Introduction to Economics
Shirin Mollah; Michael Jonas; and Sandhyarani Patlolla
This adapted version of Principles of Economics 3e was created to provide a more inclusive, updated, and engaging approach to introductory economic principles. Our goals in this revision were to do the following:
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center diversity and inclusion in economics by highlighting contributions of underrepresented groups, examining structural inequalities, and including diverse economic voices and perspectives
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update datasets and visualizations to reflect the post-pandemic global economy, incorporating data through 2024 from the Federal Reserve, World Bank, and other leading sources
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embed interactive content, including self-check quizzes, simulations, and real-time data links, to encourage active learning and engagement
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integrate real-world examples from industries, communities, and policies that students encounter in everyday life, thus connecting economics to lived experiences
This book is intended for use in introductory economics courses at the college level, and it is designed to be modular, flexible, and openly accessible to all learners.
Acknowledgments
We would like to thank the OER Social Justice team at Loyola Marymount University and the University of San Francisco—Nataly Blas, Karna Younger, Theresa Huff, Kristine Brancolini, and Nicola Andrews—for their guidance and support. We also appreciate the assistance of Skye Pingul and Altynai Amankeldi.
FIPSE Funding
The contents of this book were developed under a grant from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, (FIPSE), U.S. Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. For more information about OER for Social Justice, visit our project website.
About the Authors
Shirin Mollah, Loyola Marymount University
Shirin Mollah is an instructor of economics at Loyola Marymount University. She received a BA in economics and biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, an MA from the University of San Francisco, an MBA from Loyola Marymount University, and an MS and a PhD in economics from Claremont Graduate University. Shirin conducts economic research in labor economics, sports economics, and health economics.
Michael Jonas, University of San Francisco
Michael Jonas is an associate professor of economics at the University of San Francisco. He received his MA from San Francisco State University and PhD in economics from the University of California, Davis. Michael conducts economics research in monetary economics and econometrics.
Sandhyarani Patlolla, University of San Francisco
Sandhyarani Patlolla is an assistant professor of economics at the University of San Francisco. She received her MA from Kansas State University and a PhD in economics from the University of California, Davis. Sandhyarani conducts economics research in economic development, agricultural economics, supply chain management, and, lately, health economics. Her current projects focus on measuring the impact of agricultural income support programs in India and evaluating the economic viability of breakthrough health care products.
Authors adapted OpenStax’s Economics 3e and created their OER material to provide a more inclusive, updated, and engaging approach to introductory economic principles.
