Teaching Economics with Short Stories

Ruder, Philip

doi:10.2139/ssrn.926220

Abstract

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Teaching Economics with Short Stories

Philip J. Ruder

Pacific University - Business and Economics Department

July 15, 2006

Abstract:
Using short stories as supplements to traditional economics courses or as the part of non-traditional economics or interdisciplinary courses helps students to grasp economic concepts while diversifying instructional methods in the classroom. Short stories centered on economic concepts fit well in the long tradition of teaching by parable. Students derive great pleasure from reading short stories and they possess great skill analyzing short stories, seeming quick to grasp even very subtle meaning in the narrative. The paper describes the pedagogical value of this literary form and presents numerous short stories apt for use in the economics classroom.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 17

JEL Classification: A20

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Date posted: August 29, 2006

Suggested Citation

Ruder, Philip J., Teaching Economics with Short Stories (July 15, 2006). Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=926220 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.926220

Contact Information

Philip J. Ruder (Contact Author)

Pacific University - Business and Economics Department ( email )

2043 College Way
Forest Grove, OR 97116
United States
503-352-2148 (Phone)
503-352-3195 (Fax)