Economics ripped from the headlines: The Economist ascourse text

Abstract

The author of this article presents an innovative economics course based on current events and news, using The Economist as the primary course text. The course constructs shared learning around news in real time to inspire and excite students’ ability to see economics in their world. The course supports Allgood and Bayer’s competencies, including the application of the scientific process to economic phenomena, the ability to analyze and evaluate behavior and outcomes using economic concepts and models, critical thinking about economic methods and their applications, and communicating economic ideas in diverse collaborations. The author provides sample assignments that can be scaffolded by the instructor for implementation of this teaching strategy, as well as advice for replicating this course or adopting some of its techniques.

Keywords:

• Economics instruction
• introductory economics
• media in education
• teaching/learning strategies

JEL CODES:

• A20
• A22

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.