Economics 298 - Experimental Course:Economics of Education

Institution:

Wheaton College - Massachusetts

Subject:

Description:

Education is one of the major foci of spending in the U.S. economy-it has been estimated that expenditures on education and training in the United States total approximately $740 billion dollars per year, more than 10 percent of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product. The three major sectors of the economy-households, government, and businesses-all consider education to be a priority. But despite a consensus that education is important, there are many issues and controversies about efforts to provide education. Some of these are issues associated with any activity involving an economy, and so they are issues raised not only in the United States but in countries around the world. What are the goals of education "production" Are we producingthe amount and quality of education that we need to produce How are the necessary resources for education created, obtained and distributed Are we spending too much or too little Who pays Who should pay What are the appropriate roles of government, households and businesses Through what market and non-market processes is the demand for education coordinated with the supply of education providers How does socioeconomic inequality shape education, and how do education systems shape inequality, using economic theory, insights from data, and exploration of the arguments behind various education policies. This course provides students with insights into these issues and others, combining an eclectic blend of economic theory related to education with critical analysis of data, and with critical analysis of actual and proposed education policies. The goals are to see how education is related to the fundamental goals of economic growth and economic prosperity, to understand the institutional frameworks that shape educational outcomes, to gain knowledge about how economic theory provides insight into education issues, to understand how economic theories are woven into current and proposed policies for changing educational policy, and to further develop students' skills in the analysis of economic policy initiatives. (Russell Williams)

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.wheatoncollege.edu

Phone Number:

(508) 285-7722

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Semester

The Course Profile information is provided and updated by third parties including the respective institutions. While the institutions are able to update their information at any time, the information is not independently validated, and no party associated with this website can accept responsibility for its accuracy.