Intro to Econ 1050

Writing Workflow with ChatGPT

• Submit draft to ChatGPT for edits; review edits; decide what to keep; create a thread showing: original draft → ChatGPT edits → final draft.
• Reflect on writing: did edits improve or hurt? Was it too wordy? What did you learn about editing?
• Editing is central: good writing comes from revision; first draft is easy, editing is where quality shows.
• Ensure sources: ChatGPT can hallucinate; keep good sources in your original document and verify citations.
• Grading note: Pair essay process is worth $0.07$ of the course; peer-review participation can earn up to $0.02$; strong engagement can influence a meaningful portion of the grade.

Assessments and Grade Allocation

• Midterm and final together account for about $0.78$ of the course grade.
• The writing/editorial process adds $0.07$, plus potential $0.02$ bonus for peer review.
• The combined structure emphasizes integrating writing proficiency with exam performance.

Course Structure and Schedule

• Discussion boards: use them for questions; peers can answer; the instructor monitors and responds.
• Confidential matters (missed midterm, illness): email to arrange a makeup.
• Schedule: in-person lectures on Mon/Wed; Friday video lecture with notes; Thursday additional video post.
• Materials: buy the Pearson access code; register with university email; access course materials on the Pearson platform.

Quizzes and Study Strategy

• MyEconLab quizzes: $50$ attempts; not a substitute for reading the chapter.
• Best approach: study the chapter first, then take the quiz; group study allowed; aim for mastery with limited attempts.
• Quizzes involve graphs and calculations; use them to reinforce concepts learned from the chapter.

Discussion Board Etiquette and Communication

• Post questions publicly to benefit the class; I will respond on the discussion board.
• Avoid relying on emails for routine questions; use the board to centralize Q&A.
• For confidential issues (e.g., makeup midterm), email privately to arrange accommodations.

Logistics: Materials and Setup

• Ensure you have the Pearson code and are registered; expect announcements on the course homepage.
• Lectures: Friday videos supplement in-person content; pace can be adjusted by rewatching or speeding up.

Key Concept: Opportunity Cost

• Core idea introduced in the first lecture; foundational to the course material.
• The course emphasizes clear writing and rigorous editing, aided by ChatGPT, with careful attention to sources and citation quality.