Course Description

How do we know what the economy is really telling us? What does a rising price, changing unemployment rate, or new economic report actually mean for the people around us?  In this course, students will learn to make sense of economic information and turn it into stories that help people understand what is happening in their communities and the world 

Students will build media and economic literacy by learning how to read economic data, spot important patterns, and explain complex ideas clearly. They’ll step into different roles as they interview experts, create infographics, and write news stories in the style of an NPR reporter. 

Along the way, they’ll practice turning raw information into clear, engaging stories that people can actually understand. The course will culminate in a final news broadcast that brings together their work from throughout the course.

Essential Questions

  • How can I use economic data to understand what is happening in the world?
  • How can I tell the difference between an interesting economic fact and an important economic story?
  • What are the key issues in economics that impact companies vs. elites vs. everyday people? 
  • How does one decide an economy is healthy or unhealthy? 
  • How does one communicate about the impact of economic information for people’s lives?

Weekly Breakdown

Week 1 Basic Ideas in Economics
Week 2 Thinking about News Makers’ Incentives Regarding Economic Issue
Week 3 Topic 1: Corporate Taxes and stock prices
Week 4 Topic 2: Individual Taxes
Week 5 Topic 3: Tariffs 
Week 6 Topic 4:  Job Creation
Week 7 Topic 5: Inflation
Week 8 Preparation for Showcase News Room Roundtable 
Week 9                                    News Room Roundtable

Instructor

Other Details

Cost

  • $337.50
    • 9 classes, 50 minute class

Location

Date & Time

  • Saturdays, September 26 - November 21st 2026
  • 9:00am - 9:50am

Refund and Transfer Deadlines

  • Full refund: Two weeks before classes start
  • 50% refund: One week before classes start
  • No refund: Less than one week before classes start