Learning Goals

A Bates Economics Major should exhibit proficiency in the following areas:

Understanding

  1. Demonstrate a command of current economic theories and quantitative methods
  2. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and explain economic issues in the press and popular media

Reasoning

  1. Construct and utilize theoretical and empirical economic models to solve economic problems
  2. Understand the role played by the economic assumptions in the prediction of economic models
  3. Synthesize and critique published theoretical and quantitative research as reported in the economics literature
  4. Understand the limitations of economic analysis

Testing

  1. Evaluate quantitative data using graphical and statistical techniques
  2. Demonstrate an ability to evaluate and test economic theories by
    1. Locating existing publications;
    2. Identifying and securing relevant data;
    3. Identify and evaluate patterns and relationships in the data using statistical, econometric and theoretical methods.

Communication

  1. Demonstrate the ability to articulate a research question
  2. Demonstrate the ability to interpret existing knowledge through a literature review
  3. Understand how to properly cite and acknowledge the work of others
  4. Be able to interpret, explain and present research results, both orally and in writing.

 

Means for Meeting Objectives:

Understanding:  Principles of Microeconomics, Principles of Macroeconomics, and Statistics

Reasoning:  Intermediate Microeconomic and Macroeconomic Theory, Econometrics, 200-level electives

Testing and Communication: Required projects in Econometrics, the 300-level electives, the W-2s and the Senior Capstone/Thesis