Upon completing the Economics major at Bates College, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate Understanding of Core Economic Theory and Models:
   • Objective: Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of fundamental microeconomic and macroeconomic principles, theories, and models, and apply them to analyze individual behavior, firm decisions, market outcomes, and aggregate economic phenomena.
   • Why Important: This forms the essential foundation of economic literacy, providing the core toolkit necessary to understand and interpret economic events and policies. It aligns with Bates’ commitment to “rigorous scholarship” and “intellectual discovery” within the discipline of economics.
2. Employ Analytical and Quantitative Methods:
   • Objective: Critically evaluate economic data and arguments using appropriate analytical, statistical, and econometric techniques. Students will be able to formulate testable hypotheses, conduct empirical analysis using relevant software, and interpret quantitative findings to draw evidence-based conclusions.
   • Why Important: Economics is an increasingly data-driven field. Proficiency in quantitative methods is crucial for rigorous scholarship, testing theories, and evaluating policy effectiveness. This objective fosters the “creative and rigorous scholarship” and analytical skills vital for both intellectual discovery and future careers.
3. Analyze Real-World Issues and Policy through an Economic Lens, Considering Diverse Perspectives:
   • Objective: Apply economic concepts, theories, and methods to analyze complex, real-world problems (e.g., inequality, environmental sustainability, healthcare, development, market failures, financial crises, social justice issues). Students will be able to critically assess the assumptions and limitations of economic models when applied to diverse contexts and evaluate the potential economic and social impacts of various policy interventions, acknowledging differing viewpoints and experiences.
   • Why Important: This objective connects economic theory to “informed civic action” and “responsible stewardship.” It directly addresses Bates’ commitment to “engaging the transformative power of our differences” and considering “social justice.” By applying economic analysis to pressing societal issues from multiple angles, students are prepared to be leaders who understand the complexities of the wider world.
4. Communicate Economic Ideas Effectively and Participate in Constructive Dialogue:
   • Objective: Articulate economic analyses, arguments, and findings clearly, precisely, and persuasively in both written and oral forms, tailored to different audiences. Students will be able to engage critically and generously with the economic ideas of others, participating constructively in academic and public discourse.
   • Why Important: The ability to communicate complex ideas is fundamental to the liberal arts and essential for intellectual discovery and civic action. This objective ensures Bates graduates can share their insights, influence others, and contribute to collaborative problem-solving within their communities and professions, reflecting the “collaborative residential community” spirit.
5. Conduct Independent Economic Research:
   • Objective: Formulate original research questions, locate and synthesize relevant economic literature and data, design and execute appropriate research strategies (theoretical or empirical), and present independent findings in a coherent and professional manner.
   • Why Important: Independent research is the capstone of rigorous liberal arts scholarship, allowing students to delve deeply into an area of interest, contribute original analysis, and develop advanced problem-solving skills. This objective embodies the pursuit of “intellectual discovery” and prepares students for graduate study or research-oriented careers.

These objectives aim to cultivate economists who are not only technically proficient but also critical thinkers, effective communicators, socially aware citizens, and capable researchers, fully embodying the spirit of a Bates liberal arts education.