Abstract What is the appropriate content of an undergraduate course in financial accounting theory, a course separate from intermediate accounting? Should faculty of the universities strive for uniformity in course content, or should each university design topical coverage based on material included in other undergraduate and graduate courses in accounting? Accounting faculty at the writer's university believe that the latter approach is preferable. Thus, faculty have decided not to follow one popular format for the theory course: study of official pronouncements in more depth than that found in intermediate, along with limited discussion of the theoretical foundation for the pronouncements. Instead, students study the FASB's Statements of Concepts and discussion memoranda related to the development of a conceptual framework. This paper discusses the nature of the accounting theory course as taught at one university under this approach. Accounting Theory in the undergraduate curriculum is an elective course for students majoring in accounting. Other students who meet the prerequisites may also enroll. It is highly recommended for those who wish to extend their knowledge of professional topics.
Loudell Ellis Robinson (Sun,) studied this question.