What do undergraduates study in heterodox economics programs? An examination of the curricula structure at 36 self‐identified programs

Bibliographic Data

ID12428161
AuthorsReynold F Nesiba (0000-0001-5038-3239, Augustana University, corresponding author)
EditorsTae‐hee Jo (0000-0002-0242-024X)
Year2012
Volume20
Issue3
Pages182-193
Publication date2012-08-10
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueOn the Horizon The International Journal of Learning Futures (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1074-8121 • E-ISSN: 2054-1708
PublisherEmerald Publishing Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1108/10748121211256784
OpenAlexW2015433784
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited10

Purpose This paper aims to review the undergraduate curricular structure of 36 self‐identified heterodox economic programs in the USA, Australia, UK and Canada. Design/methodology/approach The author gathers, summarizes, compares and contrasts the structure of 36 undergraduate heterodox departments. Departments are classified into traditional, plausibly pluralistic, and demonstrably heterodox programs. Specific examples illustrate each classification. Findings With notable exceptions described here, most heterodox economics programs are structured as traditional mainstream departments with a few pluralist or political economy electives available. However, 20 departments exist that require at least one heterodox course; eight require two or more. Practical implications A few programs have created imitable curricular structures that one would expect to significantly influence the depth and breadth of heterodox perspectives presented in the undergraduate economics major. Originality/value This is the first published analysis of undergraduate heterodox economics curricula. It highlights the creative structures characterizing some of the English‐speaking world's best programs and demonstrates that the curricula in most programs lack required courses in heterodox economics. The paper also provides examples of intentionally heterodox programs that may serve as models for others to emulate

Applied economics · Curriculum · Economics · Heterodox economics · Mainstream · Mainstream economics · Mathematics education · Originality · Pedagogy · Political science · Positive economics · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Value (mathematics · Computer Science · Higher Education Research Studies · Innovations in Educational Methods · Law · Psychology · School Choice and Performance

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