Students will work in project teams to develop an innovative
research-based solution to selected current consumer policy
issues.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students: In coordination with the graduate student’s advisory committee,
graduate students will complete additional reading from
professional and academic literature and make significant
progress on an empirical research project. Graduate students will
also meet with the instructor bi-weekly for graduate-level
discussion of the additional reading material and an assessment
of the students’ progress on the empirical research project.
Athena Title
Capstone in Consumer Economics
Prerequisite
FHCE 3100 or FHCE 3100E
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will articulate current policy priorities affecting consumers.
Students will understand and apply criteria to assess the viability of a consumer education vs. a consumer information vs. a consumer advocacy approach.
Students will comprehend different methodologies to measure effectiveness of proposed consumer education, consumer information, and/or consumer advocacy.
Students will develop a research-based solution to a current consumer issue.
Students will demonstrate empathy for the consumer perspective as well as awareness of cultural differences as they consider ethical and societal implications when proposing solutions and analyze issues from diverse consumer perspectives.
Students will exhibit research skills, decision-making skills, presentation skills, and ability to use appropriate technology.
Students will identify different team member roles and techniques for effective teamwork.
Topical Outline
Team member roles and techniques for successful teamwork will be discussed.
A variety of consumer-based organizations’ current policy priorities will be presented.
Examples of historical consumer education, consumer information, and consumer advocacy campaigns and their effectiveness will be studied.
Methodologies to determine effectiveness of consumer programs:
Logic models
Needs assessments
Survey design/consumer testing of instrument
Program evaluation
Cost-benefit analysis
Students will work in teams to design an innovative solution to a consumer issue.
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
