Course Syllabus

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Abstract public-policy illustration with economic curves, evidence graphics, a civic building, policy documents, a city skyline, and scales of justice.

FALL 2026 · SPEA-V202

Contemporary Economic Issues in Public Affairs

Use this page as the quick, accessible guide to how the course works. The complete syllabus contains the full policy language, detailed assessment descriptions, university policies, and semester schedule.

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Updated August 24, 2026 · Syllabus is subject to change.

Course at a glance

Class meetings

Mondays and Wednesdays
12:45–2:00 p.m.
PV 169

Instructor

Professor Alberto Ortega
alorte@iu.edu
Book an office-hours appointment

Teaching assistants

Sandra Mensah · samens@iu.edu
Jesse Margolies · jessmarg@iu.edu

Course essentials

Prerequisite: ECON-E201
Canvas: Course modules
Help: All Day TA

What this course is about

This course applies microeconomic models and empirical evidence to environmental, tax, trade, health, education, labor, immigration, and antipoverty policy. 

  • Explain economic rationales for government intervention and non-intervention.
  • Use economic models to predict how policies affect behavior, markets, and welfare.
  • Read causal evidence and assess whether a policy works.
  • Analyze current events through an economic lens.

Grading at a glance

The course totals 200 points.
Component Points Share How it works
Exams 120 60% Three 40-point exams; an optional cumulative final may replace the lowest exam.
Practice questions 36 18% Nine 4-point sets; untimed, unlimited attempts, highest score counts.
Closing bells 24 12% Short in-class wrap-ups; the best 16 count.
Econ in the News 20 10% Three in-class analyses; the best two count.

The course insurance policy

There is no extra credit and no rounding. Instead, flexibility is built into each component: unlimited practice attempts, roughly eight closing-bell drops, the best two of three news analyses, and an optional cumulative final that can replace the lowest exam. Read the full syllabus for the complete absence, late-work, and make-up policy.

Key dates

  • Econ in the News: September 23, October 28, and December 9
  • Exam I: Wednesday, October 7 · Modules 1–4
  • Exam II: Wednesday, November 18 · Modules 5–7
  • Exam III: Friday, December 18, 12:40–2:10 p.m. · Modules 8–9
  • Optional cumulative final: later on December 18; time and room announced in Canvas

Policies worth knowing

Attendance and devices

Attendance is not taken, but in-class closing bells and news analyses earn points. Electronic devices are not allowed during class; course activities are designed for paper and pen.

Artificial intelligence

AI for learning is encouraged, especially the course’s All Day TA. Practice questions are open-note, but using AI to supply answers defeats their exam-preparation purpose. Do not upload instructor-produced slides, notes, practice questions, assignments, or exams to outside AI tools.

Course materials and academic integrity

Course materials are for your personal use and may not be reposted, sold, or distributed. IU’s academic-integrity rules and the O’Neill Student Honor Code apply to all course work. Consult the full syllabus for the complete policy language.

Where to get help

  • All Day TA: the 24/7 course assistant for concepts, graphs, and practice explanations. If it contradicts lecture, lecture wins.
  • TA help sessions: weekly in-person support; times and rooms will be posted in Canvas.
  • Professor Ortega: book an appointment at least 48 hours ahead; Zoom is the default unless you request an in-person meeting.
  • Accessibility: contact Professor Ortega or Accessible Educational Services to arrange approved accommodations.

Canvas course summary

The table below is generated automatically from published Canvas assignments and dates. Use the full syllabus and course announcements for the complete semester schedule.

Course Summary:

Course Summary
Date Details Due