Homo Economicus Meets Homo Religiosus: A Collaborative Undergraduate Course in Economics and Religion

Abstract

This paper describes an interdisciplinary undergraduate course exploring multiple intersections of economics and religion using a variety of textual sources, exercises, and teaching methods from both fields. We conclude that such a course can be valuable for both majors and non-majors. Economics majors may gain a greater awareness of the philosophical underpinnings and ethical implications of their social science, while non-economists may gain an appreciation for the many ways in which the economic way of thinking affects and can be applied to aspects of their everyday lives. While this course was taught in a largely secular school with Presbyterian roots, the syllabus can easily be adjusted for a more evangelical college.