Springsteen-omics: contemplative pedagogy and Springsteen in undergraduate economics courses

Abstract

The authors of this article describe a unique approach to economics education in which contemplative deep listening practices were applied to Bruce Springsteen’s music in order to introduce basic economic concepts to incoming university students. The course Springsteen-omics: Economics through the Songs of Bruce Springsteen shifted the mechanisms by which college students interacted with introductory economic themes, providing them with a positive perception of economics and deepening the way they think about the economy. Using a qualitative analysis of responses to several learning reflection exercises, the authors also explore the impact of this pedagogy on student learning. Their findings indicate that students gained an appreciation for Springsteen’s music and deepened their ability to identify and describe the lyrical intent and economic themes in his songs.