Louise J. Nordstrom, PhD, Program Chair of Economics

 

What do you think the following people have in common: Donald Trump, Tiger Woods, Sandra Day-O'Connor, Mick Jagger, George H. W. Bush, Danny Glover, and Cate Blanchette? The answer is: They all majored in economics! According to management writer, Peter Drucker, "In all recorded history there has not been one economist who has had to worry about where the next meal would come from." Economics majors are successful in a wide variety of careers. Although various roles in businesses are most common, economics majors are successful in law, medicine, government, non-profits, and international relations, as well as academic roles.

As a teacher, I certainly want my students to learn the fundamental concepts of economics from my courses. Beyond that, I strive to foster critical thinking, develop problem-solving skills, and the ability to translate classroom theory to professional practice so that students can be successful in any career choice.

My main research interest at present is the development of diverse teaching strategies that allow all my students to achieve in economics. To this end, I participate in conferences and submit papers on the pedagogy of teaching where I can share my ideas with and learn from other college professors.

In April, 2006, I attended a conference on Teaching Strategies in Boulder, Colorado. In February, 2007, with a colleage, I presented a paper of "Integrating Current Events in Economics Courses" at Robert Morris College outside of Pittsburgh, PA.

Econ 221 Principles of Microeconomics

Econ 222 Principles of Macroeconomics

Econ 303 Prices and the Market System

Econ 305 Labor Economics

Econ 306 Government Finance

Econ 412 International Economics

Econ 480 Health Care Economics