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Kurt Christensen

Instructors have provided the following information to generally describe what to expect in their classes.

Economics

Class Format

I strive for interactive classes, but the level of engagement is up to the students in the class. To help facilitate this, I will, on occasion, put students into groups for an activity. Generally, I use a lecture format, and depending on the material being covered, we spend lots of days building models (graphs), explaining them, and then applying them to what is happening in the economy today. I, also, incorporate news articles and current events in an economic context whenever relevant.

Resource Use

Textbook: Yes, necessary.

Calculator: Your cellphone calculator will suffice.

Software: Yes, online homework and assessments are required.

Assessment

The student's grade is based on a variety of assignments. You will have in-class homework that we may do individually or in a group (these are called “problem sets”); you will have out-of-class on-line homework, chapter quizzes and four tests.

Homework Policy

Homework is essential to passing this class. You will have both in-class and out-of-class assignments. There are plenty of homework points, but it is up to you to take advantage of them. They can significantly boost your grade, or adversely affect it.

Attendance Policy

I take attendance to learn names; however, I strongly recommend you attend class. Problem Sets are randomly held, and you want to capitalize on those points. Test dates are announced in class but will also be evident in Canvas. Class attendance and active participation are closely tied to successful completion of the course.

It is economics department policy to not withdraw students for non-attendance. If you stop attending a face-to-face class (or participating in an online class), it is your responsibility to withdraw; faculty do not withdraw students for poor attendance.

Availability

My office hours are on MWF from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., or by appointment. It is also easy to catch me before or after class. I am always reachable via email. I respond within 24 hours or less.

Additional Information

By its very nature economics is “mathy” (a Dilbert-ism), my aim is to make economics accessible to those students who are mathematically challenged. The in-class and out-of-class assignments will give the students a flavor for the types of questions asked on the examinations; however, additional practice of graphical and mathematical problems (i.e., learning through repetition) will help students understand the mechanics of economic interactions.