The academic requirements for economics represent a specialized course of study within the larger context of a diverse liberal arts education. Not only are these requirements designed to provide a focused and rigorous approach to the core concepts of the discipline, but they also allow ample opportunities for exploration in other subjects and departments throughout the university. By studying economics at DePauw, you will develop comprehensive expertise in your field while enjoying the benefits of a well-rounded education.
Ten
ECON 100, ECON 294*, ECON 295, ECON 350, ECON 480 (or 485)
MATH 151 or MATH 136 is a prerequisite for ECON 294.
Also required is at least one course from the following: ECON 410, 415, 420, 430, 440, 450, 465, 470, 490.
Three (may include ECON 350, ECON 480 or 485, and the required 400-level elective).
The senior requirement consists of completing ECON 480 or ECON 485 during the senior year. The senior requirement usually includes completion of ECON 480: Seminar. In exceptional cases, students may apply to complete an intensive, independent senior thesis which culminates in both a written thesis and a public presentation of the work. ECON 485: Independent Senior Thesis is a one-credit course that may be offered as 1 credit for one semester, or as 1/2 credit in each of two consecutive semesters. Application Form
Eight of the 10 required courses must be taken on campus.
The option of ECON 485: Independent Senior Thesis for the senior requirement was added effective Fall 2011.
Writing in the Economics major represents an opportunity for students to effectively articulate economic reasoning. Writing in economics and management generally occurs in a variety of formats, some of these include empirical research papers, analytical papers, and analyses of news article or peer-reviewed journal articles. Writing in economics is technical and the terms used, even if they are familiar words like "demand" and "supply," have very precise and specific meanings in economics. The discipline of economics also heavily uses mathematics to add precision to arguments and hypotheses. Almost all economics papers use theoretical mathematical models or statistical inferences using data as a way to conduct research. The ability to draw inferences from mathematical and statistical methods is essential to learn to think like an economist.
Economics and Management majors are required to write an empirical research in ECON 350, Statistics for Economics and Management, and multiple analytical papers in the capstone course, ECON 480, Senior Seminar. Students will also be evaluated on their ability to apply economic analysis (the logical development of arguments based on economic reasoning) to a variety of topics in micro- and macroeconomics. Students must pass these courses to satisfy this requirement. Additionally, students should expect to encounter many other classes throughout the curriculum that introduce them to these and other forms of writing, for example, 1) research papers in Econometrics, Health Economics, Labor Economics, 2) policy papers or briefs in Environmental Economics, International Economics, Economics of Development, 3) argumentative essays in Introduction to Economics, 4) journal article summaries in Investments and Portfolio Analysis, and 5) case studies in Business Policy and accounting classes.
Five
ECON 100, ECON 294*, ECON 295
MATH 151 or MATH 136 is a prerequisite for ECON 294.
Also required are two additional courses from the following list: ECON 140, 235, 250, 262, 290A, 310, 315, 320, 342, 350, 360, 375, 390A, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 470, 490A.
One
Leveraging the resources of the School of Business and Leadership, the economics major at DePauw is housed in the Department of Economics and Management. This department provides valuable insight into contemporary issues that shape our society while developing leaders who can excel in our rapidly changing, interconnected world.
