Economic Detectives: The Hidden Side of Everything

Simpson Colloquium 101

Economists have all the fun. Fundamentally, they analyze markets and how people interact and behave, but current economics is increasingly focused on how we make everyday choices. In this class, you will discover the unique questions economists study and learn about fascinating discoveries. Using popular texts like Freakonomics and Nudge to study “rational” behavior, you will learn about the logic of baby names, how sumo wrestling matches were rigged, how to increase organ donations, why some public school teachers cheat for their students, and why some real estate agents don’t act in the best interest of clients. You will learn how fragile “rational” behavior is, and how understanding human behavior is the key to improving society. The class has no prerequisite except curiosity and love of active learning.

Meet Your Professor
Jim Palmieri, Ph.D.
Professor of EconomicsJim Palmieri

I teach a wide variety of economics courses at Simpson and earned my Ph.D. in economics from Indiana University. I love all areas of economics, especially labor economics, income inequality, behavioral economics and project evaluation.

I seem to be doing a pretty good job since I’ve won the Distinguished Junior Faculty Award in 2002 and the Distinguished Teaching Award in 2009.

 I really enjoy teaching economics to students just starting their college years; the subject is so interesting and applicable to our lives. When I’m not working, I enjoy traveling, talking politics and sharing good times with friends and family.

 

 

 

 

 Meet Your Simpson Colloquium Leader
Chrissy Meggers17Chrissy

Hello! My name is Chrissy Meggers. I will be a senior in the fall and am from Mason City, IA. I am a history major with management and integrated marketing communications minors. I am an active member of Greek Life, and am currently the Panhellenic President at Simpson College. One of my best experiences with Simpson College was my semester abroad in London, England studying European history. Being where all of the history happened while learning about it was amazing! I absolutely love to travel and would be happy to talk about any traveling experiences or study abroad opportunities you might have or be looking into.

I am an outgoing person, and love to meet new people. You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, or Simpson email. I am looking forward to meeting you all in June and in the fall! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask!

Meet Your Writing Fellow
Jacy  Gomez16Jacy

Hello! My name is Jacy Gomez and I am excited to be your writing fellow this fall. I know that college can be quite an adjustment for many. My job is to help you with papers and assignments in your SC class and to help assist with your transition here at Simpson. 

Originally, I’m from Newton, Kansas. However, I graduated from Indianola High School. My activities in high school included soccer, basketball, volleyball, debate, forensics and mock trial.

At Simpson I’m a sophomore with majors in Spanish and Integrated Marketing Communications. I’m also a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority here at Simpson, the National Championship Debate Team and I am also a part of Student Support Services.

During my free time I am either running, hanging out with my friends or volunteering. I am on Facebook and Twitter so do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to meeting all of you this coming school year!