This introductory course in economics will apply basic economic concepts to the understanding of how labor markets work.  By the end of the quarter, students should have gained a basic understanding of economic concepts and their relevance in answering such questions as why some people choose to work while others withdraw from the market, why some firms expand their employment at the same time that other firms are laying off workers, or why earnings are distributed unequally in most societies.  The main philosophy behind this course is to put in plain words the story of the way labor markets work so that students will be much better prepared to form opinions about poverty, inequality, as well as proposed policies and their impact on labor market opportunities.  This program is designed to prepare students for career paths in economics, labor economics, business, and managerial economics.