Applied Economics Teaching Resources

an AAEA Journal

Agricultural and Applied Economics Association

Teaching and Educational Methods

Principles of Economics, the Survivor Edition

Alina F. Klein(a) and Rudolf F. Klein(a)
(a)University of Dubuque

JEL Codes: A22, B21, B22, D10, E00, F10, P00
Keywords: Alternative teaching styles, economics education, principles of economics, Survivor

Publish Date: March 13, 2023
Volume 5, Issue 2

View Full Article (PDF) | Request Teaching Notes/Supplemental Materials

Abstract

This paper builds on an ever-growing literature relating economics to movies, books, and TV shows. Survivor is a highly acclaimed reality TV show with 42 aired seasons (so far). We use Survivor as a tool that helps with identifying and understanding economic principles and for an application of these principles. This show bridges the generational gap between students and teachers, as its premise, rules, and objectives are either common knowledge or easily accessible to anyone. We present scenes from the show, vocabulary, in-depth discussions, lesson plans, and sample questions that instructors can use in the classroom. This Survivor edition offers a fun twist to the classic exposition of principles of economics, hoping to make students more passionate about our field.

About the Authors: Alina F. Klein, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor at the University of Dubuque. (Corresponding Author: aklein@dbq.edu). Rudolf F. Klein, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor at the University of Dubuque.

Copyright is governed under Creative Commons CC BY-NC-SA

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