In this article we apply R, a free software, and recent stock-price data to illustrate the portfolio diversification concept, a corner stone of modern finance theory. Currently, recent stock-price data are available on the internet at no cost to users. By using current market data to construct realistic and authentic examples, student engagement…

The emerging field of social entrepreneurship seeks to address social challenges in environments where traditional public sector institutions are weak or absent. With its explicit focus on solving problems, social entrepreneurship is inherently interdisciplinary. A well-designed undergraduate course in social entrepreneurship can enhance…

Media bias is an important and underexplored feature of the economics of information. In this article, the author outlines two models that can be used to illustrate media bias in a policy-oriented undergraduate economics or public policy course. The models rely on relatively simple and intuitive underlying assumptions and draw on related empirical…

The authors of this article make a case for using Fink's (2013) taxonomy of significant learning in the economics classroom to improve standard-based economics education and to continue transforming the discipline to reduce social inequality along multiple dimensions, including gender, race, and class. Fink's framework is defined by student…

The 3-equation model by Carlin and Soskice (2014) introduces the current consensus in modern monetary macroeconomics to undergraduates through a static framework in which adjustment occurs via the monetary policy rule of an inflation-targeting central bank. In this article, the authors present a dynamic extension of this model and an Excel-based…

Bounded rationality is a key concept with implications across all areas of economics. To help students better understand the nature, causes and forms of bounded rationality in individual choice, the authors present a flexible classroom experiment. Beyond providing students with some first-hand evidence of bounded rationality, the experiment shows…

The COVID-19 pandemic made it necessary for instructors to innovate, and some of the innovations will persist and be refined post-pandemic. An economics elective at Claremont McKenna College provides examples. Innovations likely to persist include replacing in-class exams with context-rich assignments and conducting a set of student presentations…

An undergraduate course in development economics presents an ideal opportunity to introduce students to the importance of gender differences in economic outcomes. The authors of this article argue that a systematic integration of gender into development economics courses based on standard textbooks is feasible and desirable. They provide a…

The author of this article describes a new undergraduate course where students use Python programming for macroeconomic data analysis and modeling. Students develop basic familiarity with dynamic optimization and simulating linear dynamic models, basic stochastic processes, real business cycle models, and New Keynesian business cycle models.…

The authors present two classroom experiments on technology licensing. The first classroom experiment introduces the concept of royalty stacking. Students learn that noncooperative pricing of royalties for complementary intellectual property rights leads to a double-marginalization effect. Cooperation solves the problem and is welfare-improving.…

This article's authors describe both the advantages of a literacy-targeted introductory course and how it might be taught by employing evidence-based teaching practices developed by cognitive scientists to maximize learning. This pairing of literacy-focused content with evidence-based pedagogy is intended to enhance student learning while focusing…

Using the backward design model, the author of this article surveys and connects the economic competencies literature evolving from Hansen with the literature on literacy-targeted principles courses. He makes the case why departments should offer LT principles courses--which focus on higher-level mastery of a shorter list of concepts that students…

The authors of this article address the challenges faced in implementing a literacy-targeted (LT) approach in economic education. Despite research demonstrating the benefits of the LT approach, there is resistance to its adoption in classrooms and the publication of supporting textbooks and materials. They identify four key input areas that serve…

The author focused on solving problems of third-degree price discrimination under a monopoly by integrating microeconomic theory and spreadsheet modeling. Price discrimination refers to a firm situation in which the same good is sold to different groups of consumers at different prices. First, the author included an introductory math background…

The theories and practices of economics are important in teaching students and practitioners in the fields of criminal justice, health, and public policy. Criminal justice and health professionals face increased scrutiny due to cost growth and inequities. Practitioners and policymakers can be challenged in their understanding of quantifiable…