The program provides tutorial study in economics. Microeconomics, macroeconomics, and economic field electives constitute the core of the program.
The HTC program in economics offers exceptional students the opportunity to study the many aspects of economics in one-on-one relationships with the Department of Economics faculty members. Maximum opportunities will be afforded for students to progress well beyond the material found in conventional courses. The primary purpose of the tutorial program is to serve as preparation for graduate study. Students will receive a degree of Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Honors Tutorial College.
Tutorials
Students are required to complete eight tutorials, including two devoted to the thesis. In addition to the tutorials, students must complete one Written Communication course (ENG 1510) and one Advanced Writing course (FAW), economics core courses not covered by tutorials, and an appropriate number of approved electives. Internships and/or study abroad may be included within the program with special permission from the director of studies. Honors Tutorial students take a minimum of 15 hours per semester.
A typical tutorial will meet on a weekly basis for a minimum of one hour. The student and the tutor will discuss the current reading and written assignments, discuss problems and solutions, debate and offer critical analysis, and the tutor continuously evaluates the progress of the student. A final grade is made based on many facets of evaluation to the tutor: written assignments, written exams, oral exams, discussions, presentations by the student, field work, etc.
The Honors Thesis
The honors thesis is a reflection of the student's special interests. Its acceptance, dependent upon an appropriate mixture of research and analysis, relies upon the judgment of his or her thesis advisor and the director of studies. It is expected that this will constitute work of the highest quality in investigating a problem of concern to both scholars and practitioners. It is expected that the thesis will showcase the student's original work, whether through a thorough investigation of the literature that reveals future research questions or an empirical analysis that seeks to answer an existing well-defined resarch question. Additionally, it is expected that students will conduct their research without bias and with academic and professional integrity.