Author(s): Robert D. McMinn
In 1998, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board mandated a 42 semester hour Core Curriculum for all institutions of higher learning. An economics course was not mentioned as either a specific course or as an optional course. Yet, Macroeconomics Principles meets all the criteria the Board established for core course selection: (a) that the course develop intellectual skills, and (b) that it be taught in a manner so as to develop students’ perspectives and interest in learning. For the past five years, Macroeconomics Principles has been taught as a Core course at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Data reveal that the Macroeconomics Principles course is as important as any other course in the Core curriculum. It is uniquely significant in enhancing the mathematical and critical thinking skill areas, and students perceive that the course contributes to their knowledge and perspectives of the world.