Economics

On writing in Economics (for use in syllabi)

Economists write in several genres: scholarly papers (empirical, theoretical, and historical), survey articles and literature reviews, handbook and encyclopedia entries, book reviews and review essays, popular economic books for general audiences, and op-ed columns. Their arguments typically use certain kinds of evidence (economic assumptions, concepts, and theories; quantitative data; econometrics; and economic modeling) in order to study how people choose to use resources, focusing on labor, land, and investments; money, income, and production; and taxes and government expenditures. Although the behavior of individuals is important, economists also address the collective behavior of businesses and industries, governments and countries, and the globe as a whole.

Sample syllabus in Economics

• Economics 200 | Economic Life
  Research paper (Wright State University)
• Economics 4431W | International Trade
  Short assignments leading to a formal paper

Sample assignments in Economics

• Economics 1102 | Writing Assignment
  1-2 page application of historic concepts of wealth
• Economics 4431W | Economic Analysis
  10-15 page formal report involving multiple sequenced assignments and specific guidelines
• Economics (Consumer Science) | Collaborative Term Project in Consumer Science
  Written and oral reports

Sample grading grid in Economics

• Economics 200 | Grading Criteria
  Rubric for research paper within syllabus (Wright State University)

Research strategies in Economics

• Selected Resources for Economics (general aspects) (University of Minnesota Libraries)
• Social Science Data Services (University of Minnesota Libraries)
• BUBL Link/5:15 Catalogue of Internet Resources (BUBL)
• The Internet Public Library, Economics (IPL)
• Open Directory Project, Economics (DMOZ)

Additional writing resources for instructors in Economics

• Library Services for Faculty (University of Minnesota Libraries)