Punkonomics (@DearBalak)

NOTES:

1. There should be some scholarships coming up (starting tomorrow: August 1st). It’s not very expensive anyway (see info below)
2. My course in this program is a short version of the ever popular Economics, media, and Propaganda
   

   Economics, Media, and Propaganda
   	Instructor:	Benjamin Balak, Ph.D.
   	Description:	This course examines how economic rhetoric in the media is shaping popular understanding of political-economic issues and public policy. There is a gap between professional economics and the public discourse about economics. This is particularly apparent in political public rhetoric and thus has a significant effect on decisions taken, policies enacted, and the democratic process in general. This course will attempt to disentangle the actual social-science from the ideologies and interest groups that dominate the media. In the words of one of the greatest economists of the 20th century Joan Robinson (1955): “The purpose of studying economics is not to acquire a set of ready-made answers to economic questions, but to learn how to avoid being deceived by economists.”
   	Dates & Location:	Thursdays, October 3, 10, 17 and 24 from 1pm-2:30pm Hamilton Holt School Auditorium
   	Contact:	Register for this course

3. My dear wife Charlotte Trinquet (from Secrets of the Fairies on WPRK91.6FM and secretfofthefairies.org) is also offering a course:
   

   Reading Fairytales to Grand-Daughters: Beyond Disney’s Cultural Establishment
   	Instructor:	Charlotte Trinquet
   	Description:	This 4 week course is designed for students to get an understanding of the rich variety of classic fairy tales, to go back in time and see where they come from, and to see if there is a tradition which is better adapted to the modern aspirations of young children.
   	Dates & Location:	Wednesdays, September 4, 11, 18 and 25 from 10:30am-noon Hamilton Holt School Auditorium
   	Contact:	Register for this course.

Info from http://www.rollins.edu/rcll/senior/ :

Senior TARS (STARS) Program

The Senior TARS (STARS) Program at Rollins College offers innovative liberal arts programming and other educational activities for adults 50 and older from Winter Park, Maitland, Eatonville, and surrounding communities.

Sponsored in part from a grant from the Winter Park Health Foundation, the STARS Program consists of courses on educational topics with particular appeal to older adults.  The STARS Program provides an affordable fee structure, small class size, accessible facility, convenient parking, daytime and evening offerings, and opportunities for active learning and socialization with other older adult students. The Hamilton Holt School with its rich history of educating nontraditional students at Rollins College was the logical home for the STARS Program.

Today’s older adult learner is an active and vibrant part of our community and deserves the best educational opportunities available. Rollins College is gratified to be able to welcome an entirely new cohort of students to the Rollins liberal arts experience.

With no entrance requirements, no tests and no grades, nothing could be more appealing. In fact, no college background is needed at all.

Participate in stimulating classes designed to spark your smarts so you can become the smartest kid on the block again.

A STAR membership with the Rollins Center for Lifelong Learning gives you access to enlightening and entertaining non-credit courses taught by Rollins professors.  Members will be eligible to enroll in three non-credit courses per semester.

Annual membership: $200 (includes 3 classes in the fall and 3 classes in the spring)
Individual course cost for non-members: $60