Chabot College
Fall 2003
Course Outline for Economics 12
CONSUMER ECONOMICS IN THE UNITED STATES
Catalog Description:
12 - Consumer Economics in the United States
3 units
Historical, theoretical and practical description and analysis of problems in the consumer
sector of the U.S. economy. Emphasis on practical aspects of consumer behavior within
the modern market. 3 hours.
[Typical contact hours: 52.5]
Prerequiste Skills:
None.
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
identify the nature, characteristics and functions of the consumer in the U.S.
economy;
distinguish the contemporary problems faced by the consumer in the U.S. and
recommend solutions to these problems;
assess the government's role in maintaining consumer sovereignty; and
evaluate his personal consumption behavior in today's economy.
Course Content:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Introduction: the development of the market
Theory: the concept of consumer sovereignty
a.
the laws of supply and demand
b.
price determination in the market
c.
theory of the household: consumer maximization
The consumer movement
Business and the consumer
a.
marketing practices and the consumer
b.
effects of advertising
c.
consumerism's effect on business
Government and the consumer
Consumption and the environment
a.
the problems of over-consumption
b.
the economics of environmental decay
c.
economic policy for a better quality of life
Some major consumer issues
a.
consumer health and safety
b.
consumer information and misinformation
c.
poverty and consumerism
d.
"conspicuous consumption"
Chabot College
Course Outline for Economic 12
Fall 2003
Page 2
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
Lecture - discussion
Student participation
Audio-visual aids
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
2.
Typical Assignments
a.
Written assignments designed to enhance the student's knowledge and
comprehension of the relationship between men, as a consumer, within a
modern society
b.
Participate in study group sessions on selected topics, for example,
consumer sovereignty, market models and price determination
c.
Individual presentations on selected topics, for example, consumerism,
consumer protection
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a.
Exams and quizzes
b.
Homework
c.
Final examination
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Consumer Economic Issues in America, Garman, Houghton-Mifflin, 2001 or latest
edition.
Special Student Materials:
None.
tf Doc:/ECON 12
Revised: 10-24-02