This project integrates empirical learning modules into a select cross-section of the economics curriculum: introductory, required, and economics elective courses. In these modules, students perform analyses with real data and interact with realistic economic simulations. By contrast, the standard economics curriculum isolates empirical analysis in statistics and econometrics courses, giving undergraduate students a mistaken sense of the practice of economics, a discipline which relies heavily on observation and discovery. This project promotes students' capacities to apply economic concepts in solving problems and in evaluating economic arguments. Integration of the modules accomplishes this goal. To enable the department to proceed with this project, a microcomputer laboratory with attendant peripheral devices, software, and databases is being installed. The resources of this facility are essential as current facilities are not sufficient for these purposes. The laboratory has twenty one microcomputers, five printers, a projection/demonstration system, and a central processor/file server with computers linked by a local-area network (LAN). Data and software are stored on the file server and accessed via the network. In addition to hardware, funds are requested for econometric software, economic databases, and economic simulation programs. The institution is matching the NSF grant with an equal amount of funds.
