Use this list to jump ahead to the course you want to know about, or scroll through all the course descriptions. EC101 and EC103--introductory
courses EC101 and EC103 are three credit courses; all others carry four credits. Required courses are offered every year and electives are generally offered every other year. As a rule both EC101 and EC103 are prerequisites for enrollment in upper level courses, but exceptions may be granted by the instructor. Economics CoursesIntroductory CoursesEC101-103 Principles of Macro- and Microeconomics An introduction to the methodology and analytical tools used by economists. Economic theory, policy and history are examined with major emphasis placed on macroeconomics (101) and microeconomics (103). Students may start with either EC 101 or 103; they need not take both semesters to get credit. Basic Quantitative SkillsEC205 Statistics for Economics This course develops the conceptual framework of statistical thinking. Then it examines applications in experimental design, statistical description, and inference, as these relate to such topics as probability distributions, regressions, correlation, analysis of variance, and so on. Students work with a computerized statistical package and prepare a report. EC207 Mathematics for Economists An introduction to calculus and its application to economic theory. Topics include static models; elasticity and partial elasticity; minimization, maximization, and constrained optimization; integrals; and dynamic models. EC301 History of Economic ThoughtThe evolution of major schools of economic thought and the principal developments and debates in economic theory. Discussion begins with Aristotle, but the emphasis is on developments beginning with şmodernş economics, about 1800, and concluding with an outline of some current trends in economic thought EC303 Public FinanceStudy of the theoretical and actual role of government in the economy and of the governmental budget-making process. The focus is on the various tax and spending programs used to achieve economic goals, with emphasis on the federal level of government in the U.S. Includes some study of state and local governments, as well as international comparisons. EC305 Urban EconomicsExamines the strengths and weaknesses of urban areas. This course studies the complex interaction of political, sociological, and economic factors affecting urban areas, and emphasizes standard analytical tools for urban economic analysis. EC311 Macroeconomic TheoryConcentrated study of economic theory at the şmacroş level. Examines topics such as consumer behavior, investment expenditures, government taxes and expenditures, with a view toward providing a consistent model of income determination. Among the topics examined with this model are fiscal versus monetary policy, balance of payment deficits, growth of an economy through time, inflation, and unemployment. EC312 Microeconomic TheoryThe study of economic theory and applications at the "micro" level. Topics include the development of demand theory, the determination of optimum output levels for the individual firm and industry, and determination of rewards for inputs to production. The propositions of welfare economics are considered, and general equilibrium analysis provides an overview of the system as a whole. EC315 Comparative Economic SystemsStudy of major contemporary economic systems, both in their pure forms and as actually observed. Topics include the structure, policy making, and performance of various types of capitalist systems; the problems encountered as nations modify their economic instututions and goals; and especially current problems of economic integration in Europe. EC317 International EconomicsAn overview of the nature of and reasons for international movements of merchandise and factors of production, the measurement of balance of payments transactions, the determination of exchange rates, and other topics This course includes theoretical analysis, brief historical background, and coverage of contemporary issues in policy coordination and trade negotiation. EC321 Economic DevelopmentStudy of theories explaining economic growth and of the problems and policy choices associated with industrialization. The course emphasizes nations currently seeking to develop, with some examination of the past growth experience of industrialized countries. EC327 Topics in EconomicsIntermediate seminar, the subject matter of which will vary from year to year depending on staffing. Enrollment will be limited and preference given to juniors. Consult with the instructor before enrolling to ascertain topics to be studied. EC331 Economics of the Labor MarketAnalysis of current labor market theories and experience. Topics include labor force characteristics, labor supply and demand, wages, human capital investment, discrimination, income inequality, and unemployment. Also included is an appraisal of the effects of unions and of government policies on the economic position of labor. EC335 Money and BankingA study of the theories and institutions of the monetary and credit system. Focus is on the role of money and credit in the U.S. economy and their impact on such variables as prices, wages, and investment. The course will emphasize recent developments, with particular attention to recent regulatory changes and their impact on the effectiveness of monetary policy. EC339 Business and GovernmentAn examination of analytical and empirical problems in government policies toward business. Topics include market and government failures, antitrust and monopoly problems, and the effects of regulation and deregulation. Emphasis on economic analysis as a guide for the formulation and evaluation of government policy. EC351 Environmental EconomicsStudy of the role of natural resources in the economy and the role of government in dealing with environmental problems. The course examines various environmental policy instruments and the application of benefit-cost and cost-effectiveness analysis in policy decision making. Current United States environmental policies are evaluated. EC351 counts towards the Environmental Studies Minor and Environmental Science Major. EC391 Introduction to EconometricsA survey of economics devoted to the statistical testing of propositions derived from economic theory. Both the derivation and application of such tests will be covered, with emphasis on multiple regression analysis. No prior computer experience is required; students will be introduced to widely-used statistical programs such as SPSS and TSP. This course is recommended for students going to graduate school in economics. EC205 (or an equivalent) is a prerequisite. EC410 Senior Seminar in EconomicsA review of research methods and skills used in economics leading to preparation of an original research proposal on a topic of the student's choice. This is followed by independent research, writing, and presentation of results. Close guidance is provided by the instructor. |
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