Social Sciences Computer Center

 
Web Resources For Introductory Economics

The two main audio sources used here are NPR and EconTalk.

Some of my favorite audios are arranged by topic headings:

Marginal Analysis
California Cuts Coastal Fishing to Restore Ecosystem

Economic Incentives
Squeezing Oil Out of Stones in the Rocky Mountains

Demand and Supply
1..As Gas Rises, So Do Airfares

After listening to the audio try to answer the following questions 1. How does gas price affect airlines market?  In our demand supply model – does the demand curve or supply curve get affected as gas prices go up? Draw a neat diagram and make sure you label the axes. 2. The speaker says “the airlines can pass on the gas prices to the consumers” what does he mean by that?  Can you explain this using a demand supply graph? 3.  In the past when gas prices went up, why were the airlines not able to raise the ticket prices?   Does your answer depend on the market structure of the airlines industry?

Elasticity
Gas Prices, the Economy and the Motorists

1. As price of gasoline goes up, people are not driving less – as an economist is this alarming?  Does this violate any basic economic principles?  If this is true can you still draw a downward sloping demand curve for gasoline? 2. Is it true for all commodities that as price goes up, people do not reduce the amount of the good they consume? 3. How can you explain this behavior of people? 4. In  your  experience, during 2006 when price of gasoline went up substantially, do you think people did not change their consumption at all?

Market Distortions

World Trade Organization Talks Collapse

Economic Growth and Development

Fight to end Poverty: This is an interview with economist Jeffery Sachs about poverty in African nations and why it is hard for Africa to attain higher growth rates.

Lucas on Growth, Poverty and Business Cycle: You can listen to an interview with Nobel Laureate Robert Lucas. Any student of economics can enjoy this interview which includes discussion on modern growth theory and examples to substantiate the discussion.

Vertical Integration
Slate's Press box: Media 'De-Concentration'