COURSE CONTEXT AND DESCRIPTION

This course provides tools and concepts from the field of economics (mostly microeconomics) that participants can apply to their work in community development.  Topics we will touch on include consumer choice theory, the theory of efficient markets, theories of market failure, behavioral economics, game theory, economic base theory, cost-benefit analysis, and economic inequality.  For each of these topics, we will examine how these concepts can inform community development practitioners as they develop and implement strategies to improve people’s lives and communities.  We will also explore various techniques for working with data and conducting empirical research to support community development strategy development.  The course is not a complete overview of the field of economics or even a complete introductory course in microeconomics or econometrics.  Rather, it seeks to show how “thinking like an economist” can yield insights to support community development practitioners in their work.  No previous coursework in economics is required, and no advanced skills in mathematics are required beyond basic high-school algebra.

Course meets over ZOOM on Wednesdays, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM, every two weeks starting Wednesday September 9.

Sept 9

Sept 23

Oct 7

Oct 21

Nov 4

Nov 18

Dec 2

Dec 16