Economics Video Study Guide: Monsters, Inc.

This video study guide contains 16 multiple-choice, economics-themed questions that can be used in conjunction with the 2001 film Monsters, Inc. (Rated G - 92 minutes)

Following the AP Economics exams last spring, I agreed to allow my economics students to select a film to watch in class, on the condition that they would answer questions about the economic themes in the film. The result was this study guide, which we used to discuss the economic concepts demonstrated in the movie.

Some of the concepts addressed in the study guide include Utility, Marginal Cost and Revenue, Capital, Variable and Fixed Costs, Supply and Demand, Shortages and Surpluses, Externalities, Public and Private Goods, Opportunity Cost, and Economic Inputs.

Because each question offers a description of the relevant scene(s) from the movie, students do not need to complete the study guide as they watch the film; they can answer each question after viewing the film, possibly with the aid of textbooks, notes and other sources. I usually assign a portion of the questions as homework after viewing some of the film, then we discuss those questions before continuing the film in class the following day.

Chances are you might not have covered all of these concepts in class, so feel free to modify as you see fit. If you have any suggestions for or questions about the study guide, please let me know, as well. Answer key follows the 2-page student handout.

Thank you, and enjoy!

Monsters, Inc. and all characters in the film are the property of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, which holds the trademarks and copyrights to their use. All questions and descriptions of the film contained within this study guide are the original creations of the document's author, Chris Kurth.