Instructor:
In Crafting Economics, students will explore the beauty and complexity of economic ideas through the creation of tangible 3D models and immersive virtual reality experiences. By constructing physical graphs using materials such as paper, ribbons, glue, and tape, students will investigate the aesthetic principles that make economic ideas accessible, compelling, and meaningful. Then, in a virtual environment, students will apply these principles to redesign existing visualizations and reflect on how aesthetic decisions shape the interpretation of economic models. The course will also delve into the role of aesthetics in storytelling with data, exploring techniques such as metaphor, symbolism, and even visual narrative structures. The course will delve into optimization problems in economics, such as determining prices, quantities, and locations. Through step-by-step exploration and pattern recognition, students will engage in solving economic problems while fully immersed in 3D simulations and VR technology.