Courses

Courses provide general understanding of economic systems and economic analysis, with emphasis on the operation of the U.S. economy. Topics include the price system, theory of consumer behavior, theory of production, theory of the firm, income distribution, welfare economics, and the micro aspects of international trade.

Courses provide general understanding of economic systems and economic analysis, with emphasis on the operation of the U.S. economy. Topics include national income accounting, employment, inflation, monetary and fiscal policies, aggregate demand and supply analysis, economic growth, the monetary aspect of international economics, and comparative economic systems.

Fundamentals of economics for citizens, businesses, nonprofits, and policymakers, through the lens of social issues. Microeconomics topics include making optimal production and consumption decisions with limited resources, gains from specialization and trade, price coordination, market competition versus market power, consequences of imperfect markets, and common remedies. Macroeconomics topics focus on measurement and determinants of headline statistics like GDP growth, unemployment, and inflation, interest rates, government deficits and debt, and effects of government spending, taxation, and income redistribution. Students that have received credit for ECON 103 cannot receive credit for ECON 105.

An examination of the economic history of the United States from the colonial era to the present. Topics include the evolution of economic and political institutions and their impact on growth of the U.S. economy, the economics of slavery and the economic status of blacks in America after slavery, changes in technology from the industrial revolution to the internet, labor unions and the structure of businesses, changes in the distribution of income, central banking and monetary systems, the U.S. in the global economy, and the business cycle. Econ 104 (Principles of Macroeconomics) is a prerequisite, Econ 103 (Principles of Microeconomics) is strongly recommended.

Intensive examination of East Asia, using the framework of economic analysis and political economy to consider economic history, growth, and development. Economic theory provides the primary paradigm within which this region is studied, but consideration is also given to historical events that conditioned the economic outcomes. Reviews the pertinent theory and focuses on application of that theory to specific historical events. Prerequisites: Economics 104.

Intensive examination of Latin America, using the framework of economic analysis and political economy to consider economic history, growth, and development. Economic theory provides the primary paradigm within which this region is studied, but consideration is also given to historical events that conditioned the economic outcomes. Reviews the pertinent theory and focuses on application of that theory to specific historical events. Prerequisites: Economics 103 or 104.

Topics include nomenclature of descriptive statistics; probabilities using the normal, binomial, and Poisson distributions; Chi-square; sampling; estimation of parameters; hypothesis testing; linear regression; and correlation. A student may not receive credit for both this course and MGT 235, Mathematics 107, Psychology 205, or Biology 260. Prerequisites: Econ 103 and 104, Math 111 or equivalent; or permission of the Economics department. Math 111 can be taken concurrently as a co-requisite.

Examination of classical, neoclassical, Keynesian, monetarist, new classical, and post-Keynesian economics, with particular focus on various theories and policies that relate to the determination of national (aggregate) income and price level, the determination and role of interest rates, and the part played by monetary and fiscal authorities in stabilizing the economy. Prerequisites: Econ 103 and 104, and Math 111 or the equivalent; or permission of the Econ department.

Course uses the methodological tools of economics to examine consumer and producer behavior and economic behavior, both individual and collective, under different input and output market structures. Also analyzes implications of such behavior for general equilibrium and economic welfare. Prerequisites: Econ 103 and 104, Math 111 or the equivalent; or permission of the Econ department.

Study of the development of economic ideas and policies in relation to the evolution of economics as a discipline from its roots in philosophical discourse to its modern form. Schools of economic thought from Physiocrats to neoclassical economics are examined. Emphasis is placed on the ideas of major contributors to economic thought from Plato to Keynes. Prerequisites: Econ 103 and 104. Recommended Econ 243 and 245.

Examination of economic and noneconomic factors accounting for economic growth and development in less developed areas of the world. Various theories of economic growth and development are analyzed and major policy issues discussed. Primary focus is on the study of the development experience in the Third World and the roles of international trade, aid, multinational corporations, as well as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, in the formation and application of Third World strategies for economic development. Satisfies distribution requirement in non-Western culture. Prerequisites: Econ 103 and 104.

Introduction to the history and development of international commerce and its relation to the rise of the capitalist system. Fundamentals of international trade and finance are also elaborated, and these tools are applied to such issues as international business cycles, global competition and technical change, balance of payments and trade deficits, and the international debt crisis. Prerequisites: Econ 103 and 104.

Application of economic theory and empirical analysis to gender and LGBT issues, focusing on the US economy. Course explores how changes in family structures, gendered social norms, and macroeconomic conditions affect labor force participation, considers evidence regarding discrimination by identity and related differences in earnings, and evaluates how intersections of gender identity with race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, and social class impact individuals’ economic choices and the effects of public policies. Prerequisite: Economics 103. ECON 252 and WGS 252 are cross-listed.

Examination of the origins and development of capitalism and the contribution of Third World peoples and minorities in the U.S. to the process and continued growth of capitalist development. Primary focus is on the contributions of Africa and people of African descent. Prerequisites: Econ 103 and 104.

Study of economic issues in professional, collegiate, and other amateur sports. The course examines the history and development of the economics of sports. Central themes of the study include public policy, the economic organization of the sports industry, the roles of women and people of color, labor relations, and monopoly and monopsony power. Prerequisites: Economics 103. Recommended: Math 111 or equivalent

Introduction to issues, terminology, and methods in global health research, with particular emphasis on Latin America. The course focuses on the critical impact of poverty and inequality on health outcomes, due to differential exposure to causes of disease and injury, differential vulnerability in the face of health risks, and differential consequences of exposure and resultant disease and injury. Instruction, discussion, and reading materials will be in Spanish. Prerequisites: Econ 103, and Span 301 or proficiency in Spanish.

In this course, we explore the economic history and development of Africa, focusing on theories, methods, empirical analysis and key debates. We examine the external and internal, institutional and resource-based explanations of the region's development from pre-colonial period to the modern economy. We will consider the role of development practitioners such as international financial and trade institutions, nongovernmental bodies, and global governance institutions. Africa is a large and diverse continent, better understood through an appreciation of individual country development experiences – many countries on the continent remain underdeveloped while others have achieved emerging status. As such, we will make use of country case studies and current events to better understand the differences and similarities of the effects of both policy responses, resource and institutional constraints. Prerequisite: ECON 103 and 104; ECON 241 recommended. AFS 256 and ECON 256 are cross-listed.

Energy fundamentals and security issues. Course covers technological, economic and political aspects of energy production originating from oil, coal, conventional gas, shale gas, nuclear power, hydropower and other renewable sources. It examines how energy resources affect the national security and shape the domestic as well as global political economy. Topics include national oil companies, government control and regulation, OPEC dynamics, oil reserves, pipeline politics, LNG international trade, water-energy nexus, climate change, critical energy infrastructure, terrorism, energy diplomacy. Prerequisites: Economics 103 or 105 (or equivalent); or permission of instructor. ECON 258 and PP 258 are cross-listed.

This course examines the conduct of monetary policy in the United States and other countries. Students learn about the objectives of monetary policy, the way monetary policy affects the macro economy over the course of the business cycle, and the tools that central banks use. Special attention is paid to the economic challenges currently facing the United States and world economies. Students participate in the Fed Challenge, a competition sponsored by the Federal Reserve System. Prerequisites: Econ 103 and 104

Regulation of financial markets and institutions. The course examines risk-taking by financial market participants and attempts by government to regulate in the interests of financial stability. Special attention to the 2007 world financial crisis, the Dodd-Frank regulatory reform act of 2010, and current regulatory reform proposals. Taught from the perspectives of public policy, economics, and business management. Prerequisite: ECON 103, and 104 or ECON/BUS 267. Cross-listed as PP 265, ECON 265, and BUS 360.

Emphasis is on financial planning, investment analysis, asset management, and sources and costs of capital. Prerequisites: Econ 103 or 104, and ECON 241 or an equivalent statistics course. ECON 267 and BUS 267 are cross-listed.

Introduction to economic analysis of health care markets and health policy. In this course, we use economic analysis to understand individuals' demand for medical care and their role in health production, socioeconomic disparities in health outcomes, uncertainty and the role of insurance, adverse selection and moral hazard problems, the roles of physicians and hospitals as suppliers, pharmaceutical innovation and medical technologies, and the role of government programs in the US and internationally. Prerequisite: ECON 103 or ECON 105. ECON 270 and PP 270 are cross-listed.

Theoretical and empirical study of the functioning of labor markets, with emphasis on wage and employment determination. Topics include time allocation, wage differences, discrimination, investment in education, mobility and migration, impact of legislation, unions and labor relations, and imperfect markets. Prerequisite: Econ 241 and 245.

Application of economic theory and empirical analysis to gender and LGBT issues, focusing on the US economy. Course explores how changes in family structures, gendered social norms, and macroeconomic conditions affect labor force participation, considers evidence regarding discrimination by identity and related differences in earnings, and evaluates how intersections of gender identity with race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, and social class impact individuals’ economic choices and the effects of public policies. Prerequisites: ECON 241 and ECON 245. ECON 350 recommended.

Course examines role of money, credit, and financial institutions in the determination of price and income levels. Coverage includes the commercial banking system, the Federal Reserve System, monetary theory, and the art of monetary policy. Emphasis is placed upon evaluation of current theory and practice in the American economy in the context of increased internationalization of financial activity. Prerequisite: Econ 241 and 243.

Study of economic issues in professional, collegiate, and other amateur sports. The course examines the history and development of the economics of sports. Central themes of the study include public policy, the economic organization of the sports industry, the roles of women and people of color, labor relations, and monopoly and monopsony power. Prerequisites: ECON 245. Recommended: Math 111 or equivalent

Introduction to principles, techniques, and effects of government obtaining and spending funds and managing government debt. Nature, growth, and amount of expenditures of all levels of government in the U.S. are considered, along with numerous types of taxes employed by various levels of government to finance their activities. Domestic and international implications of government debt are also considered. Prerequisite: Econ 241 and 245.

Role of innovation in the evolution of economic systems. Topics include how profit incentives affect the research and development (R&D) process, the impact of technological change on occupational structure and the distribution of income, the particular market failures that exist in the market for "new knowledge," and what government policies can be used to arrive at "optimal" growth paths. The course concludes with an empirical examination of the "most important" sources of economic growth. Prerequisite: Econ 241 and 243.

An investigation into political economic and policy problems not directly confronted by mainstream economics. The focus is on the power relations, especially on who gains and who loses in a given set of economic relationships. Examples of significant issues include: the challenge for governments caused by the power of multinational corporations in a globalized world; the implications of inequalities attributable to gender, ethnic, and class relations; the proliferation of speculative financial activities and their implications for productivity; growing poverty in both the rich and the poor countries. Prerequisite: Econ 241, 243 and 245.

Study of international financial markets and their interactions with the macroeconomy. Topics include balance of payments accounting and foreign exchange markets. A theoretical model if the macroeconomy that incorporates international trade and foreign exchange markets is used to address a number of policy issues, such as the operation of fixed exchange rate systems, exchange rate crises, the evolution of the international monetary system, economic integration, and problems in the global capital market. Prerequisite: Econ 241 and 243.

Mathematical analysis of strategic interaction and decision making. Topics include normal form games and Nash equilibrium, dynamic games of complete and perfect information and subgame perfect equilibrium, static Bayesian games and Bayesian Nash equilibrium, and dynamic games with incomplete information and perfect Bayesian equilibrium. Specific topics and applications include: prisoner’s dilemma, duopoly and oligopoly, bargaining, auctions, collective action problems, voting, and public choice. Prerequisite: Econ 241 and 245.

An exploration of advanced topics in modern macroeconomic theory. Topics include neoclassical growth theory, rational expectations, real business cycle and New Keynesian macroeconomic models, the time consistency problem in macroeconomic policy, search and matching models of the labor market. Open to all economics majors but especially recommended for Mathematical Economics majors and those planning to attend graduate programs in Economics. Prerequisites: Econ 243 and 245

An examination of macroeconomic policy from a historical perspective. We study perennial economic controversies and important episodes in macroeconomic history. We draw lessons from history for recent macroeconomic events, in particular, the recession of 2007-2009 and recovery. Prerequisite: ECON 243.

Examination of economic and noneconomic factors accounting for economic growth and development in less developed areas of the world. Various theories of economic growth and development are analyzed and major policy issues discussed. Primary focus is on the study of the development experience in the Third World and the roles of international trade, aid, multinational corporations, as well as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, in the formation and application of Third World strategies for economic development. Prerequisite: Econ 241, and 243 or 245.

Investigation of the relationship between the economy and the environment, conditions for a mainstream theories and policies, including those based on externalities and social costs, property rights, cost-benefit analysis, and discounting, are studied in the light of conditions required for sustainability. Problems and prospects of both market controls and government regulation are considered. Special topics include renewable resources, valuation techniques, accounting for pollution and resource depletion in GDP statistics, and sustainable development. Prerequisite: Econ 245. ECON 341 and PP 341 are cross-listed.

Application of microeconomic theory to the structure of industry. Course considers traditional, as well as recent and interdisciplinary theories of firm and industry behavior, with particular focus on oligopoly and game theory. Course also reviews the economic history of U.S. antitrust and regulatory policies and examines the effect of greater global interdependence. Students evaluate alternative policies for static economic efficiency, technological change, and equity. Prerequisite: Econ 241 and 245.

This course explores the key aspects of energy supply and demand covering issues in electricity, natural gas and oil sectors of the economy. It discusses the role of markets, regulation and deregulation of the industry. The course addresses market design questions related to energy generation, transmission and distribution. It also provides an overview of economic institutions designed to control pollution emissions and examines other public policies affecting energy markets. Prerequisites:Econ 241 and 245. ECON 344 and PP 343 are cross-listed.

Applications of economics and policy analysis to the scientific research enterprise, with a focus on determinants and consequences of scientific research and innovation. Topics include economic theories of knowledge, evaluating scientific productivity and social welfare effects, analyzing government interventions and incentives including research subsidies and intellectual property protection, labor markets for scientists and engineers and effects of immigration policy and efforts to broaden participation, and the roles of universities and colleges in producing science, training graduates, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship. Prerequisite: ECON 241 and ECON 245. ECON 346 and PP 346 are cross-listed

Application of advanced economic analysis to environmental problems. New media, technology and data have rapidly enhanced the economist's abilities to study problems in the environment and offer policy recommendations. Topics include national and global resource use, resource valuation, environmental justice, and economic and environmental policy through the frameworks of integrated resource policy and spatial analysis. Economic problems posed by imperfect information, uncertainty, and secondary data sources are considered. Prerequisites: Econ 245 or ES 196.

Advanced statistical theory and the use of computers in data analysis. Topics include some applications of mathematics to economics, hypothesis testing and model specification, multiple regression and the determination of model acceptability. Prerequisite: Econ 241, 243 and 245.

Introduction to the application of calculus and matrix algebra to economics and business. Numerous illustrations of mathematically formulated economic models are used to integrate mathematical methods with economic and business analysis. Prerequisite: Econ 241, 243, 245 and 350.

Study of the application of mathematical economic theory and statistical procedures to economic data. Coverage includes the development of appropriate techniques for measuring economic relationships specified by economic models and testing of economic theorems. Prerequisite: Econ 350, plus one other 300-level course.

Foundations of experimental methodology in the field of economics. Course covers the major types of economics experiments that are utilized to investigate the economic decisions of individuals as well as their interactions in markets and other socio-economic environments. Students design, program and analyze laboratory experiments in order to examine the validity of alternative theories as well as performance and effectiveness of various policy solutions to economic problems. Prerequisites: ECON 241 and ECON 245.

This course examines the conduct of monetary policy in the United States and other countries. Students learn about the objectives of monetary policy, the way monetary policy affects the macro economy over the course of the business cycle, and the tools that central banks use. Special attention is paid to the economic challenges currently facing the United States and world economies. Students participate in the Fed Challenge, a competition sponsored by the Federal Reserve System. Prerequisites: Econ 103 and 104

This course is the natural extension of Econ/Bus 267 Finance. Students learn advanced skills in the area of Financial Economics. Students develop the concept of risk -adjusted returns, how financial assets price, how markets operate and Companies allocate Capital in complete mathematics. They will tackle portfolio optimization models of Modern Portfolio theory, derivatives pricing using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model. The course is designed as an advanced preparation for either the CFA or Actuarial exams. Each weekly lesson will incorporate problems contemporaneous with current world events and Financial news, offering excellent training in real world applications. Prerequisite: Econ 267

Economic analysis of health care markets and health policy. In this seminar, we use economic theory and econometric analysis to understand individuals' demand for medical care and their role in health production, socioeconomic disparities in health outcomes, uncertainty and the role of insurance, asymmetric information and agency problems, the roles of physicians and hospitals as suppliers, pharmaceutical innovation and medical technologies, and the role of government programs in the US and internationally. Prerequisites: ECON 245 and ECON 350; ECON 350 may be taken concurrently.

Investigation of different perspectives in economics. Close readings of classic primary texts are used to examine issues in the history of economics and alternative approaches to understanding the contemporary economy. Topics include competition, endogenous growth, technical change, effective demand, money and credit, and economic policy. Prerequisite: Econ 241, 243, 245, 249, 350 and at least one 300-level elective Econ course.

Examination of advanced topics in macroeconomics and monetary theory and applications. Particular focus rotates, and includes such topics as the new neoclassical theory, rational expectations and post-Keynesian theory, monetary issues in international trade and economic development, econometric studies of money, regulation, and banking safety. Prerequisite: Econ 241, 243, 245, 249, 350 and at least one 300-level elective Econ course.

Examination of special topics in advanced microeconomic theory and applications. Particular focus varies, and includes such topics as new household economics, industrial organization and public policy, game theory, information costs-structure-behavior, production and cost functions, welfare economics, and micro aspects of international trade. Prerequisite: Econ 241, 243, 245, 249, 350 and at least one 300-level elective Econ course.

This course develops the language of mathematics in the context of economics. The course considers the mathematics and economic applications of equilibrium, slopes and derivatives, differentials, optimization (maximizing profits or utility and minimizing costs or expenditures), constrained optimization (e.g., maximizing utility subject to the budget constraint), and integration. Applications include problems in consumer and producer theory, general equilibrium, welfare economics, growth and discounting, oligopoly behavior, game theory, statistics, and econometrics. Prerequisite: Econ 241, 243, 245, 249, 350 and at least one 300-level elective Econ course.

Seminar for students writing the senior theses. Each participant completes an original research project under the supervision of a faculty thesis adviser. Students discuss course readings, review research methods, and present and discuss their findings. Prerequisite: By department invitation only.

Individualized tutorial counting toward the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded A-F

Individualized tutorial counting toward the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded S/U

Individualized tutorial not counting in the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded A-F.

Individualized tutorial not counting in the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded S/U.

Topics of an advanced nature for well qualified students. Individual reading and research, under the supervision of a faculty member. A student wishing to pursue independent study must present a proposal at least one month before the end of the semester preceding the semester in which the independent study is to be undertaken. Prerequisites: Permission of supervising faculty member and department chairperson. Offered both semesters.

Individualized research counting toward the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded S/U

Individualized research not counting in the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded A-F

Individualized research not counting in the minimum requirements in a major or minor graded S/U

Internship counting toward the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded A-F

Internship counting toward the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded S/U

Internship not counting in the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded A-F

Internship not counting in the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded S/U

Summer Internship graded A-F, counting in the minimum requirements for a major or minor only with written permission filed in the Registrar's Office.

Summer Internship graded S/U, counting in the minimum requirements for a major or minor only with written permission filed in the Registrar's Office.

Half credit internship, graded S/U.