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BA in Economics at Sacred Heart College (Autonomous)
Ernakulam, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Economics at Sacred Heart College (Autonomous) Ernakulam?
This BA Economics program at Sacred Heart College focuses on equipping students with a robust understanding of economic theories, policies, and their application. The curriculum emphasizes analytical skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving, preparing students for diverse roles in India''''s rapidly evolving economic landscape. It delves into both micro and macro aspects, blending theoretical foundations with practical relevance for societal impact.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a keen interest in economic phenomena, current affairs, and policy-making. It suits analytical minds aspiring for careers in research, finance, public service, or data analysis within the Indian context. It also appeals to those looking to pursue higher studies in economics or related fields, providing a strong academic foundation.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to be well-prepared for roles as economic analysts, market researchers, policy advisors, and consultants in India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 8-15 LPA. The program fosters skills highly valued in Indian companies, including data interpretation, forecasting, and understanding economic trends, leading to strong growth trajectories.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Conceptual Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding core microeconomics and statistical concepts thoroughly. Utilize online resources like Khan Academy, NPTEL for economics lectures, and solve problems from standard textbooks. This forms the bedrock for advanced topics and is crucial for entrance exams for higher studies and foundational understanding.
Tools & Resources
Khan Academy Economics, NPTEL Economics courses, Standard textbooks
Career Connection
Solid conceptual understanding is essential for analytical roles and provides a competitive edge in interviews for entry-level positions.
Develop Effective Study Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Practice active recall and spaced repetition, summarizing notes after each class and discussing concepts with peers. Form study groups to tackle complex problems and review common mistakes. This builds discipline, ensures long-term retention of fundamental economic principles, and prepares for rigorous academic demands.
Tools & Resources
Study groups, Flashcards, Mind maps
Career Connection
Strong study habits translate into efficient problem-solving and critical thinking skills, valued in any professional environment.
Engage in Economic Debates and News- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly read financial newspapers like The Economic Times, Business Standard, and follow economic news channels. Participate in college debates and discussions on current economic events and policy. This connects theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and enhances critical thinking and communication skills.
Tools & Resources
The Economic Times, Business Standard, Mint, YouTube channels like StudyIQ
Career Connection
Staying updated on economic affairs is vital for roles in finance, policy, and journalism, demonstrating practical awareness.
Intermediate Stage
Master Quantitative and Analytical Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Dedicate extra effort to Quantitative Methods and Mathematical Economics. Utilize software like Excel, R, or Python for data analysis, practicing with real-world datasets. Participate in workshops on statistical tools to apply theoretical knowledge effectively in practical scenarios, making you industry-ready.
Tools & Resources
Microsoft Excel, R/Python (basic libraries), Coursera/edX data science courses
Career Connection
Proficiency in quantitative tools is highly sought after in roles like data analyst, market researcher, and financial analyst.
Seek Early Industry Exposure- (Semester 3-5)
Look for short-term internships or volunteer opportunities with local NGOs, research organizations, or financial institutions during semester breaks. Attend industry conferences and guest lectures to understand different career paths and build connections. This practical exposure helps in identifying areas of interest and building a professional network.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, LinkedIn, College career cell
Career Connection
Internships provide real-world experience, enhancing your resume and increasing your chances of securing full-time employment.
Participate in Research and Competitions- (Semester 3-5)
Engage with faculty on minor research projects or term papers to delve deeper into specific economic issues. Participate in inter-collegiate economic quizzes, paper presentation competitions, and case study challenges. This hones research skills, boosts confidence, and provides valuable experience for higher studies or jobs.
Tools & Resources
College research centers, Inter-collegiate fests, Economic societies
Career Connection
Research and competition wins demonstrate initiative, analytical prowess, and problem-solving abilities, attractive to employers and academic institutions.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Placement and Career Planning- (Semester 6)
Identify target industries (e.g., banking, consulting, government, research) and tailor your elective choices accordingly. Prepare a professional resume, practice interview skills, and attend placement drives organized by the college. Utilize the college''''s career services for guidance and mock interviews to refine your approach.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Resume builders, Mock interview platforms
Career Connection
Strategic career planning and preparation significantly increase the likelihood of securing desirable job offers post-graduation.
Undertake a Comprehensive Project- (Semester 6)
Choose a research topic for your final year project that aligns with your career aspirations or area of specialization. Dedicate significant time to data collection, analysis, and report writing, aiming for a high-quality dissertation. This demonstrates in-depth knowledge and analytical capability to potential employers or for postgraduate admissions.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals, Statistical software, Faculty advisors
Career Connection
A strong project showcases your ability to conduct independent research and contribute original insights, highly valued in research-oriented roles.
Network Strategically and Pursue Certifications- (Semester 6)
Connect with alumni working in desired fields on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights and potential mentorship. Consider pursuing relevant short-term certifications (e.g., NISM certifications for finance, data analytics courses) that complement your degree. This enhances employability and opens doors to specialized roles in the Indian job market.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, NISM certifications, Online data analytics courses
Career Connection
Networking and certifications provide a competitive edge, demonstrating commitment and specialized skills to potential employers in your chosen field.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A pass in Plus Two or equivalent examination, as per Mahatma Gandhi University norms for affiliated autonomous colleges.
Duration: 6 Semesters / 3 Years
Credits: 120 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN1CC01 | Methodology of Humanities | Common Course (English) | 4 | Introduction to Humanities, Academic Research Skills, Critical Reading and Writing, Ethics and Social Responsibility, Digital Literacy |
| ML1AL01 | Prose and Drama | Common Course (Additional Language) | 4 | Malayalam Prose Forms, Evolution of Malayalam Drama, Literary Analysis, Cultural Contexts, Selected Readings |
| EC1CR01 | Methodology of Economics & Microeconomics - I | Core | 5 | Nature and Scope of Economics, Economic Methodologies, Consumer Behavior, Demand and Supply Analysis, Elasticity Concepts |
| ST1CM01 | Statistical Methods for Economics - I | Complementary | 4 | Basic Statistical Concepts, Data Collection and Classification, Measures of Central Tendency, Measures of Dispersion, Probability Theory |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN2CC02 | Academic Writing and Presentation Skills | Common Course (English) | 4 | Report Writing, Essay Structure, Research Paper Ethics, Oral Presentation Techniques, Referencing Styles |
| ML2AL02 | Poetry and Grammar | Common Course (Additional Language) | 4 | Malayalam Poetic Forms, Figures of Speech, Grammatical Structures, Translation Exercises, Prosody |
| EC2CR02 | Microeconomics - II | Core | 5 | Production Analysis, Cost and Revenue Concepts, Market Structures (Perfect Competition), Monopoly and Oligopoly, Factor Pricing |
| ST2CM02 | Statistical Methods for Economics - II | Complementary | 4 | Correlation Analysis, Regression Analysis, Index Numbers, Time Series Analysis, Sampling Methods |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN3CC03 | Literature and Contemporary Issues | Common Course (English) | 5 | Social and Political Themes, Cultural Representation in Literature, Environmental Narratives, Gender Studies, Post-Colonial Perspectives |
| ML3AL03 | History of Malayalam Literature | Common Course (Additional Language) | 4 | Ancient Period, Medieval Developments, Modern Trends, Major Literary Movements, Prominent Writers |
| EC3CR03 | Macroeconomics - I | Core | 5 | National Income Accounting, Classical and Keynesian Models, Consumption and Investment Functions, Money and Banking, Inflation and Unemployment |
| EC3CR04 | Quantitative Methods for Economic Analysis - I | Core | 4 | Basic Algebra for Economics, Functions and Graphs, Differentiation in Economics, Optimization Techniques, Matrices and Determinants |
| ST3CM03 | Statistical Methods for Economics - III | Complementary | 4 | Hypothesis Testing (Z, T, Chi-Square), Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Non-Parametric Tests, Decision Theory, Statistical Software Introduction |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN4CC04 | Readings in Literary Criticism | Common Course (English) | 5 | Classical Criticism, Romanticism, Modernism, Post-Structuralism, Indian Aesthetics |
| ML4AL04 | Modern Malayalam Literature | Common Course (Additional Language) | 4 | Modernist Movements, Postmodern Trends, Contemporary Writers, Literary Criticism in Malayalam, Impact of Global Literature |
| EC4CR05 | Macroeconomics - II | Core | 5 | Business Cycles, Monetary and Fiscal Policies, Open Economy Macroeconomics, IS-LM Model, Economic Growth Theories |
| EC4CR06 | Quantitative Methods for Economic Analysis - II | Core | 4 | Integration in Economics, Difference and Differential Equations, Input-Output Analysis, Game Theory Basics, Linear Programming |
| ST4CM04 | Statistical Methods for Economics - IV | Complementary | 4 | Econometric Models, Regression Diagnostics, Forecasting Techniques, Panel Data Introduction, Data Interpretation for Policy |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC5CR07 | Indian Economy - I | Core | 4 | Structure of Indian Economy, Planning in India, Agriculture Sector Challenges, Industrial Policies, Poverty and Inequality |
| EC5CR08 | Development Economics | Core | 4 | Theories of Economic Development, Poverty and Malnutrition, Human Capital Development, Role of State and Market, Sustainable Development Goals |
| EC5CR09 | Mathematical Economics | Core | 4 | Consumer Theory using Calculus, Producer Theory using Calculus, Market Equilibrium Models, Welfare Economics, Dynamic Economic Models |
| EC5CR10 | Public Finance | Core | 4 | Role of Government in Economy, Public Goods and Externalities, Taxation Principles, Public Expenditure, Fiscal Policy and Debt |
| EC5OC01 | Environmental Economics | Open Course | 3 | Ecology and Economy, Market Failure and Environment, Environmental Valuation, Environmental Policy Instruments, Sustainable Development |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC6CR11 | Indian Economy - II | Core | 4 | Service Sector Growth, External Sector Reforms, Financial Sector Developments, Infrastructure Development, Regional Disparities |
| EC6CR12 | International Economics | Core | 4 | Theories of International Trade, Terms of Trade, Balance of Payments, Exchange Rate Regimes, International Economic Institutions |
| EC6CE01 | Financial Economics | Elective | 8 | Financial Markets and Institutions, Risk and Return, Asset Pricing Models, Capital Budgeting, Derivatives and Hedging |
| EC6CRPR | Project and Viva Voce | Core (Project) | 4 | Research Question Formulation, Literature Review, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing, Oral Presentation and Defense |
