소비자학의 재조명과 조망: 학부교육을 중심으로

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to re-examine the current status of Consumer Science as a discipline in higher education institution, and to propose a curriculum which the authors believe to be balanced and fundamental in the training of consumer professionals who are specialized in the handling of various consumer issues of contemporary society. This study is composed of three main parts. The first part provides a brief review of the developmental process of Consumer Science as a discipline, and an overview of current status of Consumer Science undergraduate programs in universities in the U.S. and in Korea. The second part provides a revised definition and roles of Consumer Science as a discipline and discusses what our educational goals should be in the view of our new role. In the last part of the study, we propose a suggested undergraduate curriculum model for Consumer Science programs. The proposed curriculum model is designed so that students can gradually build up their knowledge and skill as they through three different levels of courses (basic courses, advanced courses and application courses) that are well integrated. At the same time the proposed model allows students to choose among three different tracks (consumer sovereignty protection track, consumer and the market track and consumer financial management track) in order to allow students to pursue their academic interests and obtain in-dept knowledge and skill required to become able consumer professionals. Brief explanations of courses that are suggested in the model are also provided. Although the curriculum model suggested in this study may not be an one-size-fits-all kind of answer for all Consumer Sciences program, it is our hope that this kind of suggestion will generate active discussions among Consumer Scientists and educators as we face yet another challenge and opportunity to answer to the needs of our stakeholders in a society that is changing ever so dynamically.