Interactive Policy Experiment: The Fundamentals of Trade

Economics is much more than just equations and pie-charts.  Economics is an academic discipline fundamentally driven by the interaction of people.  In this unique Capitol Hill Campus course, Dr. Antony Davies of Duquesne University will conduct an interactive “economic experiment”, or game, to demonstrate firsthand how individuals and markets relate.  This particular experiment, a chance to observe economics in action, will allow participants to understand the motivations and complexities of production and trade in two hypothetical countries. Participants will actively “produce” and “exchange” goods in a controlled experiment, which will be followed by a brief concluding synopsis.

Dr. Davies is currently an associate professor of economics at Duquesne University.  His areas of research include forecasting and rational expectations, consumer behavior, and international economics. Dr. Davies has run many similar experiments for diverse legislative and executive branch audiences in state capitals and for U.S. Congressional Staffers.  This course will address such questions as:

• What are the economic benefits and costs from trade? What are the social gains or losses from trade?
• How does trade impact income distribution and social equality?
• How does international trade affect emerging economies?  Are poor nations and low-skilled workers getting their fair share?

Because the game is interactive, we will commence promptly at 12:00pm, so please plan to arrive at 11:30 in order to get lunch before the program begins.

If you have questions regarding this course, or trouble RSVPing, please email Kathleen O'Hearn at kohearn@gmu.edu.