Experiential Learning in Business and Economics

Catalog description

Students will collaborate to create an economic newsletter called "Southwestern PA Economy in a Snapshot," a regional version of the well-known national version produced by the New York Fed (https://www.newyorkfed.org/ medialibrary/media/research/snapshot/snapshot_january2021.pdf?la=en). The newsletter will lay the groundwork for a regular online publication produced by Carnegie Mellon Economics, a combination of data analysis/visualization and economic commentary. The ultimate goal is for the newsletter to be a to-go economics document for policy makers and business leaders in Pittsburgh and the surrounding region. Students will use a combination of data science skills, computer programming skills, and a basic knowledge of the relevant economic data. They will produce a professional, co-authored report that will serve as a valuable resume item for future career prospects. They will form small teams, each of which will create an Economic Commentary that uses the newsletter's data to provide analysis of a contemporary economic issue that is important for the Pittsburgh region. During the tenure of the course, students will also acquire new skills in computer programming, data analysis and economics. The course will "contribute. to a broader body of knowledge" by obtaining, organizing and publicizing regional economic data where no such product currently exists. It will "identify and develop skills needed to approach and tackle a practical problem or issue." That is, students will take skills obtained in the single pre-req course (Principles of Macroeconomics) and combine them with skills that almost all 1st year students take in data analysis and produce a professional piece of economic analysis. They will see how their academic education can be applied in way that this useful to business people and policy makers. Prerequisite: 73-102 Min. grade C