[PEN-L:4756] Textbook Question...

[Bill Moore <billkatt@xxxxxxxxxx>]

...from a new subscriber to PEN-L.  Last fall, I returned to college
teaching after a 15-year hiatus and am currently teaching Principles at
Columbia College in Aurora, CO and Metro State College of Denver -- both
open enrollment institutions.  Since the Metro gig was a last-minute
appointment, I inherited a split Micro text by Ragan and Thomas (which
was OK for both the course and the students).  At Columbia (average
student age of 30+), I inherited Samuelson/Nordhaus (15th edition) with
which I'm just finishing a term of Macro and which (in deference to
student's pocketbooks), I'll also use for Micro in the next eight-week
session.  After that, I can change texts so I'd like to get some ideas
about alternatives.

Does anyone have any recommendations?  Especially any texts that do a
better job of explaining some of the basic math concepts (many of my
students haven't had even basic algebra in *years*) but with a more
institutional (i.e. more critical of the neo-classical and supply-side
paradigms) flavor than S/N.  Also, in general, has there been any
movement towards returning to the Micro-then-Macro sequence, or are
things still up in the air (and down in the cups) about that debate, too?

I'd appreciate any suggestions so I can start contacting publishers to
obtain review copies.  Oh, BTW, if Mike Meeropol and Harry Cleaver are
reading this:  Howdy, guys!  Finally, by way of introduction, I'm
attaching a little bio-sketch which my cat (Merlin the Wizard) composed
for me a few years ago when we were still living in Austin, so if you're not
interested, now would be the time to hit the delete key.  I look forward
to becoming virtually acquainted with the rest of y'all and I hope this
first message doesn't seem *too* presumptuous...
==============================================================================
  _   /!                           |   Internet:  billkatt@xxxxxxxxxx
  \|o.o     Bill the Cat           |Voice:  303/399-6726 | FAX:  303/333-9009
 ==(_^_)==  ACK!  THPFFTT!         | Copyright USA 1996   All Rights Reserved
     U                             |                Bill Moore
                                   |   All opinions are solely this writer's.
==============================================================================

                        TEXAS FELINE
          (with apologies to Ray Wylie Hubbard, et al)

He was born in Detroit City
Three months before the start of the baby boom.
He's not responsible for any kittens,
And his favorite sight is a really big full moon.

So, it's up against the wall, you Texas Feline;
Feline who has been my friend so long.
He's sittin' back to watch me type and grinnin'
To see the words of my first attempt at song.

He sure does like to sit and read science fiction,
Chasin' it down with the paper and newsweeklies.
Still A.B.D. and a Rank Econometrician,
A blues picker, but no singer (so to speakly).

And, it's up against the wall, you Texas Feline,
Feline raised in Little Rock, oh well...
Hit Denton town in Traffic back in '69,
Became an NT grad who nearly l'arned to spel.

(Some Bob Wills fiddle and some good steel guitar)

Now,

F is for the Fishin' boat in his garage,
E is for the Equal in his tea,
L is for Lennon
I is for Imagine
N is for Nom-de-plume, and
E, well that's for E.C. !!!

So, it's up against the wall, ol' Texas Feline,
Once a bureaucrat, but with ideals.
30 years plus in all sorts of governments,
Just chasin' hypocrites and makin' 'em squeal.

Yes, he's an up against the wall Texas Feline,
Sometimes with sharp claws in velvet fists,
Scratchin' myths, and still wonderin' 'bout a lot of life,
Mostly glad to join another Internet List.

In Denver County, Colorado, USA...

/s/ Merlin the Wizard