One of the student learning outcomes of this course is to "Engage in dialogue to discuss practical applications of market models and the merits of policychoices, especially as they may relate to concepts of socio-economic welfare (incomedistribution, job growth, labor conditions and wage equity, taxation, sustainable developmentetc.)"

As the business cycle evolves, what changes do you see in the economy around you in terms of job availability, work conditions, and the way you spend and save your income?

Focusing on the last bit:

What kinds of goods or services do people tend to sacrifice or forego when money is tight? What are some of the first things people splurge on when circumstances improve? What do you continue to demand regardless of your financial circumstances? What does that tell us about our characteristics as US consumers?