Reflection

a)    What did you learn in this class that you believe will be most directly applicable to understanding how the world works?

There are many things that I thought were interesting that I feel are very applicable to understanding how the world works. The first are the layouts of cities. From the models introduced to me, I saw how cities are shaped to accommodate different people based on their income level. Obviously that’s simplified and generalized, but it’s still important to understand. The biggest thing I like about the models was that they made so much sense. I can now apply that knowledge to understand the layout of cities and why people are where they are.

           

Another is the article, “Why Did Human History Unfold Differently On Different Continents For The Last 13,000 Years?” This article was one of those articles that just make so much sense. I have periodically been curious on why some people in the world advanced while others seem stagnant. This article just tears down notions that Europeans and other advanced civilizations are superior to other people. The application of it is going to be very useful to understand people and help me not assume and make racist notions about people. I also now have arguments to bring up if I hear people make even subtle comments about such differences between people around the world.

b)   What topics are you interested in learning more about, after this class ends?

First, I would like to mention that I have not taken a Econ class yet here at K until now. I have developed an interest in economics of which I would like to indulge. I believe that understanding of the basics of economics is essential to be a informed voter and adult. One thing I would like to do when class ends is to finish Reinventing the Bazaar. The book had a few interesting parts of economics that I have never heard of before.

A few topics I found interesting was GDP, arbitrage, international trade, and transportation.

c)    What do you think will be most challenging for you next year, whether you’re studying abroad, studying away, or studying at K?

Some of the most challenging aspects of studying abroad next year in Australia I feel would be adjusting to the different academic and grading systems, and being away from my friends and family.