When this course is completed, students will achieve five course outcomes.

Each student will have:

(1) Read and studied assigned chapters from the text;
(2) Completed associated Study Guide chapter self-tests arranged by specific learning objective and measured by true-false, multiple choice, fill-in the blank, graph-the-graph, and numeric and short answer questions,  with ALL answers provided;
(3) Mastered and been evaluated on as few as two, or as many as five learning objectives from each assigned chapter.  This is accomplished by requiring students to take three proctored examinations.  Each exam closely corresponds with assigned textbook readings, and each exam closely resembles practice problems and self-tests found in the Study Guide;
(4) Acquired study partners and been encouraged to use Blackboard email, Discussion Group, Gradebook, and review Announcements online; and
(5) Practiced communication skills by writing, working, or corresponding with other students, and by working or corresponding with the instructor.

There are three reasons for selecting these course outcomes:

(1) Short term reasons:
--  The first objective - reading and studying assigned chapters - causes each student to  immediately recognize from two to five specific learning objectives before they begin work in their text, and before they begin work in their Study Guide. 
--  The second objective - completing the Study Guide - requires reading and writing skills and enhances analytical abilities, graphing skills, quantitative skills, and critical thinking.
--  The third objective - taking examinations - measures each student's ability to master the learning objectives.
--  The fourth and fifth objectives - acquiring study partners, electronic skills, and electronic participation - directly enhance the 21st Century Skills identified for emphasis at PHCC, especially technology, listening and responding appropriately, teamwork, and for some student volunteers - presentation, and leadership skills.

(2) Long term reasons:
Studying economics has been shown to enhance understanding of the market system, of principles of government as they apply to public issues including taxation, money supply, interest rates, wage rates, unemployment and inflation measurements, business cycles, production, profit (or loss) and investment, efficient resource use, regulation of industry, and pursuit of the benefits from international trade.

(3) Interdisciplinary long term benefits:
Studying economics has also been shown to provide an excellent basis for pursuing advanced degrees in virtually all other fields of endeavor including teaching, the social sciences, the engineering sciences, medical, legal, and governmental careers.