Econ Essay

Extra Credit Opportunity Two

Econ 2100/W01

Following is a short article from the “New York Times” from a column called The

Upshot. This piece is titled “High Drug Prices Are Bad. Cutting Them could BE

Worse.” It discusses possible consequences from cutting drug prices and government

support of research and development simultaneously.

Based on this article prepare a 1-2 page (double spaced) paper of 200 to 400 words that

provides your thoughts relating to the two questions below):

What did you learn? In this section, you should summarize your learnings

from the article connecting these thoughts, as much as possible, to the subjects

discussed in class and covered in the text readings.

What is your opinion? In this section you should present your reaction to the

analysis presented by the author. Do you agree with the application of

economic principles to this topic and why? Do you support the author’s

conclusions and recommendations and why? Do the author’s

arguments/analyses have applications in other areas and why? The three

preceding sentences are meant to stimulate your thinking; you are not required

to respond to these three sub-questions, nor are you limited to these topics.

Clearly indicate, via a headline, which section of your paper deals with each

question.

Grade

These papers will be graded on a Pass/Fail basis. There are no “right” answers. A Pass

will be given if the student can demonstrate that he/she has read the paper, thought about

the topic and its application to the other readings and class work. Given the brevity of the

paper (and the need to use the limited resource - words - efficiently) more effort should

go into the thinking than the writing. The grades will posted on D2L within a week of

the due date. An otherwise full credit paper will have one point reduced for each of the

format requirements (word count and headlines) that are not followed.

Due Date

This assignment is due as a Word attachment to the D2L Assignments tool by 10 pm on

Nov 8. Late submissions will not be accepted.