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Urban Economics

Virginia Tech

Welcome to the Course!

With the start of the semester quickly approaching, I wanted to share some important information about the course before we officially begin. My goal is to ensure that you are familiar with the course expectations, which will hopefully make you more at ease when classes officially start.

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You will have access to a dedicated Canvas course a few days before the semester begins. An onboarding module will provide 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. This Course is Different. This course focuses on reading, writing, and discussion. It's a lot different than the other electives we offer at Virginia Tech. If you’re looking for a traditional lecture-style class with problem sets, this course may not be the best fit. Virginia Tech expects students to spend at least 6 hours per week on our coursework outside of class, so plan accordingly.
     

  2. In-Person Format Only. All lectures will be held in person, and there will be no online or Zoom option. While most assignments are completed online, some in-class activities contribute to your final grade.
     

  3. No High-Stakes Exams. Instead of a few large exams, this course emphasizes weekly assignments and projects. Staying organized is essential—do not rely on Canvas reminders alone. If you don’t already use a planner, now is a great time to start.
     

  4. Class Participation Matters. Active engagement is expected. We will use iClicker Cloud to keep discussions interactive. Physical remotes won’t work—you’ll need a laptop or smartphone. Registration details will be available once the course opens on Canvas.
     

  5. Weekly Online Discussions. We will use Packback for online discussions. I’ve negotiated a discounted rate for this course, so purchase your subscription directly from Packback instead of the bookstore. If you've used Packback before, you may qualify for an additional discount.
     

  6. You Will Learn Power BI. Your major assignments will be five data visualization projects using Power BI. Each project includes a written analysis and a public reflection. Power BI is free for Virginia Tech students, and both the desktop and online versions are available. Instructions will be posted in Canvas.
     

  7. Field Trip to Roanoke. We will take a field trip to Roanoke later in the semester to visit the Virginia Museum of Transportation. We will use public transit (SmartWay Bus, free for students) to experience urban transportation challenges firsthand. The museum ticket costs $11, and you should also budget for lunch. I am working to secure funding to cover costs but be prepared to pay if sponsorship is unavailable. This trip will likely take place on a Saturday in April.
     

  8. Save on Books. I've selected books for the course (Triumph of the City and New Urban Crisis) that are much more affordable than a traditional textbook. They each cost $10 to $20 if you buy new paperbacks and less than $5 if you buy them used. You should purchase them now so that they arrive before class begins. If you are an Amazon Prime Student, you can often get discounts and ship items directly to your dorm.
     

  9. Canvas is Your Hub. While we use multiple platforms (Power BI, Packback, iClicker) during the semester, you should consider Canvas as the central hub for all course-related information. Configure Canvas notifications for daily updates, and consider forwarding your VT email if you primarily use another inbox.
     

  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.​

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I am looking forward to the upcoming semester and I hope you enjoy your next few months with me.

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