Economics
ECON 105 – Elements of Economic 3
Survey of economic principles for students planning no further formal study of economics. Emphasis on the methods of economic analysis, economic thinking, and the articulation of key economic principles. Introduction to economic models, and to the visualization of seemingly complex, real economic problems. Applications of economic theory to the understanding of everyday economic events. Offered as needed.
ECON 106 – Global Economics 3
This course introduces students to fundamental economic principles, with emphasis on the world economy. Overview of the world economy; specialization and comparative advantage; influence of the foreign sector on domestic markets; influence of the foreign sector on saving, investment, government spending, taxation, and borrowing. Central bank independence versus regional monetary policy coordination; economic growth, technology, and factor mobility; the political economy, economic systems and economies in transition; international trade policy and regional economic integration; the World Trade Organization (WTO) and trends in international trade; and current topics in international economics. Alternate Spring Semester
ECON 201 – Principles of Microeconomics 3
Nature, method, and scope of economic analysis: economic scarcity, resource allocation, supply and demand, production and cost, product and resource market structures, distribution of income, and international trade. Open to freshmen. Pre- or Co-requisite: Math 103 – College Algebra. Fall, Spring
ECON 202 – Principles of Macroeconomics 3
Study of the underlying causes of short‑ and long‑term economic growth; analysis of aggregate levels of output, income and employment; inflation, interest rates and exchange rates; macroeconomic policy; understanding of the United States economy as part of a world economic system. Pre-requisite: ECON 201 – Principles of Microeconomics. Fall, Spring
ECON 303 – Financial Institutions and Monetary Policy 3
This course is a study of the economic principles governing financial markets and institutions. Introduction to the financial markets and to the valuation of financial assets. Monetary and fiscal policies for control of the business cycle; powers of the Federal Reserve; current topics in money, banking and financial markets will also be covered in this course. Prerequisites: ECON 201 – Principles of Microeconomics, ECON 202 – Principles of Macroeconomics. Alternate Spring Semester
ECON 308 – Intermediate Microeconomic
Theory and Policy 3
An analytical study of the behavior of households and business firms. Study of the elements of production, cost, price and output determination under competitive and non-competitive market structures. General equilibrium and economic welfare; imperfect information, market failure, and the role of taxes and subsidies. Emphasis on the use of economic theory to provide explanations of observed phenomena, including the analytical derivation of empirically verifiable propositions, and applications to public policy. (Core requirement for students planning advanced study in Economics.) Prerequisites: ECON 201, Principles of Microeconomics and ECON 202, Principles of Macroeconomics. Offered on Demand
ECON 352 – Economic Geography 3
A study of the local, national, and global economic life describing and explaining the geographic factor involved in the production, distribution, and consumption of the major commodities and resources of the world. Special emphasis is placed upon the global issues of economic growth and the theories that have been developed to explain spatial structure. Prerequisites: ECON 201 – Principles of Microeconomics, ECON 202 – Principles of Macroeconomics. Offered on Demand. (This course is cross-listed with GEOG 352.)
ECON 355 – Regulation and the Public Sector 3
This course familiarizes students with the fields of regulatory economics and public economics. Regulatory economics is the study of natural monopolies and the regulation of public utilities. The course studies the role of government in dealing with imperfectly competitive industries, and the actions it takes to promote and restrict competition. Public utility rate design and rate structure are included. Public economics is the study of the economic principles associated with the role of government in the economy and the characteristics of decision-making in public institutions. Externalities, public goods, imperfect information, and social choice are also important topics of discussion. Topics of interest relevant to this course include the role of government in the redistribution of income, poverty and inequality, public finance and the economics of taxation, fiscal and monetary policy, and the role of government in international trade. Offered on Demand
ECON 292, 492 – Experimental Course 1-4
A unique class, designed by the instructor and/or department, not currently listed in the University catalog. An experimental course may be offered for a maximum of two semesters. After that time, the course must be either assigned an appropriate, permanent course number and formally listed in the University catalog, or its usage must be discontinued.
ECON 294, 494 – Independent Study,
Undergraduate Research 1-6
INDEPENDENT STUDY: An individualized study not listed as a regular course in the University catalog. Content, etc., to be determined by instructor and student.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH: Research topic must be approved prior to registration by instructor. Written analysis of research activities required at end of semester.
ECON 299, 499 – Special Topics, Readings 1-6
SPECIAL TOPICS: A uniquely-designed advanced topics course within a specific discipline. Course content and other related academic requirements to be determined by the instructor. Requires approval by department chair.
READINGS: Readings in educational and various specific professional publications and journals related to a specific academic discipline. Requires approval by department chair.