Alexander Whitefield

Alexander Whitefield
  • Applied Economics PhD Student

Contact Information

Links: Personal Website

Teaching

Current Courses

  • BEPP1000 - Introductory Economics For Business Students

    Microeconomics is the study of the behavior of households and firms, whose collective decisions determine how resources are allocated in a free market economy. We will study when markets are likely to produce "efficient" outcomes, and when government intervention may improve on or harm the competitive market outcome. We will use economic theory to analyze issues like a gas tax to change reliance on oil, minimum wages to increase salaries of the working poor, and government subsidies to increase education. Macroeconomics is the study of the economy as a whole. We will understand how the size of the US economy is determined, how unemployment is measured, how inflation affects life. We will look at policy options that the government and the Federal Reserve Bank face, and discuss pros and cons of their actions. Economic arguments are often used in debates about government policies, discussion of business strategies, and many of life's other arenas. The goal of the course is to teach you to "think like an economist," which I hope will help you to understand the world around you, make better economic decisions in your own life, and be a more informed citizen and voter.

    BEPP1000201 ( Syllabus )

    BEPP1000202 ( Syllabus )

    BEPP1000203 ( Syllabus )

Past Courses

  • BEPP1000 - Introductory Economics

    Microeconomics is the study of the behavior of households and firms, whose collective decisions determine how resources are allocated in a free market economy. We will study when markets are likely to produce "efficient" outcomes, and when government intervention may improve on or harm the competitive market outcome. We will use economic theory to analyze issues like a gas tax to change reliance on oil, minimum wages to increase salaries of the working poor, and government subsidies to increase education. Macroeconomics is the study of the economy as a whole. We will understand how the size of the US economy is determined, how unemployment is measured, how inflation affects life. We will look at policy options that the government and the Federal Reserve Bank face, and discuss pros and cons of their actions. Economic arguments are often used in debates about government policies, discussion of business strategies, and many of life's other arenas. The goal of the course is to teach you to "think like an economist," which I hope will help you to understand the world around you, make better economic decisions in your own life, and be a more informed citizen and voter.

In the News

Knowledge @ Wharton

Activity

In the News

Navigating Holiday Retail Trends Amid Economic Uncertainty

Managing director of the Baker Retailing Center discusses how economic uncertainty, shifting consumer behavior, and evolving retail dynamics are influencing expectations for the holiday shopping season.…Read More

Knowledge @ Wharton - 2025/11/21
All News