Economics 295

ECON 295: Topics in Economics

Prerequisite: Completion of one of the following: ECON 101, 205, 206; or permission of the instructor.

Credit Hours: (3)

Introduces students to topics of current national and global interest. This course will draw from other social sciences, humanities, and business disciplines while maintaining its emphasis on economics processes and applications.  General Education credit – Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Detailed Description of Content of the Course

Introduces students to topics of current, national, and global interest. This course will draw from other social sciences, humanities, and business disciplines while maintaining its emphasis on economics processes and applications.

Detailed Description of Conduct of the Course

The course is structured around class lectures and discussions, but is not restricted to class contact alone. As a 200-level course, there will be a strong emphasis on gaining an economic understanding of current events. The use of innovative teaching methods, such as the use of interactive videos and/or computer simulations, will be encouraged. To enhance the student's communication skills, oral-as well as writing-intensive approaches may be used.

Goals and Objectives of the Course

Students who successfully complete the course will be able to:

1. Recognize the adaptability of economic principles to real-world issues.
2. Appreciate the similarities and differences between economics and other approaches for investigating the topic of focus.
3. Comprehend basic economic methods.
4. Interpret theoretical linkages and empirical relationships.

Assessment Measures

Students' progress will be evaluated by a combination of means ranging from written examinations, oral presentations, and extended project reviews. The students' performance on writing- and oral- intensive assignments will be given particular emphasis. In meeting the stated objectives of the course, other means of assessment may be used at the discretion of the instructor.

Other Course Information

 The instructor is expected to integrate into this course a certain amount of readings from current and relevant literature.

Review and Approval

Date Action Reviewed by
December 2004 Made alterations to syllabus N. Hashemzadeh, Chair