As a student of economics and an early-career researcher, I was naturally drawn to lectures that fostered dynamic dialogue and
encouraged critical thinking. Three years ago, when I stepped into the role of an instructor in the Department of Economics at the University of Utah, I envisioned creating an intellectually stimulating and interactive classroom. This challenge of cultivating a space where students are genuinely passionate about the subject drives me to excel as an educator. To cultivate this teaching format, I adopt the inquiry-based pedagogy approach and motivate students to be critical of the topics we cover in class. Building a community of original thinkers and empathetic scholars underscores my teaching philosophy and guides my aspirations to follow teaching as my vocation.
Below are some of the subjects I have taught. Currently I am teaching Principles of Microeconomics for fall 2024 at the University of Rhode Island.
ECON 5540: Capitalism and Socialism
ECON 5080: Marxian economics
ECON 5470: Industrialization and Economic Development: The American Case
ECON 2020 PRINCIPLES OF MACROECONOMICS
What do my students say about me?
“Swayam does a great job at communicating his expectations. As a non–econ major, I feel there is sufficient guidance for me to participate in group work. I particularly appreciated his application of feedback from the first quiz. I’m not well versed in applying mathematical concepts in classes, since I haven’t taken a math class since 2015!” (Capitalism and Socialism, Spring 2024)
“He seemed like he genuinely cared about the success and education of the students. He also worked to provide a digital classroom where people were encouraged to participate and ask questions.”(Capitalism and Socialism, Spring 2024)
“Great instructor, he seemed very passionate about the subject matter.”(Marxian Economics, Spring 2023)
“The instructor was receptive to feedback and always responded to emails in a timely manner, additionally, they were incredibly open to being flexible when I had a death in the family and was unable to submit assignments on time. This type of empathetic and compassionate leadership and teaching is necessary for students to be successful.” (Principles of Microeconomics, Summer 2022)
“Professor Sarangi’s instruction was only outshined by his genuine kindness and good nature. This was a small elective course and he worked hard every day to engage the whole class in a collaborative manner, as well as provide thorough instruction that touched carefully on political and social topics in a professional and vastly informative manner.” (Industrialization: The American Case, Fall 2021)
“Thank you Swayam! Your kindness is inspiring and it was powerful to have a college professor connect with their students and treat them like more than a task of the job. Good luck in all you do!” (Industrialization: The American Case, Fall 2021)
“You were genuinely one of the best professors I’ve had– your in depth videos explaining the concepts mentioned in the chapters helped me understand the material a lot. Keep it up” (Principles of Microeconomics, Spring 2021)
Swayamsiddha Sarangi 