• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.21 no.11
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• pp.301-308
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• 2020

This research analyzes the economic attitude and economic literacy of college students that attended college or graduated within one year. The study measures diverse traits of economics, such as economic rationality, economic interest, risk aversion, and competitive spirit or selfishness. Results show that students enrolled in economics courses have an interest in economics, received high grades, and graduates have a relatively higher level of economic rationality. Second, students who have taken courses in economics showed a higher level of interest in economics. Thus, the correlation between such education and students' interest cannot be denied. Third, regardless of their experience in taking economics courses, the level of knowledge in economics is low for community college students. Although the rationality and interest of those students enrolled in economics courses are higher compared to students not enrolled in such courses, it does not play a pivotal role in enhancing their economic intelligence. This shows that the current education in economics positively influences an individual's economic traits but does not necessarily generate knowledge in economics. Education should focus more on associating essential economic concepts with real-world issues.