Economics and Business
Division II Chair: N. Gift
Department Chair: E. McCormack
Faculty: J. Cupidon, V. Grzimek, D. Guggenheim, E. McCormack, I. Norris, M. Reid, N. Sowers, S. Steele, and C. Vazzana
Website: http://www.berea.edu/eco/
Courses: ECO Courses; BUS Courses
Course Sequencing Tables: Business; Economics
Major/Minor Requirements:
Economics B.A. with a Concentration in Methods and Models;
Economics B.A. with a Concentration in International Politics and Policy;
Economics Minor;
Business Administration B.S.;
Public Accounting Option;
Business Administration Minor
The mission of the Economics and Business Department is to provide inclusive educational opportunities aimed at developing competencies necessary for meaningful contribution to the professional and academic fields of business and economics. These opportunities are provided in a continuous learning environment for faculty and students. Department goals are based on the College’s established broad learning goals, Great Commitments, and aims of General Education.
General Department Goals
The goal of the Economics and Business Department is to provide students with a course of study that will help them understand and apply the theories and principles of economics and business. Students will learn to view problems and issues from multiple perspectives, apply analytic reasoning and decision making skills, and communicate effectively. Faculty and students will examine contemporary economic and business issues within a framework of ethical reflection and personal responsibility.
Understand and Apply
Students will be able to understand and apply disciplinary theories and principles using the specialized language of economics and business. Students will have a fundamental understanding of how markets work and of their importance. Using appropriate technology and quantitative methods, students will be able to state problems clearly and engage in the research process.
View Problems and Issues from Multiple Perspectives
Students will be able to view problems from a variety of perspectives. Students studying business and economics will be asked to think in multidisciplinary terms and consider alternative points of view when examining issues and designing solutions. The Department provides a diverse learning environment fostering communication and exchange between individuals of widely differing backgrounds.
Decision Making
Students will be able to determine relevant criteria for decision making with an understanding of the risks and trade-offs involved in the process and in the outcome. Decisions should be supported by appropriate information and analysis.
Communication
Students will be able to write and speak clearly and persuasively in the various modes required by the disciplines, and to support their positions. Careful reading and effective listening are required skills in economics and business. Students pursuing these disciplines will develop the ability to acquire knowledge independently from and critique various media, including text, oral presentations, and media sources.
Responsibility
The Economics and Business Department promotes accountability for individual actions. Students will develop a sense of personal and professional responsibility. Students will be aware of the many ethical dilemmas in economics and business and develop strategies for evaluating these dilemmas, focusing on solutions that promote the common good.
In addition to supporting students' achievement of the Aims of General Education, the Economics & Business Department seeks to assist students in meeting the following learning goals and associated learning outcomes:
Business Student Learning Goals & Outcomes
Learning Goal 1: Students will be able to understand and apply disciplinary theories and principles.
Students will be able to understand and apply disciplinary theories and principles using the specialized language of economics and business. Students will have a fundamental understanding of how markets work and of their importance. Using appropriate technology and quantitative methods, students will be able to state problems clearly and engage in the research process.
Learning Outcome 1.1: Develop the ability to explain and apply the theories of the discipline.
Learning Outcome 1.2: Select and use functional area tools and techniques including proper use of quantitative methods and technology.
Learning Goal 2: Students will be able to view problems from a variety of perspectives.
Students will be able to view problems from a variety of perspectives. Students studying business will be asked to think in multidisciplinary terms and consider alternative points of view when examining issues and designing solutions. The Department provides a diverse learning environment fostering communication and exchange between individuals of widely differing backgrounds.
Learning Outcome 2.1: Approach an issue or problem from multiple perspectives, including interdisciplinary and global perspectives as well as issues of diversity.
Learning Outcome 2.2: Include the role of culture, politics and governments when making business decisions.
Learning Goal 3: Relevant criteria for decision making.
Students will be able to determine relevant criteria for decision making with an understanding of the risks and trade-offs involved in the process and in the outcome. Decisions should be supported by appropriate information and analysis.
Learning Outcome 3.1: Analyze situations, synthesize and evaluate the quality of information in order to formulate responsible solutions.
Learning Outcome 3.2: Determine relevant criteria for decision making with an understanding of the risks and trade-offs involved.
Learning Goal 4: Students will be able to write and speak clearly and persuasively in the various modes required by the disciplines.
Students will be able to write and speak clearly and persuasively in the various modes required by the disciplines within business, and to support their positions. Careful reading and effective listening are required skills in business. Students pursuing these disciplines will develop the ability to acquire knowledge independently from and critique various media, including text, oral presentations, and media sources.
Learning Outcome 4.1: Demonstrate professional oral and written communication skills using the specialized language of business.
Economics Student Learning Goals & Outcomes
Learning Goal 1: Knowledge
Students are expected to acquire knowledge about economic theory and application.
Learning Outcome 1.1: Develop knowledge of and the ability to explain and apply the theories of the economics discipline
Learning Outcome 1.2: Demonstrate knowledge within multiple economic sub-fields
Learning Goal 2: Skills
Students are expected to acquire skills needed to carry out economic analysis. Students are expected to be able to present their analysis by writing and speaking clearly and persuasively and to support their positions based on sound economic principles and evidence.
Learning Outcome 2.1: Analyze real world situations or problems using appropriate economic models and analyses.
Learning Outcome 2.2: Use sources appropriately to support their economic analysis
Learning Outcome 2.3: Answer a real world question using statistical methods
Learning Outcome 2.4: Demonstrate professional oral communication skills using the technical language of economics.
Learning Outcome 2.5: Demonstrate professional written communication skills using the technical language of economics
Learning Outcome 2.6: Use mathematics in economic analysis
Economics and Business Course Sequencing Tables