Jadrian Wooten
Economics Educator
Principles of Economics
(Micro)
Virginia Tech
What is Economics?
Economics is the study of decision-making under scarcity. We'll spend the semester focusing on the role of incentives in society and how they can lead to efficient social outcomes, but also be responsible for inefficiencies in society. A portion of this course will focus on the government's role in the marketplace and measuring its ability to improve or disrupt a market.
Some of My Favorite Quotes About Economics
ADAM SMITH
The Wealth of Nations
It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker, that we can expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest.
TYLER COWEN
Marginal Revolution University
Economics is everywhere, and understanding economics can help you make better decisions and lead a happier life.
STEVEN LEVITT
Freakonomics
An incentive is a bullet, a key: an often tiny object with astonishing power to change a situation.
Meet Your Instructor
My name is Jadrian Wooten and I'll be your instructor this semester for ECON 2005. I have taught economics for over a decade; this course is one of my absolute favorite courses! I'm excited to share the ways that economics impacts all of our lives each day. Feel free to stop by during office hours if you have any questions about the course or economics.
You're also welcome to connect with me on any social media platform that I'm also on but don't feel obligated to if you aren't comfortable sharing your personal life with me yet.
Course Material
You’ll need online access to Pearson MyLab to complete most assignments this semester. Once the semester starts, I recommend purchasing access directly from the websites if possible because you'll get a significant discount compared to the VT bookstore. You will also need iClicker Cloud for in-class polling. If you’ve purchased a new iClicker remote recently, your access was included with that purchase. Otherwise, you can get a 6-month digital subscription for much less than a physical remote. Both platforms are fully digital, so you’ll need a laptop or smartphone to use them.
The only other item to consider is a QuickStudy card, which can be a helpful reference for recap assignments and exams. It's not required and there's no rush to buy one. Amazon usually has the best price.
