In his column "Econ 55: What is it good for?" (Dec. 2, 2005), Andrey Fradkin is quick to criticize a highly valuable course. True, Econ 55 and Econ 105 may be similar, the main difference being the mathematical component of the latter. But this is not to say that Econ 55 has any less value as a prerequisite for the economics major than does Econ 105. Calculus is quite obviously a vital component of economics, but so is theory and graphical analysis.
Fradkin mentions that Econ 55 "leads students to believe that economics is nothing more than drawing generalized graphs." However, the same students that choose to memorize those "generalized graphs" could just as easily memorize the mathematical equations of Econ 105. And, chances are, the students who choose to cut Econ 55 will probably do so in future econ courses as well. The problem is not the material being taught, but rather it is a lack of dedication and motivation of those students.
As an economics major and a teaching assistant for Econ 55, I can say from direct experience that critical thinking is required in the course. The fact that many students attend additional office hours each week for extra help clearly shows that pure memorization and regurgitation of the class slides is not going to guarantee success. Furthermore, it displays the fact that most students are definitely not ready to skip Econ 55 altogether. Knowledge of calculus does not guarantee knowledge of economics with calculus. One needs to learn fundamental economic concepts to succeed in upper-level economics courses, and Econ 55 teaches students just that. Many students have enough difficulties with Econ 105 as is. Allowing students to opt out of Econ 55 and proceed straight to Econ 105 would only increase these problems.
The fact is that one cannot understand upper-level material without first having a firm grasp of the basics. But then again, with Fradkin's suggestion, why stop at Econ 55? Why not eliminate Econ 51 as a prerequisite too?
Jessica Klarfeld
Trinity '06
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