Topic 1: HISTORY OF ECONOMIC THOUGHT- Ray Hughel, Southern Methodist University
Description: If you are under the impression that economists are forever data-driven and obsessed with complex formulas and not with unconventional new ways of thinking, then you should explore the Austrian school. The economists in this school strive to solve complex issues- economic ones- by conducting thought experiments on inflation, unemployment and the importance of private property, to name a few. The Austrian school economists have some very unique insights into many of the most important economic issues of our times.

Topic 2: FDA AND REGULATION- Ray Hughel, Southern Methodist University
Description: The effects that pre-market approval has on overall quality of treatment and availability of treatment options, causes distortions (good and bad) on the food and drug markets. What is regulatory capture? What is legislative log rolling? How does regulation impose upon the economy? These and other economic questions are examined in this look at what we eat and how we medicate.

Topic 3: ECONOMICS OF COMMERCIAL BANKING- Bryan Cutsinger, Angelo State University
Description: Banks play a pivotal role in an economy by mediating many of the dynamic components of a Free Enterprise system. How do they operate? What makes a bank a profitable going concern? What functions do banks offer that make individuals economically freer and potentially entrepreneurial? These and the answers to other questions are approached in this primer on an industry that requires better understanding.


Topic 4: ECONOMIC ISSUES: INFLATION AND UNEMPLOYMENT - Bryan Cutsinger, Angelo State University
Description: Free Enterprise offers people and nations the promise of prosperity, higher standards of living, and longer life expectancy. However, what about some of the issues of risk that come with the system such as Unemployment and Inflation? What are the criteria for measuring these two issues? Under what conditions do they impair Free Enterprise and how can market forces come to bear to contain such economic situations? The factors that affect both Unemployment and Inflation are discussed in this introductory examination of how an economy can be influenced by market activity and institutions.

6-12 Social Studies Teachers

Curriculum
Social Studies
TTESS 1.1 Standards and Alignment
TTESS 1.3 Knowledge of Students
TTESS 1.4 Activities
TTESS 2.2 Content Knowledge and Expertise

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