Now-former Penn economics professor Rafael Robb has pled guilty to killing his wife, Ellen, in a crime of passion in their Upper Merion home, and now faces up to 20 years in prison. Despite the setback, however, Robb promises his students won’t be left in the dust.
“We have a lot of ground to cover next semester, and this small hiccup won’t interfere with my plans for the curriculum,” Robb stated in a recent interview.
Even though Penn immediately called for his resignation, he says he refuses to be separated from his first and only real love: economics. He encourages students to sign up for his new class next semester: ECON 146, “Game Theory in the Contemporary American Justice System,” which will be entirely podcast via iTunesU.
“I’m so glad that the technology available today can facilitate even the most non-traditional teaching style,” Robb said, “It’s nice to know that knowledge can truly transcend all — there are sure to be plenty of original case studies to examine in the future. I’m happy to use my personal experiences for the benefit of students.”
Robb mentioned that the course will cover goods and services transactions (weapons, chocolate, sex) as well as the more complex issue surrounding the Nash equilibrium of prison gang development. He also mentioned that deadlines are to be strictly enforced, with harsh penalties. “Don’t ask for an extension,” he said, “you might regret it.”
Though Robb awaits sentencing, he wastes no time preparing for his class beginning in the spring. A syllabus and preliminary readings are available to interested students on the economics department website.
Tags: Rafael Robb

November 28th, 2007 at 6:53 pm
by “you might regret it” does he mean he will pop a cap in your ass??
November 28th, 2007 at 10:59 pm
Is this for real? Wow.
November 29th, 2007 at 2:39 am
Does the Spin post anything the least bit useful these days? And stop going for such easy jokes.
November 29th, 2007 at 12:56 pm
This would be slightly less pathetic if the headline “After admitting guilt, Robb resigns” hadn’t been the lead story in yesterday’s paper.
Just slightly, though.
May 11th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Surely Mr Robb does his job very well!! making people believe things are what he says they are for his own capital gains Just like the philosphy of Economics and the statagies of War Games!! He has managed to make others believe he is a good and capable professor, Yet for many years has lead a secret life. which included selfishness, and demoralizing tactics creating lies and distress for his family no one but his family and close friends. really know this Monster of a Man. His wonderful trusting loyal traditional wife and sweet undeserving daughter suffered for many years in silence , under the threat of this hainous, heartless demanding person. The thought of this outrageaous plan to allow him to teach others in one the the worlds most prestgious schools is truely insane. This person premedated and not only blugeoned his wife to death in one of the most unthinkable ways ever, he tried to poorly cover up and lie about his actions. This murder has impacted not only ellen robbs family and friends but a whole community. Her life was taken from us all, and we weep. Our society should never tolerate the insanity of such a Ridiculous Idea!!
May 11th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Is this just punishment????