The Market for Ideas Reading Groups provides a forum for students to engage with key texts in economics and related disciplines with a cohort of their peers under the guidance of a Bagwell Center-affiliated faculty member. Each reading group will meet for up to four hours during the semester to discuss readings assigned by the faculty member. Students accepted into the program are expected to complete the assigned readings in advance and then attend and actively participate in the scheduled sessions. Student participants will receive the assigned readings plus a $150 honorarium for attending and participating in all meetings of their group.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Attend and actively participate in all scheduled programming.
  • Arrive on time and prepared for each meeting, having carefully read any assigned readings in advance.
  • Participants are also encouraged to attend Bagwell Center events and to build relationships with other participants and Bagwell Center faculty.
All materials will be provided to
reading group participants free of charge!

The deadline to apply is Monday, January 26, 2026.

Questions?

 

  • Book 1: Player Piano by Kurt Vonnegut
    Faculty leader:
    Meeting dates: Wednesdays - 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, and 3/18
    Meeting time: 1:25pm - 2:05pm
    Meeting location: Kennesaw Campus - Prillaman 4004

    Book description: Step into a world where machines have taken over and humans are left questioning their purpose. Kurt Vonnegut’s Player Piano is a thought-provoking novel that explores automation, individuality, and the meaning of work in a society dominated by technology. Join our reading group to unpack its sharp social commentary, debate its relevance in today’s world, and connect with others who love big ideas and bold storytelling. Don’t miss this chance to read a classic that feels more timely than ever!


    Book 2:     How Economics Explains the World by Andrew Leigh
    Faculty leader:
    Meeting dates: Wednesdays - 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, and 4/8
    Meeting time: 12:20pm - 1:10pm
    Meeting location: Kennesaw Campus - Prillaman 4004

    Book description: Ever wondered why people make the choices they do, or how global events shape our everyday lives? Andrew Leigh’s How Economics Explains the World takes you on a fascinating journey through the principles of economics and shows how they influence everything from politics and culture to personal decisions. Join our reading group to explore real-world examples, challenge assumptions, and discover how economic thinking can help you understand the world in a whole new way. Don’t miss this chance to read, discuss, and gain insights that matter!


    Book 3: Mixed Signals: How Incentives Really Work by Uri Gneezy
    Faculty leader:
    Meeting dates: Thursdays - 3/19, 3/26, and 4/2
    Meeting time: 2:00pm - 3:15pm
    Location meeting: Kennesaw Campus - Kennesaw Hall 1203

    Book description: Why do well-intentioned rewards sometimes backfire? Uri Gneezy’s Mixed Signals dives into the fascinating world of incentives and how they shape behavior, why they often fail, and what really motivates people. This book blends psychology, economics, and real-world examples to reveal surprising truths about human decision-making. Join our reading group to explore these insights, debate their implications, and learn how incentives influence everything from business to everyday life. Don’t miss the chance to read and discuss a book that will change how you think about human behavior!

Apply Now

You can contact econopp@kennesaw.edu with questions about future reading groups.