Article Analysis
Most of these articles will involve analysis of policy proposals. It is important that you remain politically objective and consider the economic implications of the article in a measured and analytic way. The goal of these exercises is to apply the theoretical framework we will be learning to contemporary real world issues – less important is whether you agree with a particular policy or not. Your analysis should include both written analysis and graphs to support your arguments. There is no strict length requirement for your analyses but you should ensure that you are addressing the content of the news article in a clear and thorough manner. Legibility is a key part of communicating your ideas so if your work is too messy to read or too disorganized to understand, you will lose points. Grading is out of five points possible and will focus on three main areas: 1) addressing the issues discussed in the article, 2) accurately using economic theory to analyze the issues, 3) clarity of communication. Your lowest score will be dropped; because of this, no late analysis assignments will be accepted. Below is a rough breakdown of grading expectations:
5 – Thorough and accurate discussion of main issues in the article using the principles and models of the class. Models are applied to the problem in a consistent and appropriate way. No errors in correctly applying and interpreting economic theory to the issues in the article. Analysis is clear and easy to follow.
4 – Relatively thorough and accurate discussion of main issues in the article using the prin- ciples and models of the class. Few errors in correctly applying and interpreting economic theory to the issues in the article. Analysis is clear and easy to follow.
3 – Discusses the main issues in the article using the principles and models of the class but exhibits several inaccuracies and/or does not thoroughly cover the issues. Analysis is a bit confusing.
2 – Discusses the main issues in the article using the principles and models of the class but exhibits many inaccuracies and/or does not thoroughly cover the issues. Analysis is difficult to follow.
1 – Exhibits minimal effort and/or success in applying the principles and models of the class to the article
0 – Exhibits absolutely no effort to apply the principles and models of the class to the article (or you didn’t turn it in)
