Course Meetings

Tuesdays

Section 10: 3:30 to 5:20
Section 11: 6:10 to 8:00

Please do not attend the section in which you are not enrolled without explicit prior approval. Our online activities are specific to the students in each section.

Instructors

Professor: Leah Brooks

Media and Public Affairs Building, Room 601F -- but online this semester
Office Hours: These office hours are subject to change, depending on my childcare arrangements.Mondays 10:30 am to 12:30 pm and Wednesdays 8:00 to 9:30 pm.
Use the scheduler to book these times.
lfbrooks at gwu.edu -- but use Piazza if possible
202-994-4703

We will use Piazza for email for this class. You should have already received a welcome email. If you have not, look here for a link to sign yourself up.

Contact policy: I strive to answer emails within 24 hours during weekdays, or within 24 hours on the soonest weekday if you email on the weekend. If you do not hear from me within this time frame, you should assume that your email has been lost and you should re-send.

If you have missed a class, your first line of defense to ask what you have missed is another student or to the Piazza board. I will re-direct questions in this vein to Piazza if they are sent to me directly.

Graduate Assistants

Didem Bayar
kdidembayar at gwmail.gwu.edu
Office Hours: Tuesdays 11 am to 1 pm. See Piazza for WebEx meeting room. Sign-up worksheet is here.
Contact policy: Same as Leah Brooks.

Dan Albanese
dalbanese at gwmail.gwu.edu
Office hours: Wednesdays 11 am to 1 pm. See Piazza for Zoom meeting room.
Contact policy: I'll respond in less than 24 hours during the workweek and am happy to meet individually (online) if needed.

Course Description and Objectives

Description

Policy decisions are usually motivated by economic conditions, mediated by economic conditions, or yield economic consequences. To be a policy-maker or offer coherent policy advice, you must understand the likely economic motivations for and economic consequences of policy actions. This course is the first step toward analyzing the economic factors that motivate decisions, and gives you a framework to anticipate likely consequences of policy choices.

Objectives

As a result of completing this course you should be able to

Appreciate the role of economics in policy
Understand how the market arrives at a price
Use the graphic logic of supply and demand to trace out consequences of policy choices
Predict how a new tax will impact the equilibrium price and the distributional consequences for market participants
Understand why public goods are different than private goods and what this means for their provision
Critically evaluate economic arguments in media and policy sources
Understand micro economic theory at an intermediate level

Prerequisites

None. If you have already taken microeconomics elsewhere, I suggest that you skip this class and enroll directly in Microeconomics for Policy II (PPPA 6014). If you have never taken economics and are a MPP student, this course is required. If you are unsure whether this course is for you, please consult the FAQs about which econ course to take. If you remain unsure after carefully reading this FAQ please email me.

This course requires a basic knowledge of linear algebra. Specifically, you need to know how to graph linear equations of the form y = mx + b, and how to solve two linear equations for two unknowns (this means find y and x in terms of a, b, c, and d, given y = ax +c and y = d - bx). If you have not mastered these skills before the beginning of class, it will substantially hinder your ability to understand the economics. I want to be sure that you spend the class thinking about how math helps you tell an economic story, and not trying to understand how to manipulate algebra.

If you are concerned about your algebra abilities, or if you would like a refresher, you have multiple options. If you have not already taken the math assessment the Trachtenberg School sent over the summer, I advise you to do this as soon as possible. If you feel you'd like a refresher, use the links here to work on these subjects.

Course Material

Required textbook: Goolsbee, Levitt and Syverson, Microeconomics, Third Edition
Required reading packet: TBA Selected chapters from Gruber, Public Finance and Public Policy, Second Edition (Chapter 7, pages 184-189; Chapter 12, pages 321-351; Chapter 19, pages 557-586) and from Rosen and Gayer, Public Finance, Tenth Edition (Chapter 4, pages 54-70).
Required book: Olson, Mancur. The Logic of Collective Action.

(1) and (2) are available at the bookstore. Purchase (3) online; the internet is awash in used copies.

You are welcome to use earlier editions of the Goolsbee et al textbook, but it is your responsibility to figure out which sections in the first and second editions correspond to those in the third. Similarly, you are welcome to find alternative sources for the material in the reading packet. Whether or not you purchase the reading packet, you are responsible for the material it contains.

Weekly Plan

To build problem solving skills, engage with economics and to create community, we are using a “flipped classroom” model. You do the reading and watching before you get to class. In class you work on problems and sometimes on case studies or data projects.

Before Class

Friday before class, by 5 pm, I post lecture videos and any case study materials
You read the assigned pages, case study (if assigned) and watch the videos

During Class

VERY short reading quiz
Administration overview
Ripped from Headlines presentations
Work on problems, usually in groups
Sometimes case study or data project, in groups

I anticipate that in weeks when we do not have a case study or data project, we will use less than the full class time. In weeks when we do have either of these two extra activities, I expect that we will likely use most of the class time, though the entire lecture will not be spent together as a large group.

Online Expectations

Generally, we expect that you have your camera on during class sessions. This helps us understand when the explanations are lacking and creates accountability. While everyone may not always be able to do this, and we understand, camera on is the preferred option.
By default, mute yourself.
Raise your hand to ask questions. If the instructor doesn't see your hand, unmute and speak up.

Evaluation

Midterm Exam (25%)
- This is an open book exam covering all material in the course through this point.
- The exam is timed, and is held during the course session.
Final Exam (30%)
- This is an open book exam covering all material in the course through this point, but with an emphasis on the latter half of the class.
- The exam is timed, and is held during the course session.
Using Numbers (20%)

During the course, we have three assignments that ask you to use data to illustrate the economic principles we learn in class
These assignments consist of two parts
- Problems based on a dataset I give you and help you work through
- Problems based on a dataset I provide or that you find
Late assignments receive half credit after an hour grace period and zero after 24 hours.

Class Participation (15%)
- We use three methods to assess participation
Ripped from the Headlines (5%)
- This assignment asks you to find and reflect on articles that relate to the course content
- During the semester, you will be both a finder and a presenter; both count toward your grade on this assignment
Reading quiz (5%)

For the 13 class sessions without an exam, we will have a three question reading quiz at the beginning of each synchronous online class.
Each question is equally-weighted unless otherwise noted.
We will keep grades from your 8 best-scoring quizzes.

Problem Sets (0%)
- Problem sets are designed to practice the skills we learn in this course and prepare you for the exams
- Because we are doing a “flipped classroom”, we do problems in class
- I will not post answers to these in-class questions. You are welcome to come to office hours to discuss answers further.

Piazza

Piazza is the online discussion forum for this class and allows for open discussions of all course-related questions. Post questions you have about the course material to Piazza. We monitor Piazza closely. If you know the answer to a question, post it. Posting questions or answers that are endorsed by TAs or the instructor can improve your participation grade.

By default, your posts are visible to the instructor, the TAs and other students, and you should prefer this mode so that others can benefit from your question and the answer. However, you can post privately so that only the course staff can see your question. You can also post anonymously if you wish. If you post privately, we reserve the right to make your question public if we think the class will benefit.

Piazza is the most effective way to communicate with the instructor and TAs. Please avoid email if Piazza will do. We post all course announcements on Piazza.

Advice for Success

Complete the assigned reading before class and search the internet for clarification of concepts that you might not initially grasp.
Ask questions if something doesn’t make sense.
After class, re-write the answers to problems that we went over in class. Treat your notes during class as a first draft, not a final one.
Do or re-do problems with a group if you find this helpful.
Review your work and discuss differences with fellow students or TAs. If you don't understand the answers, speak with the TAs or instructor.
Use the TA and instructor office hours.
Sign up for the peer educator program at any point to work one-on-one with a peer. If you receive a B or lower on an assignment, you are strongly urged to contact Denee Bottoms to sign up to work with a peer educator.
Do practice problems in preparation for exams. Use the starred problems in the textbook and the previous exam.

Course Material Copyright

Course materials posted on this website, Piazza, or elsewhere are intellectual property belonging to the author. Students are not permitted to buy or sell any course materials without the express permission of the instructor. Such unauthorized behavior constitutes academic misconduct.

Accommodations

We want to provide an environment that helps every student in this course succeed. If you have accommodations of which the instructor should be aware, please inform the instructor no later than the first week of the course so we can plan together for a successful semester.

Online Caveats

This semester is the first time I am teaching this class fully online, so please be prepared for some glitches along the way. I also anticipate that the technology upon which we rely will sometimes fail, and we will all need to be prepared for work-arounds in these cases.

Be sure to notify the instructor or TA immediately when you have a technological issue that prevents you from completing an assignment as scheduled. It is easy to be understanding when we learn right away. It is more difficult to create fair solutions when we learn about problems hours or days later.

Additional GWU Policies

The Syllabus
This syllabus is your guide to the course. If any questions arise, please check the syllabus before contacting me or the TA. Sound educational practice requires flexibility and I may revise content and requirements during the semester.
Inclusivity
Higher education works best when it becomes a vigorous and lively marketplace of ideas in which all points of view are heard. Free expression in the classroom is an integral part of this process. At the same time, higher education works best when all of us approach the enterprise with empathy and respect for others, irrespective of their ideology, political views, or identity. We value civility because that is the kind of community we want, and we care for it because civility permits intellectual exploration and growth.
Student Support
If you need technical support, other student services, help in obtaining a GWorld card, or any other student service, start at online.gwu.edu/student-support
Use of Electronic Course Materials and Class Recordings Students are encouraged to use electronic course materials, including recorded class sessions, for private personal use in connection with their academic program of study. Electronic course materials and recorded class sessions should not be shared or used for non-course related purposes unless express permission has been granted by the instructor. Students who impermissibly share any electronic course materials are subject to discipline under the Student Code of Conduct. Please contact the instructor if you have questions regarding what constitutes permissible or impermissible use of electronic course materials and/or recorded class sessions. Please contact Disability Support Services at disabilitysupport.gwu.edu if you have questions or need assistance in accessing electronic course materials.
Late or Missed Class
If you are late or absent from class, it is your responsibility to obtain all announcements, assignments, and handouts from this website or from your classmates. As participation is part of your grade, and because attendance in class helps you learn, missing many classes will be detrimental to your final grade. Missing one class should have no effect. You do not need to notify me in advance if you are going to miss class.
Exam Dates
Please notify me in the first two weeks of class if you are aware of a pre-existing conflict, such as a religious holiday you observe, that will preclude you from taking either exam at the assigned time. To the extent possible, we will work together to reschedule the exam as close to the original date as possible.
Submission of Written Work Products Outside of the Classroom
It is your responsibility to ensure that I receive your assignment on time. If you encounter difficulties with an online portal or submission, it is your responsibility to notify the instructor or TA immediately.
Collaboration on Assignments
You are welcome to work in groups; however, you are expected to write up your answers individually. This means that no phrases on your assignment should mimic phrases on any other student's work.
Submission of Written Work Products after Due Date
All work must be submitted by the assigned due date in order to receive full credit. Only extreme circumstances warrant exceptions. Late assignments are marked down for each day that they are late.
Academic Integrity Code
Academic Integrity is an integral part of the educational process, and GW takes these matters very seriously. Violations of academic integrity occur when students fail to cite research sources properly, engage in unauthorized collaboration, falsify data, and in other ways outlined in the Code of Academic Integrity. Students accused of academic integrity violations should contact the Office of Academic Integrity to learn more about their rights and options in the process. Outcomes can range from failure of assignment to expulsion from the University, including a transcript notation. The Office of Academic Integrity maintains a permanent record of the violation.
More information is available from the Office of Academic Integrity at studentconduct.gwu.edu/academic-integrity. The University’s “Guide of Academic Integrity in Online Learning Environments” is available at studentconduct.gwu.edu/guide-academic-integrity-online-learning-environments. Contact information: rights@gwu.edu or 202-994-6757.
Incompletes
You must consult with me to obtain an incomplete no later than the last day of classes in the semester. At that time, we will both sign the CCAS contract for incompletes and submit a copy to the School Director. Please consult the TSPPPA Student Handbook or visit this link for the complete CCAS policy on incompletes.
Changing Grades After Completion of Course
No changes can be made in grades after the conclusion of the semester, other than in cases of clerical error.
Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
If you need extra time on exams or assignments due to a disability, let me know in the first week of class. In order to receive accommodations on the basis of disability, you'll need to provide proper documentation to the Office of Disability Support Services, Marvin Center 436, 202-994-8250. Accommodations will be made based upon the recommendations of the DSS Office.
University Counseling Center
The University Counseling Center (UCC), 202-994-5300, offers 24/7 assistance and referral to address students' personal, social, career, and study skills problems. Services for students include crisis and emergency mental health consultations; confidential assessment, counseling services (individual and small group), and referrals.
Religious Holidays
If you need to miss a class to observe a religious holiday, please notify me the first week of classes about any conflict; we will arrange an absence without penality. See GW's policy here.
Out of Class Learning
Average minimum amount of independent, out-of- class, learning expected per week: In a 15 week semester, including exam week, students are expected to spend a minimum of 100 minutes of out-of- class work for every 50 minutes of direct instruction, for a minimum total of 2.5 hours a week.
For help outside the classroom
- Virtual academic support
  A full range of academic support is offered virtually in fall 2020. See coronavirus.gwu.edu/top-faqs for updates.
  Tutoring and course review sessions are offered through Academic Commons in an online format. See academiccommons.gwu.edu/tutoring
  Writing and research consultations are available online. See academiccommons.gwu.edu/writing-research-help
  Coaching, offered through the Office of Student Success, is available in a virtual format. See studentsuccess.gwu.edu/academic-program-support
  Academic Commons offers several short videos addressing different virtual learning strategies for the unique circumstances of the fall 2020 semester. See academiccommons.gwu.edu/study-skills. They also offer a variety of live virtual workshops to equip students with the tools they need to succeed in a virtual environment. See tinyurl.com/gw-virtual-learning
- Writing Center
  GW’s Writing Center cultivates confident writers in the University community by facilitating collaborative, critical, and inclusive conversations at all stages of the writing process. Working alongside peer mentors, writers develop strategies to write independently in academic and public settings. Appointments can be booked online. See gwu.mywconline.
- Academic Commons
  Academic Commons provides tutoring and other academic support resources to students in many courses. Students can schedule virtual one-on-one appointments or attend virtual drop-in sessions. Students may schedule an appointment, review the tutoring schedule, access other academic support resources, or obtain assistance at academiccommons.gwu.edu.
- Disability Support Services
  Phone is 202-994-8250. Any student who may need an accommodation based on the potential impact of a disability should contact Disability Support Services to establish eligibility and to coordinate reasonable accommodations. disabilitysupport.gwu.edu
- Counseling and Psychological Services
  Phone is 202-994-5300.
  GW’s Colonial Health Center offers counseling and psychological services, supporting mental health and personal development by collaborating directly with students to overcome challenges and difficulties that may interfere with academic, emotional, and personal success. healthcenter.gwu.edu/counseling-and-psychological-services
Safety and Security

In an emergency: call GWPD 202-994-6111 or 911
For situation-specific actions: review the Emergency Response Handbook at safety.gwu.edu/emergency-response-handbook
In an active violence situation: Get Out, Hide Out, or Take Out. See go.gwu.edu/shooterpret
Stay informed: safety.gwu.edu/stay-informed

With many thanks to Bobby Kleinberg, from whom this webpage borrows liberally.