To the Editor:
In a recent editorial (“Rethinking undergraduate economics,” Jan. 25), Lucas Husted evaluates Brown’s economics concentration by considering its requirements. He writes that the lack of rigorous math detracts from the program. As a graduate math student, I like it when math is given a positive image. I was curious and looked at the current requirements for the concentration. Husted was right to be upset.
The current economics concentration requires exactly one math class, at the level of introductory calculus. I was a teaching assistant for this course, and it’s fraught with problems. Most prevalently, the course is offered only S/NC. This is done partly to prevent students from pursuing an easy A. On the other hand, it seems to lower motivation in the class. Isn’t it easy to focus on other classes, where every point matters?
It is impossible to distinguish between students who have mastered the material and those who performed the minimal passing requirements. Further, the minimal passing requirements are very low and do not indicate mastery.
The best way to see if a student has acquired the skills expected from introductory calculus would be to see if the student passes the second semester class. I’m happy to say it seems the economics department thinks similarly, and, in 2016, second-semester calculus will be required.
David Lowry GS
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