 More Than Big Exams: Instead of relying on a few high-stakes exams, this course uses multiple weekly assignments to reinforce learning. 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, recap assignments, and exams are all hosted on Pearson’s MyLab. The best price is through Pearson’s website (about $120)—the VT bookstore charges around $160. MyLab access includes a digital textbook, but you can purchase a used copy of an older edition on Amazon if you prefer. You’ll be able to pay and register for MyLab once Canvas opens. If you want a physical textbook, order it before classes start so you have it in time.
     

  7. Save Money on Books & Course Materials: Many textbooks (for this course and others) are cheaper online than at the VT bookstore. Before buying, check if older editions work for your other classes. If you are an Amazon Prime Student, you can often get discounts and ship 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 all course materials, assignments, 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. However, you should always use your VT email for MyLab, iClicker, and other platforms to ensure grades sync correctly.
     

  9. No Late Work or Make-Ups for Technical Issues: Technical issues happen, but the course is structured to account for occasional problems. No late work or make-up assignments will be given. Since almost all assignments are completed online, you can use a public computer on campus or rent a laptop from the library if you run into issues. Plan ahead to avoid last-minute problems.
     

  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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