While students may prefer fluffy classes in which only limited attention is required, courses such as economics seek to enhance students’ knowledge of their country’s inner workings. In class, students learn about the economy and the functions of the government.

While the class is usually called “civics and economics,” the two facets are separate classes, put together because each lasts only one semester.

Civics and econ. teacher Bessalee Mendoza says her class will assist students in making wise decisions in their adult lives.

“After taking economics, students should be able to make better decisions about purchasing and choosing an occupation,” Mendoza said. “When looking for a job, they’ll be able to look at what jobs are more in demand, and choose one accordingly.”

Economics also enriches understanding of seemingly unrelated things, such as food prices and natural disasters, according to Mendoza.

“The things we talk about in economics affect people in their everyday lives,” Mendoza said. “The class gives students a better understanding of things that seem to be completely unrelated — like when a natural disaster occurs and prices go up. People don’t realize how much economics is actually involved in their lives.”

Mendoza says the things she has learned in economics have helped her make wiser decisions before large purchases.

“The economics class I took helped me a lot when I was buying a house,” Mendoza said. “I was able to look at the area the house was in and take into consideration the demand for houses and the price.”

Although the class is full of realistic applications, Gerald Bell, ’10, says economics does not hold much interest for him.

“I don’t really like economics class,” Bell said. “I like it better than I like civics, but it’s still not my favorite. I’m just not very interested in anything we learn about, even though know I probably should be, since we’re learning about the way the economy works.”

Freshman Stefi Peck, who has yet to undertake civics and econ., says the class has an intimidating reputation.

“I’m dreading it because I’ve heard bad things about it, and how much homework there is,” Peck said. “I’ll probably be able to find something to apply, but it’s not really worth it.”

While economics is not a subject full of light enjoyment for many, Bell says that the things he learns in it will be helpful eventually.

“I think it is definitely worthwhile to take economics,” Bell said. “The class gives you a lot of insight into how the government and economy work. I know I’ll be able to use what I learn once I get out of school and have to start making adult decisions.”

Even though Sydney Carlson, ’11, says she does not plan to pursue a career in business, she is still interested in learning the basics of the economy.

“I like economics class, but is not my favorite class,” Carlson said. “I’m not really interested in a career in business or government, however I do think a lot of the stuff we learn about is interesting and I know I can use it later in life for buying a house and maybe buying stock.”

While Carlson doesn’t see herself getting involved in the business world, she believes obtaining an understanding of the stock market is important.

“I think what we learn economics is important,” Carlson said. “I like learning about the market and things like that. They are all a part of the world we live in.”

For more information, e-mail Mendoza.