Economics

In recent years, a considerable amount of economic research suggests that real wages (a worker�s salary adjusted for
inflation) have either fallen or remained flat over the past 40 years. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
average real
Each student must complete 2 defense of opinion statements (DOS) from the list of topics found on Blackboard.
These statements should be typed, double space and be around 400 words (around 2 pages). Each DOS should
include the following:
1) A clear statement of opinion on the specific topic chosen within the first 5 sentences of the DOS.
2) A reference to the results of some economic model that pertains to the specific topic.
3) At least 1 references from peer-review literature that support your opinion (for detailed information see
�Tips� below).
4) A works cited section (not to be considered part of your word count).
Tips
? �Peer-reviewed� literature is academic in nature. This excluded newspapers, television reports, blogs,
online news agencies, etc. The syllabus has an excellent collection of peer-reviewed articles. (Note:
many of the publications are found on Blackboard but most journal articles are proprietary)
? Economic models include the market model, the Grossman model, probability density functions.
Any model I reference in class that pertains to the subject would prove useful.
? There is no need to include a visual representation of the economic model, but rather state the result and
how it is derived (e.g. price moves to a point where quantity demanded equals quantity supplied).
? Think about answering these questions when writing your DOS.
o What is my opinion on this topic?
o What evidence is there to support my opinion (via economic model or peer-reviewed literature)?
o How does this economic model work? / What is the methodology used in the literature
referenced?
o Is there any weakness in the arguments made by an opposing opinion? Is there evidence of this
weakness?
o What should policy be focused on in the future to address this issue (in the context of your
opinion)?
Grading
The 2 DOS count as 20% of your grade (10% for each DOS). Each DOS will be graded out of 100 points
according to the breakdown below:
? 30 points possible for usage/description of
references
? 30 points for usage/description of
economics/economic models
? 30 points for quality/strength of defense of
opinion
? 10 points for quality of writing