The purpose of this course is to enhance your understanding of the economic system in the United States. This will be accomplished by developing your ability to interpret and analyze, as an economist would, economic problems and circumstances. The economist's tools of analysis will be presented in the context of typical historical or present day economic situations. The course will also present alternative viewpoints when there is significant controversy as to the correct economic interpretation.

Economic events and problems such as inflation and unemployment continuously affect our lives. A basic understanding of them will enable you to anticipate and take the logical steps necessary to deal effectively with their consequences. In addition such knowledge allows each of us as citizens to critically evaluate government's economic programs and policies addressed to these situations.

If you do well in this course, you will be able to:

• use the conceptual tools of analysis which will enable you to understand the measures and objectives of national economic policies. 
• recognize the accepted body of principles which are the foundation of economic thought. 
• assume your role as a well-informed citizen in the community. 

The required textbook for this course is:

• David C. Colander, Microeconomics, 7th Ed., McGraw-Hill Irwin.
• Encrt Card (access code) to accompany Microeconomics

  For information on how to order your textbooks, go to http://eli.nvcc.edu/books/

Your course grade will be determined by the introductory letter, 8 quizzes, 11 thought questions, and 4 exams, according to the following points:

There are 4 exams in this course. You are expected to take your examinations at one of the NVCC campus Testing Centers. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your exam before the Testing Center closes; Testing Centers have specific policies relating to the administration of ELI exams. You will need to take a photo ID, your NovaConnect empl ID number, and the appropriate Exam Pass when you go to the Testing Center.  

For Testing Center locations, hours of operation and policies, click here.

For information on taking exams outside of the metropolitan area, click here.

I am here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact me when they do:

E-mail : rearley@nvcc.edu or dbradshaw@nvcc.edu
Telephone : (703) 323-3246
You may also call me to schedule a meeting in person, either at ELI or my campus office in Annandale. 

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard and email at http://nvcc.my.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.