Understanding the American and global economies has become a necessity in many areas of life. This major offers a comprehensive array of courses to provide that knowledge and to expose students to differing analytical approaches and research methods used in economics and their applications to real world problems. The senior economics capstone course and RFT unites critical thinking with the application of economic analysis and data management in a manner conducive both to graduate school, professional programs, and a wide variety of social/government institutions as well as the corporate environment.
The senior learning community consists of a capstone course in methodology, and an RFT linked to a research project, with or without practicum experience.
The capstone course will be open to minors as an upper-level economics course, and it will be required of all double majors regardless of their primary major.
Capstone Course: EC 420 Methodology and Research in Economics
This course will explore both the practical and theoretical ways of approaching research in economics. It will help students think about their research projects as well as include practice in the application of statistical and econometric techniques. Students will be required to complete five short empirical projects in addition to the methodology course work. The reading and reflecting exercises are designed to explore and critique the several approaches to methodology in contemporary economics. Students will learn to formulate a hypothesis, do research, manage data and test hypotheses. Economic literacy both in written, verbal and mathematical forms will be emphasized. Prerequisites: EC 101, 102, and either 301 or 302; MA 108. To be taken in conjunction with EC 400.
The Senior RFT: EC 400 Research in Economics
This course requires students to complete a major research paper based on empirical economic work. A senior thesis will be the experiential component. This research project is geared to students applying to graduate school for an M.A. or Ph.D. in economics, a law degree, or a medical degree, as well as students who wish to apply economics to urban planning, international affairs and other liberal arts or professional programs. It will demand a high level of empirical data analysis, competence with at least two economic regression programs, and familiarity with the standard presentation techniques both verbal and written in economics. The subject area of the project is broad, to accommodate various economic applications. The topic for the thesis may be developed in conjunction with, or as a result of, a practicum of 100 hours — but a practicum is not required. The RFT will provide a forum for reflection, sharing and discussion of the research. The RFT will allow students to share their research and literature searches with the group. They will be required at several stages to orally present their senior thesis and attend economic seminars by economists from Wagner as well as the greater New York area.
