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BA-HONS in Economics at Helen Lowry College
Aizawl, Mizoram
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About the Specialization
What is Economics at Helen Lowry College Aizawl?
This BA Hons Economics program at Helen Lowry College of Arts & Commerce focuses on developing a robust understanding of economic principles and their real-world applications. With a strong emphasis on analytical and quantitative skills, the curriculum is designed to equip students with the tools necessary to analyze complex economic issues relevant to the Indian context, fostering critical thinking and research capabilities.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a keen interest in economic theory, policy, and data analysis. It suits individuals aspiring to careers in government, banking, research, or academia, as well as those planning to pursue postgraduate studies in Economics or related fields. Students with a strong aptitude for mathematics and social sciences will find this specialization particularly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career opportunities across various sectors in India, including roles as economic analysts, data scientists, policy researchers, and financial consultants. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs annually, with significant growth potential in institutions like NITI Aayog, RBI, commercial banks, and research firms. The program also serves as an excellent foundation for competitive exams like UPSC and RBI Grade B.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Concepts with Practical Examples- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding introductory microeconomics and macroeconomics using real-world Indian examples. Utilize online platforms like NPTEL and Khan Academy for supplementary learning and clarification of fundamental principles.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, Khan Academy Economics, NCERT Economics textbooks
Career Connection
Building a strong conceptual base is crucial for tackling advanced topics, excelling in competitive exams, and forming a foundational understanding for any economic role.
Develop Quantitative Aptitude- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly practice mathematical and statistical problems relevant to economics. Engage with problem sets in textbooks and utilize online resources for competitive math preparation. Prioritize understanding data interpretation and basic statistical measures.
Tools & Resources
Textbook problem sets, Brilliant.org, BYJU''''S (for competitive math), MS Excel for basic data handling
Career Connection
Strong quantitative skills are essential for econometrics, data analysis, and roles in finance or research, significantly enhancing employability.
Form Study Groups for Peer Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Collaborate with classmates to discuss complex theories, solve numerical problems, and review course material. Peer teaching reinforces understanding and exposes students to different perspectives and problem-solving approaches.
Tools & Resources
Collaborative online tools (Google Docs), College library discussion rooms
Career Connection
Enhances comprehension, develops teamwork skills, and prepares students for collaborative work environments in their future professional careers.
Intermediate Stage
Apply Economic Theories to Indian Context- (Semester 3-4)
Actively connect classroom learning from Indian Economy papers to current events, economic policies, and development challenges in India. Regularly read economic newspapers and relevant government reports.
Tools & Resources
The Economic Times, Business Standard, RBI Bulletin, NITI Aayog reports, Economic Survey of India
Career Connection
This practical application builds strong analytical skills and contextual understanding vital for roles in economic research, policy analysis, and journalism.
Initiate Data Analysis Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Begin learning basic data analysis software like MS Excel in depth, and explore introductory concepts of statistical programming languages like R or Python, especially with the Data Analysis SEC paper.
Tools & Resources
MS Excel, RStudio (for R basics), Python (Anaconda distribution), Online tutorials for data visualization
Career Connection
Early proficiency in data tools is a significant advantage for careers in data science, business analytics, and research, which are in high demand in India.
Participate in Economic Debates and Competitions- (Semester 3-4)
Engage in college-level economic debates, essay competitions, or quiz events. Join the college''''s economics society or academic clubs to interact with peers and faculty outside the classroom.
Tools & Resources
College Economics Club, Inter-college competition platforms, Online forums for economic discussions
Career Connection
This sharpens communication skills, critical thinking, and provides exposure to diverse economic viewpoints, beneficial for public speaking, group discussions, and job interviews.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Research Projects or Internships- (Semester 5-6)
Work on a small research project under faculty guidance, focusing on an area of interest within economics. Seek internships with local think tanks, NGOs, research departments, or financial institutions.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentorship, Internship portals (Internshala, LinkedIn), Academic databases for research
Career Connection
Provides hands-on experience in applying theoretical and econometric techniques, enhancing resume strength for research-oriented roles and postgraduate applications.
Specialize through Electives and Advanced Studies- (Semester 5-6)
Strategically choose Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) that align with specific career aspirations (e.g., Financial Economics for finance, Environmental Economics for sustainability). Begin preparing for postgraduate entrance exams or specific job interviews.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers for entrance exams (DSE, JNU), Specialized textbooks for chosen electives
Career Connection
Tailors expertise towards desired career paths, provides a competitive edge for specialized roles, and prepares for higher education or industry-specific certifications.
Network and Prepare for Placements- (Semester 6)
Attend career workshops, seminars by industry experts, and alumni talks organized by the college. Refine resume writing, interview skills, and leverage professional networking platforms to connect with potential employers.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, LinkedIn, Resume builders, Mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Maximizes chances of successful placement, builds professional connections, and ensures readiness for the job market in various sectors like banking, consulting, and government.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed Higher Secondary Examination (10+2) or equivalent with valid marks from a recognized Board/University.
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: 128 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECCHC-101 | Introductory Microeconomics | Core Course | 6 | Introduction to Microeconomics, Demand and Supply Analysis, Consumer Behavior (Utility and Indifference Curves), Production and Costs, Perfect Competition Market |
| AECC-101 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies, Natural Resources, Ecosystems, Biodiversity and its conservation, Environmental Pollution |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective - 1 | Generic Elective (from other disciplines) | 6 |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECCHC-201 | Introductory Macroeconomics | Core Course | 6 | Introduction to Macroeconomics, National Income Accounting, Determination of Output and Employment (Classical vs. Keynesian), Money and Banking, Inflation and Unemployment |
| AECC-201 | English Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Theory of Communication, Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills, Speaking Skills, Presentation Skills |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective - 2 | Generic Elective (from other disciplines) | 6 |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECCHC-301 | Intermediate Microeconomics I | Core Course | 6 | Consumer Theory (Preferences, Budget, Choice), Producer Theory (Production Function, Costs), Market Structures (Perfect Competition, Monopoly), General Equilibrium, Welfare Economics |
| ECCHC-302 | Intermediate Macroeconomics I | Core Course | 6 | Classical and Keynesian Systems, IS-LM Model, Money, Interest and Income, Open Economy Macroeconomics, Macroeconomic Policy |
| ECCHC-303 | Indian Economy I | Core Course | 6 | Basic Characteristics of Indian Economy, Economic Planning in India, Indian Agriculture (Performance, Policy), Indian Industry (Growth, Structure), Economic Reforms in India |
| SEC-301 | Data Analysis | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Types of Data and Sources, Data Collection Methods, Tabulation and Graphical Presentation, Measures of Central Tendency, Measures of Dispersion |
| GE-3 | Generic Elective - 3 | Generic Elective (from other disciplines) | 6 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECCHC-401 | Intermediate Microeconomics II | Core Course | 6 | Imperfect Competition (Monopolistic, Oligopoly), Factor Markets (Labour and Capital), General Equilibrium and Efficiency, Game Theory, Economics of Information |
| ECCHC-402 | Intermediate Macroeconomics II | Core Course | 6 | Inflation (Causes, Consequences, Control), Unemployment (Types, Phillips Curve), Business Cycles, Fiscal Policy, Monetary Policy |
| ECCHC-403 | Indian Economy II | Core Course | 6 | Public Finance in India, Foreign Trade and Balance of Payments, Poverty, Inequality, and Human Development, Infrastructure Development, Environmental Issues in India |
| SEC-401 | Research Methodology | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Introduction to Research, Research Design, Sampling Methods, Data Collection Tools and Techniques, Report Writing |
| GE-4 | Generic Elective - 4 | Generic Elective (from other disciplines) | 6 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECCHC-501 | Development Economics I | Core Course | 6 | Concepts of Economic Development, Theories of Economic Development, Poverty and Inequality, Population and Human Capital, Role of State and Markets in Development |
| ECCHC-502 | Statistical Methods for Economics | Core Course | 6 | Probability Theory, Random Variables and Probability Distributions, Sampling Distributions, Estimation Theory, Hypothesis Testing |
| DSE-501 | Discipline Specific Elective - 1 (Choose one from below) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | History of Economic Thought (Mercantilism, Classical, Marxian, Neoclassical), Environmental Economics (Environmental valuation, Pollution control), Financial Economics (Financial markets, Asset pricing), Public Economics (Public goods, Externalities, Taxation) |
| DSE-502 | Discipline Specific Elective - 2 (Choose one from below) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Applied Econometrics (Simple and Multiple Regression, Assumptions), Mathematical Economics (Static Analysis, Optimization, Game Theory), International Economics (Trade theories, Balance of payments), Computer Application in Economics (Spreadsheets, Statistical software) |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECCHC-601 | Development Economics II | Core Course | 6 | Economic Growth Models (Harrod-Domar, Solow), Trade, Aid, and Development, Foreign Capital and Debt, Sustainable Development Goals, Governance and Institutions in Development |
| ECCHC-602 | Econometrics | Core Course | 6 | Classical Linear Regression Model (CLRM), Assumptions of CLRM, Hypothesis Testing in Regression, Dummy Variable Regression Models, Qualitative Response Regression Models |
| DSE-603 | Discipline Specific Elective - 3 (Choose one from below) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Health Economics (Demand for health, Health care markets, Health policy), Labour Economics (Labour supply, Wage determination, Unemployment), Agricultural Economics (Indian agriculture structure, Marketing, Finance), Economics of Education (Human capital theory, Returns to education) |
| DSE-604 | Discipline Specific Elective - 4 (Choose one from below) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Public Finance in India (Tax structure, Public expenditure, Fiscal federalism), Industrial Economics (Industrial structure, Market conduct, Industrial policies), Regional Economics (Regional development, Urban economics, Rural development), Behavioral Economics (Heuristics and biases, Intertemporal choice, Risk) |
