Economics is the Painful Elaboration of the Obvious

READ ME FIRST, THEN PROCEED TO SYLLABUS

A cartoon that illustrates why economics is sometimes referred to as the "dismal" science. On the one hand, while certain economic events may have a beneficial effect on parts of society, on the other hand, those same events may have negative effect on other parts of society.

Economic News | Syllabus | Weekly Lessons/Modules

Emilio Gomez

Instructor:

Emilio Gomez

email: egomez@santarosa.edu (for faster response)

Phone: 707.521.6907

Office: Emeritus, 1559

Office Hours

M/W: 1:30pm – 2:30pm; T/TH: 10:30am – 12:00pm

Also, by appointment and any time I am in my office.

Welcome Students of Macroeconomics!

Let me congratulate you on taking this course whether you voluntarily chose to take it or you must because it is a degree requirement (most likely)! Regardless, you are about to take a journey that, I wish, everyone was required to take. The entire world is made up of markets and markets are the realm of economics. Therefore, if you understand how markets work, then you'll begin to understand how the world and everyone in it, operates.That bit of knowledge is not possessed by everyone, which is why you should be congratulated.

I am very excited to be your instructor this semester and to impart some, if not all, of my passion for economics. The practical knowledge you will gain in this course will not only enable you to be a more informed voter, but also a more productive participant of the labor force (what we call in economics, human capital).

As we begin the following 18-week journey, I ask only one thing from you. Approach this course not only with an open mind, but a clear mind, void of any preconceptions that you may have. If you do, I promise that you will leave this course with the ability to make optimal decisions, as well as challenging (when needed), the decisions of others. I hope to foster in you the ability to step out of your comfort zones and dare to accept positive statements (empirically-based), rather than normative research (opinionated/subjectively-based), or simply put, fact from fiction.

So, let's begin. Please open the syllabus to acquaint yourselves with the course. The syllabus is the contract between you and I. Everything required of you and for the class is outlined in the syllabus. It is your responsibility to learn what is in it. Before directing any questions to me, please make sure you've read the syllabus, as you may find the answer there. Since the syllabus is part of the course, you may be quizzed on it as well.

Again, congratulations on being here! Let's make this a great semester!

Best,

Emilio Gomez