Let’s set that definition and Mankiw’s principles aside for now and consider your preconceptions of economics.  For many students, economics has a reputation similar to Voldemort from the Harry Potter series.  Voldemort was the antagonist; he was the bad wizard.  In fact, Voldemort was so bad that the students of Hogwarts were even afraid to say his name. Consequently, they called him “he who shall not be named.”  Economics has a reputation like Voldemort’s; its name brings on anxiety.

 

What are your preconceptions of economics?  Do you think microeconomics will be a relatively difficult course or a relatively easy course?  Why or why not?  For those of you who have taken microeconomics, how do you think microeconomics will differ from microeconomics?