1. Economic knowledge includes both abstract ideas and real-world information. Economists explain their theories with verbal descriptions, numerical data, equations, and graphs, which require a variety of skills. This section outlines the basic skills needed to succeed in Economics 1. If you have further questions about your preparation for this course, please talk to me individually.
   
   
2. English/ESL Skills: The economics faculty recommends that students in Economics 1 have completed intermediate composition -- ESL 150 or English 94 -- before taking this class. Students need a good working English vocabulary and enough reading and writing skills so they can understand everyday English used in lectures and readings, participate in group and class discussions, and write understandable paragraphs.
        Please don’t let concern about an accent keep you quiet -- the majority of City College students come from homes where another language besides English is used, and we are all practicing our communication skills. I will try to speak slowly and clearly, and define unusual words. And whatever your background, please ask questions about any unfamiliar terms or concepts.
        But: Students who are not yet comfortable speaking in English or find it difficult to follow everyday speech, read a newspaper, or write in English are at a definite disadvantage. If this is you, I urge you to postpone this class. Please develop these skills first and give yourself a chance to do well in this class in a future semester.
   
   
3. Math and Graphing Skills: Economists often present their theories using mathematical formulas and graphs, so students in Economics 1 need to be able to read, interpret, and work with fractions, decimals, percentages, a simple two-variable equation, and graphs showing how variables are related. To see what’s needed, look at the appendix to chapter 1 in the textbook. Anyone who needs to take Math E should not enroll in this class.

If you have been able to do basic algebra and math in the past you will probably be fine in this class, even if you haven’t used these skills in awhile.