Examining the Unique Characteristics of Economics: A Description of a Student Assignment

<title>Abstract</title> This article discusses a classroom activity which introduces students to the knowledge creation process in the field of economics. Although the assignment was used in an upper level history of economic thought class, it could be tailored to fit almost any broadly themed course in the field. Economics is a discipline that faithfully adheres to a particular approach—one based on self-interest and contractual exchange; ideas that deviate from this approach are often overlooked by economists or deemed outside the discipline. Likewise, arguments made without the use of core assumptions or mathematical models are screened out as not truly being economics. Due to this allegiance to a specific form of argument, economics has developed unique characteristics. The class activity asks students to think about the implications of these characteristics and identity economic models and theories that exemplify them.