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Applied economics in the liberal arts: Teaching about food, health, and human welfare

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  • Novak, Lindsey
  • Damon, Amy

Abstract

We explore the challenges and opportunities of teaching economic tools to understand food and health-related issues in the context of two small liberal arts colleges. Students in our classes often arrive with a simultaneous interest in social justice and deep skepticism about economics and its ability to solve related issues. We use food and health topics to engage skeptical students and help them realize the power of economic thinking in application to themes they care deeply about and often consider outside the purview of economists. This paper discusses our pedagogical approaches, tailored to attract and retain a diverse student body, as well as some of the classroom challenges and successes we have experienced in this specific academic environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Novak, Lindsey & Damon, Amy, 2025. "Applied economics in the liberal arts: Teaching about food, health, and human welfare," 2025 Allied Social Sciences Association (ASSA) Annual Meeting, January 3-5, 2025, San Francisco, CA 359267, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:assa25:359267
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.359267
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