Table 6. Detailed Goals and Objectives
Undergraduate Economics Program
PROGRAM GOALS |
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES |
COURSE |
ASSESSMENT METHOD(S) |
|
Core |
Elective |
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A. INTELLECTUAL GROWTH |
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1. Develop the ability to explain core economic terms, concepts, and theories. |
1.1 Explain the function of market and prices as allocative mechanisms |
Econ 101 Econ 310 |
Econ 333 Econ 355 Econ 360I Econ 361I 400 electives |
Graded assignments: - homework - quizzes - hourly examinations - final examination |
1.2 Apply the concept of equilibrium to both microeconomics and macroeconomics |
Econ 100 Econ 101 Econ 310 Econ 311 |
300 & 400 electives |
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1.3 Identify key macroeconomic indicators and measures of economic change, growth and development. |
Econ 100 |
Econ 320 |
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1.4 Identify and discuss the key concepts underlying comparative advantage |
Econ 100 Econ 101 |
Econ 372 Econ 361I Econ 465 Econ 472 |
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1.5 Identify and explain major types of market failures. |
Econ 101 Econ 310 |
Econ 306I Econ 434 Econ 462 Econ 464 Econ 463 Econ 450 |
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2. Demonstrate the ability to employ the “economic way of thinking.” |
2.1 Discuss the application of marginal analysis. |
Econ 100 Econ 101 Econ 310 Econ 311 |
300 & 400 electives |
Graded assignments: - homework - quizzes - hourly examinations - final examination |
2.2 Explain the use of benefit/cost analysis. |
Econ 101 Econ 310 |
Econ 465 Econ 450 Econ 333 |
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2.3 Explain the contribution of economics to the analysis of non-market social issues. |
Econ 101 Econ 310 |
Econ 306I Econ 441 Econ 355 Econ 360I Econ 361I |
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3. Demonstrate awareness of global, historical, and institutional forces. |
3.1 Assess the role of domestic and international institutions and norms in shaping economies. |
Econ 100 Econ 101 Econ 310 Econ 311 |
Econ 360I Econ 361I Econ 472 Econ 306I |
Graded assignments: - homework - quizzes - hourly examinations - written assignments - final examination |
4. Apply economic theories and concepts to contemporary social issues, as well as formulation and analysis of policy. |
4.1 Describe how economic trade-offs and social values impact public/private social policy, and the success or failure of policies to achieve intended outcomes. |
Econ 100 Econ 101 |
300 & 400 electives |
Graded assignments: - homework - quizzes - hourly examinations - final examination |
5. Recognize the role of ethical values in economic decisions |
5.1 Distinguish between normative and positive economics |
Econ 100 Econ 101 Econ 310 Econ 311 |
Econ 360I Econ 361I 400 electives |
Graded assignments: - homework - quizzes - hourly examinations - final examination |
5.2 Identify the limits of economic analysis |
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5.3 Compare and contrast efficiency and equity. |
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B. SKILL AREAS |
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6. Apply both oral and written communication skills within the discipline |
6.1 Present economic arguments in non-quantitative form |
Econ 100 Econ 101 Econ 310 Econ 311 |
300 & 400 electives |
Graded assignments: - homework - quizzes - hourly examinations - written assignments - final examination |
6.2 Synthesize the arguments found in both academic and popular economic media. |
Econ 360I Econ 465 |
300 & 400 electives |
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6.3 Discuss economic concepts in an articulate manner in a classroom. |
400 level courses |
300 & 400 electives |
Class presentations |
|
7. Demonstrate quantitative reasoning skills. |
7.1 Present an economic argument in quantitative terms |
Econ 100 Econ 101 Econ 380 |
400 electives |
Graded assignments: - homework - quizzes - hourly examinations - written assignments - final examination |
7.2 Demonstrate ability to solve systems of equations. |
Econ 310 Econ 311 Econ 380 |
Econ 333 Econ 420 Econ 485 Econ 486 Econ 403 Econ 411 Econ 511 |
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7.3 Be able to conduct economic analysis using equations and graphs. |
Econ 100 Econ 101 Econ 310 Econ 311 Econ 380 |
300 & 400 electives |
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8. Demonstrate the ability to collect, process, and interpret data, including statistical inference. |
8.1 Recognize how to use the scientific method in economics. |
Econ 100 Econ 101 Econ 310 Econ 311 |
300 & 400 electives |
Graded assignments: - homework - lab assignments - quizzes - hourly examinations - written assignments - final examination |
8.2 Formulate empirically testable hypotheses. |
Econ 310 Econ 311 Econ 380 |
Econ 485 Econ 486 |
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8.3 Construct a data set of economic variables. |
Econ 380 |
Econ 420 Econ 441 Econ 485 Econ 486 |
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8.4 Calculate, present, and discuss descriptive statistics. |
Econ 380 |
Econ 420 Econ 485 Econ 486 |
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8.5 Conduct a regression analysis. |
Econ 380 |
Econ 420 Econ 485 Econ 486 |
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8.6 Critically assess the statistical analysis of other researchers. |
Econ 380 |
Econ 420 Econ 486 |
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9. Demonstrate computer proficiency within economics. |
9.1 Access, download, and use electronic databases. |
Econ 100 Econ 101 Econ 380 |
Econ 420 Econ 441 |
Lab assignments |
9.2 Use standard software packages |
Econ 380 |
Econ 420 Econ 441 Econ 486 |
Lab assignments |
|
10. Be able to use critical thinking skills within the discipline of economics about economic matters. |
10.1 Present viewpoints and alternative hypothesis on economic issues. |
Econ 100 Econ 101 Econ 310 Econ 311 |
300 & 400 electives |
Graded assignments: - homework - quizzes - hourly examinations - written assignments - final examination |
10.2 Recognize underlying assumptions in economic models. |
Econ 100 Econ 101 Econ 310 Econ 311 |
300 & 400 electives |
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10.3 Demonstrate ability to use the economic tools of analysis. |
Econ 100 Econ 101 Econ 310 Econ 311 |
300 & 400 electives |
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C. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT |
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11. Develop an awareness of career choices for undergraduate economics majors, and the options for graduate study. |
11.1 Set up and keep current a database concerning career opportunities for undergraduate majors and undergraduate options in economics |
Econ 100 Econ 101 |
Conduct survey of graduates. |
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11.2 Encourage majors and option students to consult department advisors concerning career goals, and to develop study programs consistent with those career goals. |
Send letters to majors requesting that they set an appointment with undergraduate advisor. |
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11.3 Set up and keep current data base on the employment and graduate study experience of alumni. |
Conduct alumni survey every 3 years. |
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