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Program Change:
P00742
Program Title: Economics minor
Undergraduate
Describe the proposed degree program change(s) in terms of how the changes differ from the program as currently approved and published in the latest WOU catalog (specify the latest catalog date).
After six years of teaching EC 311, Intermediate Microeconomics, as a 4 credit course, we have come to conclusion that 4 credits is not sufficient to teach both consumer theory and producer theory with applications. A review of syllabi and exams confirms that we have not had enough time to cover both topics. In particular, both strategic behavior in oligopolies (primarily game theory) and the function of resource markets are usually omitted. This material should be part of the core of any economics major or minor.
We are proposing that Intermediate Microeconomics be split into two courses, Intermediate Microeconomics I and II. The first course will cover consumer theory and the second producer theory, with time for both models and applications.
With an additional required course to the major and minor, we will reduce the upper division electives by 4 credits. This will leave 5 electives in the major and one in the minor. We considered expanding the size of the minor but elected to remain at 28 credits.
Revised minor: EC 201, EC 202, Mth 111, EC 311, EC 312 (new course), EC 313, 4 credits upper division economics electives (reduced from 8 credits) = 28 credits
Describe the reasons for making this change:
Mission
Trains students in the tools of the discipline and encourages them to apply that knowledge to domestic and international economic and social problems. Introductory and intermediate courses in macroeconomics and microeconomics, as well as additional upper division electives in various economic specialties will prepare students for career goals.
Learning outcomes:
1. Develop the analytical and decision-making skills necessary to understand and resolve complicated contemporary business, financial and social problems;
2. Expand information literacy through the collection and interpretation of data from all relevant sources; and
3. Improve communication and presentation skills to effectively convey economic information to the public.
Give the proposed catalog description:
Mission
Trains students in the tools of the discipline and encourages them to apply that knowledge to domestic and international economic and social problems. Introductory and intermediate courses in macroeconomics and microeconomics, a course in econometrics and report writing, as well as additional upper division electives in various economic specialties will prepare students for career goals.
Learning outcomes:
1. Develop the analytical and decision-making skills necessary to understand and resolve complicated contemporary business, financial and social problems;
2. Expand information literacy through the collection and interpretation of data from all relevant sources; and
3. Improve communication and presentation skills to effectively convey economic information to the public.
For Dean Review only:
How and when will the effectiveness of these changes be determined?
Next year we will examine the topics covered in EC 311 and EC 312 to verify that we were able to cover the topics that we consider critical to understanding
Approval Queue
| Step |
Approver |
Decision |
Timestamp |
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1 - Department |
Hamid Bahari-Kashani |
Approved | January 14 2011 |
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2 - Division |
Hamid Bahari-Kashani |
Approved | January 18 2011 |
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3 - Division Curriculum |
Kristina Frankenberger |
Approved | January 20 2011 |
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4 - Library Dean |
Kristina Frankenberger |
Approved | January 20 2011 |
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5 - Curriculum Committee |
Robert Monge |
Approved | February 09 2011 |
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6 - Faculty Senate |
Gavin Keulks |
Approved | March 08 2011 |
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7 - Dean |
Stephen Scheck |
Approved | March 15 2011 |
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8 - Provost |
Kent Neely |
Approved | March 16 2011 |
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9 - President |
Dianna Nickelson |
Approved | March 17 2011 |
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Attached Files:
