Community Engaged Learning in Economics
Community Engaged Learning in Economics
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CEL Course: Urban Economics (ECON 351)
CEL Course: Urban Economics (ECON 351)
Course objective: Students undertake an analysis of the economic factors that have given rise to the formation of urban centers. We discuss what makes them unique, and study urban problems such as poverty, crime, homelessness and housing conditions, traffic congestion and urban growth. Students also participate in a community engagement activity and reflect on this service. Students reflect on the service activity in such a way as to gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, a deeper understanding of community concerns, and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility.
Community engagement project: Policy report based on the needs and objectives of partner organizations
Policy areas of interest: Housing access and affordability, public transportation access, hunger and food access, greenspaces and environmental impacts of cities
Fall 2024 Community Partners: HELP, Inc., Literacy for Life, Newport News Green Foundation, Hampton Roads Urban Agriculture, and Virginia Organizing
**Click here to see the slides from the 2025 JET Symposium on Economics Teaching**
Select student quotes about CEL in Economics
Select student quotes about CEL in Economics
“This class gave me an experience that I have never had in any level of education. Being able to see how economics can be used to solve social issues was very inspiring”
“I remember sitting there just being woken up by all these issues in what's going on in our backyard. Being a college student in this area at CNU you can get lost in what's actually happening around you and this class was definitely a reminder for me of what's actually important.”
“This course, along with the CEL project, has really given me a sense of confidence as I look ahead to entering the workforce, especially in a field related to economics”
Special thanks to the CNU Center for Community Engagement and the Bonner Foundation for their support throughout the development of this course.
This course was developed as part of the 2024-25 Tidewater Faculty Fellowship Program.
Pictured is my Fall 2024 Urban Economics class visiting Hampton Roads Urban Agriculture's community garden in downtown Newport News
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