Class Schedules

Accounting is the language of business. One of the objectives of this course is to learn that "language." The emphasis will be on understanding financial statements both for profit and non-profit organizations. International accounting, ethics and investment decisions are also covered. This course is designed for students who desire an understanding of the elements of accounting as a component of a liberal arts education as well as for those who would like to study further in accounting or business. This course counts as a Group B elective.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

Economics is the study of how people make decisions and how these decisions apply to real-world problems. Economics can help us understand income inequality within and across countries, the quality of the environment, unemployment, poverty, crime, health care, financial crises, technological change, inflation and many more issues. This course introduces the basic tools that economists use to explore these topics and will cover fundamental economic concepts like scarcity, supply and demand, costs and benefits, trade-offs, and incentives. This course is a one semester overview of both microeconomics (the study of choices firms and individual consumers make) and macroeconomics (the study of the economy as a whole). This course counts as a Group E economics course and is the prerequisite for 200-level E courses in the Economics Department.

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q3

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

Economics is the study of how people make decisions and how these decisions apply to real-world problems. Economics can help us understand income inequality within and across countries, the quality of the environment, unemployment, poverty, crime, health care, financial crises, technological change, inflation and many more issues. This course introduces the basic tools that economists use to explore these topics and will cover fundamental economic concepts like scarcity, supply and demand, costs and benefits, trade-offs, and incentives. This course is a one semester overview of both microeconomics (the study of choices firms and individual consumers make) and macroeconomics (the study of the economy as a whole). This course counts as a Group E economics course and is the prerequisite for 200-level E courses in the Economics Department.

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q3

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

Economics is the study of how people make decisions and how these decisions apply to real-world problems. Economics can help us understand income inequality within and across countries, the quality of the environment, unemployment, poverty, crime, health care, financial crises, technological change, inflation and many more issues. This course introduces the basic tools that economists use to explore these topics and will cover fundamental economic concepts like scarcity, supply and demand, costs and benefits, trade-offs, and incentives. This course is a one semester overview of both microeconomics (the study of choices firms and individual consumers make) and macroeconomics (the study of the economy as a whole). This course counts as a Group E economics course and is the prerequisite for 200-level E courses in the Economics Department.

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q3

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

Economics is the study of how people make decisions and how these decisions apply to real-world problems. Economics can help us understand income inequality within and across countries, the quality of the environment, unemployment, poverty, crime, health care, financial crises, technological change, inflation and many more issues. This course introduces the basic tools that economists use to explore these topics and will cover fundamental economic concepts like scarcity, supply and demand, costs and benefits, trade-offs, and incentives. This course is a one semester overview of both microeconomics (the study of choices firms and individual consumers make) and macroeconomics (the study of the economy as a whole). This course counts as a Group E economics course and is the prerequisite for 200-level E courses in the Economics Department.

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q3

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

This course will introduce students to the nonprofit sector and will help students develop professional skills relating to governing boards, executive leadership, developing strategies, advocacy and lobbying, financial management, and fundraising. Multiple professionals from the Twin Cities nonprofit community and beyond will visit the class to highlight their own experiences as nonprofit managers, as well as add their expertise to that week's nonprofit topic. Students will have the chance to design their own nonprofit and develop strategies specific to their ideas. This course will be offered occasionally.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

This course explores the theoretical foundations and empirical realities of international trade flows, commercial policies (tariffs, quotas, etc.) and international finance. The course emphasizes the welfare implications of international trade and commercial policies and links these to discussion of disputes over international trade agreements. The international finance portion of the course covers the foreign exchange market, balance of payments analysis and an introduction to open economy macroeconomics. Recommended for students majoring in international studies. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 119 or ECON 129. C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:
Internationalism

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

This course explores the theoretical foundations and empirical realities of international trade flows, commercial policies (tariffs, quotas, etc.) and international finance. The course emphasizes the welfare implications of international trade and commercial policies and links these to discussion of disputes over international trade agreements. The international finance portion of the course covers the foreign exchange market, balance of payments analysis and an introduction to open economy macroeconomics. Recommended for students majoring in international studies. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 119 or ECON 129. C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:
Internationalism

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

This course examines the workings of economic systems from the perspective of the incentives facing the firm and consumer. The course provides an introduction to the economics of information and organization which is used to evaluate resource allocation under the specific institutional environment of different economic systems. Our understanding of the incentive system is then used to evaluate the overall economic system. The focus of the course is primarily on the U.S. economy, Japan and the former Soviet Union/Russia. As time permits the course may examine China, Germany and Central Europe. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 119 or ECON 129. C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:
Internationalism

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

This course studies the economics of public policy toward the environment. We begin by examining the problem of market failure in the presence of externalities and public goods. Then, we consider public policy responses to these market failures, including command-and-control regulations, tax and subsidy incentives, marketable pollution permits, voluntary programs, and information as regulation. We consider these policies in contexts such as local pollution, climate change, threats to biodiversity, environmental justice, international trade, and development. In addition, we learn how to measure the costs and benefits of pollution control.  By the end of the semester, you will learn how economists think about environmental problems, understand the advantages and disadvantages of a range of environmental policies, be able to conduct a cost-benefit analysis, and have a complete economic analysis of an environmental problem. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 119 or ECON 129. C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WP

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

This course will provide a one semester overview of investment banks. The role of equity capital markets, debt capital markets, research, sales and trading, and investment banking will be covered. Basic corporate finance techniques will be introduced. Current financial issues in the business world will be reviewed. Classroom work, case studies, and outside speakers will be utilized. The key objectives of this course are for students to obtain a solid understanding of the various disciplines within the investment banking field and to prepare themselves for interviews and internships. The course is well suited for students who are contemplating a career in investment banking, banking, or corporate finance. This course counts as a Group B elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 113; and ECON 119 or ECON 129. C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

The structure, operation, regulation and economic role of financial markets and institutions; fundamental security analysis and present-value techniques; forecasts of earnings and analysis of yields on stocks and bonds; the portfolio theory and characteristic lines, betas and mutual-fund ratings; futures and options markets. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 113; and ECON 119 or ECON 129. C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WP

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

In microeconomics, we study how individuals make economic choices. We pose questions like: What influences consumers' purchasing decisions? Will firms replace employees with machines if the minimum wage increases? How do concentrated markets (e.g., airlines, Amazon) affect consumers? If a firm can set different prices for different consumers, what set of prices will be optimal? How do risk and uncertainty affect investment decisions? What is the efficient amount of pollution? What role should governments play in providing resources for public goods like parks? In this course, we derive models of constrained choice to examine fundamental tradeoffs faced by individuals, firms, and governments when making economic decisions and to determine how such decisions influence market outcomes and well-being. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): MATH 135 or MATH 137, and one 200-level Economics course from Group E electives. Not open to first-year students except by permission of the instructor. C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q3

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

In microeconomics, we study how individuals make economic choices. We pose questions like: What influences consumers' purchasing decisions? Will firms replace employees with machines if the minimum wage increases? How do concentrated markets (e.g., airlines, Amazon) affect consumers? If a firm can set different prices for different consumers, what set of prices will be optimal? How do risk and uncertainty affect investment decisions? What is the efficient amount of pollution? What role should governments play in providing resources for public goods like parks? In this course, we derive models of constrained choice to examine fundamental tradeoffs faced by individuals, firms, and governments when making economic decisions and to determine how such decisions influence market outcomes and well-being. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): MATH 135 or MATH 137, and one 200-level Economics course from Group E electives. Not open to first-year students except by permission of the instructor. C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q3

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

This course will introduce students to microeconomics based, dynamic general equilibrium models of the aggregate economy. These models will be used to address the three main questions of macroeconomics: What causes long-term economic growth to vary over time and across countries? Which forces drive fluctuations in economic activity and inflation throughout the business cycle? What role, if any, do monetary and fiscal policy play in fostering economic growth and minimizing economic fluctuations? This is one of the four courses required for the economics major. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361 or permission of instructor. C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

This course will introduce students to microeconomics based, dynamic general equilibrium models of the aggregate economy. These models will be used to address the three main questions of macroeconomics: What causes long-term economic growth to vary over time and across countries? Which forces drive fluctuations in economic activity and inflation throughout the business cycle? What role, if any, do monetary and fiscal policy play in fostering economic growth and minimizing economic fluctuations? This is one of the four courses required for the economics major. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361 or permission of instructor. C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

Econometrics is the theory and practice of analyzing economic data. We investigate and implement methods economists use to test theories, evaluate and establish causal inference, and conduct economic forecasts. Students learn to design, conduct, and evaluate empirical work in economics and other social sciences. We apply acquired skills through a final research project that integrates secondary research, economic theory, and econometric analysis. We take a "hands on" approach by practicing each week's material in the Economics Department's computer lab. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361; and one of the following: STAT 155 or GEOG 378 or PSYC 201. A grade of C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WA

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

Econometrics is the theory and practice of analyzing economic data. We investigate and implement methods economists use to test theories, evaluate and establish causal inference, and conduct economic forecasts. Students learn to design, conduct, and evaluate empirical work in economics and other social sciences. We apply acquired skills through a final research project that integrates secondary research, economic theory, and econometric analysis. We take a "hands on" approach by practicing each week's material in the Economics Department's computer lab. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361; and one of the following: STAT 155 or GEOG 378 or PSYC 201. A grade of C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WA

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

Econometrics is the theory and practice of analyzing economic data. We investigate and implement methods economists use to test theories, evaluate and establish causal inference, and conduct economic forecasts. Students learn to design, conduct, and evaluate empirical work in economics and other social sciences. We apply acquired skills through a final research project that integrates secondary research, economic theory, and econometric analysis. We take a "hands on" approach by practicing each week's material in the Economics Department's computer lab. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361; and one of the following: STAT 155 or GEOG 378 or PSYC 201. A grade of C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

Econometrics is the theory and practice of analyzing economic data. We investigate and implement methods economists use to test theories, evaluate and establish causal inference, and conduct economic forecasts. Students learn to design, conduct, and evaluate empirical work in economics and other social sciences. We apply acquired skills through a final research project that integrates secondary research, economic theory, and econometric analysis. We take a "hands on" approach by practicing each week's material in the Economics Department's computer lab. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361; and one of the following: STAT 155 or GEOG 378 or PSYC 201. A grade of C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

How do multinational corporations (Trade & FDI) shape globalization? We explore this question through two lenses: 1) a firm-centered theoretical component that introduces the more advanced theories of international trade and foreign direct investment (FDI). These derivations will help us evaluate the causes and consequences of international trade and FDI; and 2) an applied component where we evaluate and apply econometric research to examine the interactions between trade, FDI and a variety of issues including productivity, the labor market effects in home and host countries, economic development and inequality, convergence or polarization of global cultures, and natural disasters. The course grade will be based on group presentations, reading responses, two exams, and a capstone-level research project. The project consists of a econometric or theoretical analysis of a topic in the realm of trade and FDI chosen by the student.This course counts as a Group E elective. It is NOT a capstone course. It meets concurrently with ECON 422. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361, ECON 371 and ECON 381, all earned with a minimum grade of C-.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WP
Quantitative Thinking Q3

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

How do multinational corporations (Trade & FDI) shape globalization? We explore this question through two lenses: 1) a firm-centered theoretical component that introduces the more advanced theories of international trade and foreign direct investment (FDI). These derivations will help us evaluate the causes and consequences of international trade and FDI; and 2) an applied component where we evaluate and apply econometric research to examine the interactions between trade, FDI and a variety of issues including productivity, the labor market effects in home and host countries, economic development and inequality, convergence or polarization of global cultures, and natural disasters. The course grade will be based on group presentations, reading responses, two exams, and a capstone-level research project. The project consists of a econometric or theoretical analysis of a topic in the realm of trade and FDI chosen by the student.This course counts as a Group E elective. It is a capstone course. It meets concurrently with ECON 421. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361, ECON 371, and ECON 381, all earned with a minimum grade of C-.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WP
Quantitative Thinking Q3

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

You think you know macroeconomics until you open up an academic journal and discover that what's on the page is nothing like what you learned in your intermediate-level macro. While the intuition learned there is useful, the tools of the trade are unlike anything you've ever seen. It's almost as if you need to know the "secret handshake" before proceeding. The goal of this course is to teach you this secret handshake, as it provides a formal, hands-on exposition of modern macroeconomic theory using dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models. It offers a mix of theory and practice via three lecture hours and one lab hour per week. This course counts as a Group E elective. Meets concurrently with ECON 472. Prerequisite(s): ECON 371 and ECON 381

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

You think you know macroeconomics until you open up an academic journal and discover that what's on the page is nothing like what you learned in your intermediate-level macro. While the intuition learned there is useful, the tools of the trade are unlike anything you've ever seen. It's almost as if you need to know the "secret handshake" before proceeding. The goal of this course is to teach you this secret handshake, as it provides a formal, hands-on exposition of modern macroeconomic theory using dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models. It offers a mix of theory and practice via three lecture hours and one lab hour per week. This course counts as a Group E elective. Meets concurrently with ECON 472. Prerequisite(s): ECON 371 and ECON 381

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

You think you know macroeconomics until you open up an academic journal and discover that what's on the page is nothing like what you learned in your intermediate-level macro. While the intuition learned there is useful, the tools of the trade are unlike anything you've ever seen. It's like you need to learn a "secret handshake" before proceeding. The goal of this course is to teach you this secret handshake, as it provides a formal, hands-on exposition of modern macroeconomic theory using dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models. It offers a mix of theory and practice via three lecture hours and one lab hour per week.  This course counts as a Group E elective. It is a capstone course. Meets concurrently with ECON 471 . Prerequisite(s): ECON 371 and ECON 381, with grades of C- or higher.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

You think you know macroeconomics until you open up an academic journal and discover that what's on the page is nothing like what you learned in your intermediate-level macro. While the intuition learned there is useful, the tools of the trade are unlike anything you've ever seen. It's like you need to learn a "secret handshake" before proceeding. The goal of this course is to teach you this secret handshake, as it provides a formal, hands-on exposition of modern macroeconomic theory using dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models. It offers a mix of theory and practice via three lecture hours and one lab hour per week.  This course counts as a Group E elective. It is a capstone course. Meets concurrently with ECON 471 . Prerequisite(s): ECON 371 and ECON 381, with grades of C- or higher.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

This class teaches students how to profit from financial markets using quantitative trading strategies. The course mainly covers stock and currency markets, in which fundamental and technical analyses are conducted to forecast asset prices and design trading strategies. The strategies are scientifically backtested and applied in simulated trading for real performance evaluation.  This course counts as a Group E elective. It is NOT a capstone course. It meets concurrently with ECON 486. Prerequisite(s): ECON 356 and ECON 381, MATH 135 (or MATH 137) and MATH 236. C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

This class teaches students how to profit from financial markets using quantitative trading strategies. The course mainly covers stock and currency markets, in which fundamental and technical analyses are conducted to forecast asset prices and design trading strategies. The strategies are scientifically backtested and applied in simulated trading for real performance evaluation. This course counts as a Group E elective. It is a capstone course. It meets concurrently with ECON 485. Prerequisite(s): ECON 356 and ECON 381, MATH 135 (or MATH 137 ) and MATH 236. C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

This course surveys recent developments in behavioral economics and considers applications in labor economics, macroeconomics, finance, public finance, consumer choice, and other areas. Our goal is to draw on recent work in cognitive and evolutionary psychology to better understand human behavior and incorporate these insights into neoclassical reasoning and modeling. This course counts as a Group E elective. It meets concurrently with ECON 490. It is NOT a capstone course, but requires that students complete a significant assignment rather than a capstone project.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

This course surveys recent developments in behavioral economics and considers applications in labor economics, macroeconomics, finance, public finance, consumer choice, and other areas. Our goal is to draw on recent work in cognitive and evolutionary psychology to better understand human behavior and incorporate these insights into neoclassical reasoning and modeling. It is a capstone course. This course counts as a Group E elective. Meets concurrently with ECON 489. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361 and ECON 371. C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

Accounting is the language of business. One of the objectives of this course is to learn that "language." The emphasis will be on understanding financial statements both for profit and non-profit organizations. International accounting, ethics and investment decisions are also covered. This course is designed for students who desire an understanding of the elements of accounting as a component of a liberal arts education as well as for those who would like to study further in accounting or business. This course counts as a Group B elective.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

Accounting is the language of business. One of the objectives of this course is to learn that "language." The emphasis will be on understanding financial statements both for profit and non-profit organizations. International accounting, ethics and investment decisions are also covered. This course is designed for students who desire an understanding of the elements of accounting as a component of a liberal arts education as well as for those who would like to study further in accounting or business. This course counts as a Group B elective.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

Economics is the study of how people make decisions and how these decisions apply to real-world problems. Economics can help us understand income inequality within and across countries, the quality of the environment, unemployment, poverty, crime, health care, financial crises, technological change, inflation and many more issues. This course introduces the basic tools that economists use to explore these topics and will cover fundamental economic concepts like scarcity, supply and demand, costs and benefits, trade-offs, and incentives. This course is a one semester overview of both microeconomics (the study of choices firms and individual consumers make) and macroeconomics (the study of the economy as a whole). This course counts as a Group E economics course and is the prerequisite for 200-level E courses in the Economics Department.

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q3

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

Economics is the study of how people make decisions and how these decisions apply to real-world problems. Economics can help us understand income inequality within and across countries, the quality of the environment, unemployment, poverty, crime, health care, financial crises, technological change, inflation and many more issues. This course introduces the basic tools that economists use to explore these topics and will cover fundamental economic concepts like scarcity, supply and demand, costs and benefits, trade-offs, and incentives. This course is a one semester overview of both microeconomics (the study of choices firms and individual consumers make) and macroeconomics (the study of the economy as a whole). This course counts as a Group E economics course and is the prerequisite for 200-level E courses in the Economics Department.

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q3

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

Economics is the study of how people make decisions and how these decisions apply to real-world problems. Economics can help us understand income inequality within and across countries, the quality of the environment, unemployment, poverty, crime, health care, financial crises, technological change, inflation and many more issues. This course introduces the basic tools that economists use to explore these topics and will cover fundamental economic concepts like scarcity, supply and demand, costs and benefits, trade-offs, and incentives. This course is a one semester overview of both microeconomics (the study of choices firms and individual consumers make) and macroeconomics (the study of the economy as a whole). This course counts as a Group E economics course and is the prerequisite for 200-level E courses in the Economics Department.

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q3

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

Economics is the study of how people make decisions and how these decisions apply to real-world problems. Economics can help us understand income inequality within and across countries, the quality of the environment, unemployment, poverty, crime, health care, financial crises, technological change, inflation and many more issues. This course introduces the basic tools that economists use to explore these topics and will cover fundamental economic concepts like scarcity, supply and demand, costs and benefits, trade-offs, and incentives. This course is a one semester overview of both microeconomics (the study of choices firms and individual consumers make) and macroeconomics (the study of the economy as a whole). This course counts as a Group E economics course and is the prerequisite for 200-level E courses in the Economics Department.

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q3

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

Economics is the study of how people make decisions and how these decisions apply to real-world problems. Economics can help us understand income inequality within and across countries, the quality of the environment, unemployment, poverty, crime, health care, financial crises, technological change, inflation and many more issues. This course introduces the basic tools that economists use to explore these topics and will cover fundamental economic concepts like scarcity, supply and demand, costs and benefits, trade-offs, and incentives. This course is a one semester overview of both microeconomics (the study of choices firms and individual consumers make) and macroeconomics (the study of the economy as a whole). This course counts as a Group E economics course and is the prerequisite for 200-level E courses in the Economics Department.

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q3

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

Economics is the study of how people make decisions and how these decisions apply to real-world problems. Economics can help us understand income inequality within and across countries, the quality of the environment, unemployment, poverty, crime, health care, financial crises, technological change, inflation and many more issues. This course introduces the basic tools that economists use to explore these topics and will cover fundamental economic concepts like scarcity, supply and demand, costs and benefits, trade-offs, and incentives. This course is a one semester overview of both microeconomics (the study of choices firms and individual consumers make) and macroeconomics (the study of the economy as a whole). This course counts as a Group E economics course and is the prerequisite for 200-level E courses in the Economics Department.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WP
Quantitative Thinking Q3

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

Economics is the study of how people make decisions and how these decisions apply to real-world problems. Economics can help us understand income inequality within and across countries, the quality of the environment, unemployment, poverty, crime, health care, financial crises, technological change, inflation and many more issues. This course introduces the basic tools that economists use to explore these topics and will cover fundamental economic concepts like scarcity, supply and demand, costs and benefits, trade-offs, and incentives. This course is a one semester overview of both microeconomics (the study of choices firms and individual consumers make) and macroeconomics (the study of the economy as a whole). This course counts as a Group E economics course and is the prerequisite for 200-level E courses in the Economics Department.

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q3

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

This course is designed to provide students with basic knowledge of statistics and techniques essential for analyzing economic data. Through a combination of theoretical concepts and practical applications, students will learn to interpret and analyze economic datasets, make informed decisions based on statistical evidence, and communicate their findings effectively. Topics covered include descriptive statistics, probability theory, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis. This course fulfills the statistics requirement for the economics major and serves as the statistics prerequisite for the econometrics class.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

Combustion of fossil fuels produces carbon dioxide, which traps energy near Earth's surface and leads to warmer average global temperatures. Combustion of fossil fuels also forms the backbone of the modern economy. This team-taught course provides a framework in which to consider the costs and benefits of fossil fuel consumption in the present and over the coming decades and centuries. We use concepts from climate science and environmental economics to evaluate existing and proposed policy interventions designed to reduce fossil fuel consumption, and consider possible technological solutions to slow or reverse climate change. Among our main approaches are state-of-the-art Integrated Assessment Models; students will be exposed to several of the most commonly used models and to research from their critics. This course counts as a Group E elective. Students signing up for the course as Economics will get credit toward the social sciences general distribution requirement; those signing up for the course as Environmental Studies will get credit toward the natural sciences and mathematics general distribution requirement. Prerequisite(s): ECON 119 or ECON 129. C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q3

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

This course focuses on theories and applications of Entrepreneurship to identify opportunities and solve problems around the world. Students will learn contemporary methodologies used in startup companies and early stage organizations including: Lean Startup and Human Centered Design methodologies and the Business Model Canvas framework. Students spend the semester working in teams to apply the methodologies to identify a problem and develop a solution. For their final project students will prepare a plan for their solution and present it to an external audience. This course is open to those who are interested in social entrepreneurship as well. This course counts as a Group B elective. Note: Not available to students who took Social Entrepreneurship during the fall 2016 semester. Prerequisite(s): ECON 119 or ECON 129. C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

This course will primarily focus on equity securities analysis (stocks) from the perspective of institutional (Wall Street) investors. Topics will include industry analysis and forecasting, financial statement analysis, fundamental company analysis and valuation methods. Students will form industry groups and will each research a company in that industry. Students will build complete historical and projected financial statement models in Excel. The end product of the course will be a company report written by each student. This course counts as a Group B elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 113

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

This course explores the US labor market and the government policies that influence it. We will apply and extend models from Principles of Economics to understand how market forces and government policies shape the experience of work in the US. We will address questions about labor force participation, the determinants of wages and causes of income inequality, labor market discrimination, and the effects of policies like the minimum wage, unemployment insurance, and unionization. Students will learn how economists think about labor markets and labor policies, be able to interpret labor market data, and will apply these skills to contemporary policy debates. Prerequisites: ECON 119 or 129, earned with a grade of C- or higher.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing. Prerequisite(s): ECON 119 or ECON 129 or permission of instructor.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

Gender Economics explores gender issues from an economic perspective within diverse societies. This course investigates theoretical frameworks and empirical analyses to examine the changes in labor force participation, the gender gap in pay, workplace discrimination, social norms, household decision-making, and human capital. Through a multidisciplinary approach drawing from economics, sociology, and feminist theory, students critically assess topics such as the gender wage gap, occupational segregation, caregiving responsibilities, and the impact of policy interventions on gender equality. By engaging with contemporary research and real-world case studies, students will develop a nuanced understanding of the intersections between gender, economics, and social justice, preparing them to navigate complex issues in both academic and professional spheres.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

In microeconomics, we study how individuals make economic choices. We pose questions like: What influences consumers' purchasing decisions? Will firms replace employees with machines if the minimum wage increases? How do concentrated markets (e.g., airlines, Amazon) affect consumers? If a firm can set different prices for different consumers, what set of prices will be optimal? How do risk and uncertainty affect investment decisions? What is the efficient amount of pollution? What role should governments play in providing resources for public goods like parks? In this course, we derive models of constrained choice to examine fundamental tradeoffs faced by individuals, firms, and governments when making economic decisions and to determine how such decisions influence market outcomes and well-being. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): MATH 135 or MATH 137, and one 200-level Economics course from Group E electives. Not open to first-year students except by permission of the instructor. C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q3

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

In microeconomics, we study how individuals make economic choices. We pose questions like: What influences consumers' purchasing decisions? Will firms replace employees with machines if the minimum wage increases? How do concentrated markets (e.g., airlines, Amazon) affect consumers? If a firm can set different prices for different consumers, what set of prices will be optimal? How do risk and uncertainty affect investment decisions? What is the efficient amount of pollution? What role should governments play in providing resources for public goods like parks? In this course, we derive models of constrained choice to examine fundamental tradeoffs faced by individuals, firms, and governments when making economic decisions and to determine how such decisions influence market outcomes and well-being. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): MATH 135 or MATH 137, and one 200-level Economics course from Group E electives. Not open to first-year students except by permission of the instructor. C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q3

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

This course will introduce students to microeconomics based, dynamic general equilibrium models of the aggregate economy. These models will be used to address the three main questions of macroeconomics: What causes long-term economic growth to vary over time and across countries? Which forces drive fluctuations in economic activity and inflation throughout the business cycle? What role, if any, do monetary and fiscal policy play in fostering economic growth and minimizing economic fluctuations? This is one of the four courses required for the economics major. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361 or permission of instructor. C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

This course will introduce students to microeconomics based, dynamic general equilibrium models of the aggregate economy. These models will be used to address the three main questions of macroeconomics: What causes long-term economic growth to vary over time and across countries? Which forces drive fluctuations in economic activity and inflation throughout the business cycle? What role, if any, do monetary and fiscal policy play in fostering economic growth and minimizing economic fluctuations? This is one of the four courses required for the economics major. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361 or permission of instructor. C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

Econometrics is the theory and practice of analyzing economic data. We investigate and implement methods economists use to test theories, evaluate and establish causal inference, and conduct economic forecasts. Students learn to design, conduct, and evaluate empirical work in economics and other social sciences. We apply acquired skills through a final research project that integrates secondary research, economic theory, and econometric analysis. We take a "hands on" approach by practicing each week's material in the Economics Department's computer lab. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361; and one of the following: STAT 155 or GEOG 378 or PSYC 201. A grade of C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WA

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

Econometrics is the theory and practice of analyzing economic data. We investigate and implement methods economists use to test theories, evaluate and establish causal inference, and conduct economic forecasts. Students learn to design, conduct, and evaluate empirical work in economics and other social sciences. We apply acquired skills through a final research project that integrates secondary research, economic theory, and econometric analysis. We take a "hands on" approach by practicing each week's material in the Economics Department's computer lab. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361; and one of the following: STAT 155 or GEOG 378 or PSYC 201. A grade of C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WA

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

Econometrics is the theory and practice of analyzing economic data. We investigate and implement methods economists use to test theories, evaluate and establish causal inference, and conduct economic forecasts. Students learn to design, conduct, and evaluate empirical work in economics and other social sciences. We apply acquired skills through a final research project that integrates secondary research, economic theory, and econometric analysis. We take a "hands on" approach by practicing each week's material in the Economics Department's computer lab. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361; and one of the following: STAT 155 or GEOG 378 or PSYC 201. A grade of C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

Econometrics is the theory and practice of analyzing economic data. We investigate and implement methods economists use to test theories, evaluate and establish causal inference, and conduct economic forecasts. Students learn to design, conduct, and evaluate empirical work in economics and other social sciences. We apply acquired skills through a final research project that integrates secondary research, economic theory, and econometric analysis. We take a "hands on" approach by practicing each week's material in the Economics Department's computer lab. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361; and one of the following: STAT 155 or GEOG 378 or PSYC 201. A grade of C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:

Course Materials

How do multinational corporations (Trade & FDI) shape globalization? We explore this question through two lenses: 1) a firm-centered theoretical component that introduces the more advanced theories of international trade and foreign direct investment (FDI). These derivations will help us evaluate the causes and consequences of international trade and FDI; and 2) an applied component where we evaluate and apply econometric research to examine the interactions between trade, FDI and a variety of issues including productivity, the labor market effects in home and host countries, economic development and inequality, convergence or polarization of global cultures, and natural disasters. The course grade will be based on group presentations, reading responses, two exams, and a capstone-level research project. The project consists of a econometric or theoretical analysis of a topic in the realm of trade and FDI chosen by the student.This course counts as a Group E elective. It is NOT a capstone course. It meets concurrently with ECON 422. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361, ECON 371 and ECON 381, all earned with a minimum grade of C-.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WP
Quantitative Thinking Q3

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

How do multinational corporations (Trade & FDI) shape globalization? We explore this question through two lenses: 1) a firm-centered theoretical component that introduces the more advanced theories of international trade and foreign direct investment (FDI). These derivations will help us evaluate the causes and consequences of international trade and FDI; and 2) an applied component where we evaluate and apply econometric research to examine the interactions between trade, FDI and a variety of issues including productivity, the labor market effects in home and host countries, economic development and inequality, convergence or polarization of global cultures, and natural disasters. The course grade will be based on group presentations, reading responses, two exams, and a capstone-level research project. The project consists of a econometric or theoretical analysis of a topic in the realm of trade and FDI chosen by the student.This course counts as a Group E elective. It is a capstone course. It meets concurrently with ECON 421. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361, ECON 371, and ECON 381, all earned with a minimum grade of C-.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WP
Quantitative Thinking Q3

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

In this class, we study the economics of development in low-income countries and communities primarily in the Global South, from multiple perspectives and approaches. We primarily focus on the microeconomics of development economics. We explore both theoretical and empirical methodology in modern development economics.  Topics we cover include: economic growth, fertility, health, cash transfers, rural labor markets, credit markets, and land markets as they relate to development.  This course pushes students to work with datasets from low-income countries, and apply economic theory to problems of development.  We keep an eye toward the relevance and applicability to policy of the topics we cover.  This course counts as a Group E elective. It is NOT a capstone course. Meets concurrently with ECON 426. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361 and ECON 381, each earned with minimum grade of C-.

General Education Requirements:
Internationalism

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

In this class, we study the economics of development in low-income countries and communities primarily in the Global South, from multiple perspectives and approaches. We primarily focus on the microeconomics of development economics. We explore both theoretical and empirical methodology in modern development economics.  Topics we cover include: economic growth, fertility, health, cash transfers, rural labor markets, credit markets, and land markets as they relate to development.  This course pushes students to work with datasets from low-income countries, and apply economic theory to problems of development.  We keep an eye toward the relevance and applicability to policy of the topics we cover. This course counts as a Group E elective. It is a capstone course. Meets concurrently with ECON 425. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361, ECON 371, and ECON 381. C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:
Internationalism

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

An honors seminar to enhance the senior capstone requirement. This course counts as a Group E elective. It is a capstone course. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor required.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

This course concentrates on developing and applying economic principles to the decision making process of the firm. Typically the course is taught from the viewpoint of the financial manager of a firm (profit or non-profit). Traditional corporate finance topics will be covered, including: cash flow management, sources of capital, capital budgeting, cost of capital, and financial structure. Recent theoretical developments in the capital asset pricing model and portfolio theory also will be examined. Actual case studies of financial decision making often are included in the course.  This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 113, ECON 361 and ECON 381. C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

Why are some countries poor? Why are some others rich? Can poor countries be rich? If they can, then why are they still poor? If they can't, why? These questions are perhaps the most important ones in Economics, and they are all linked through the field of economic growth. Growth miracles allow countries to move from low- to high-income over a few generations (say, South Korea), yet lack of growth leads to stagnation (say, the "lost decades" in Mexico). This course aims to answer the question "What generates growth?" by introducing the key theoretical models and empirical results that summarize our current understanding of the field. This course counts as a Group E elective. It is NOT a capstone course. It meets concurrently with ECON 478. Prerequisite(s): ECON 371 and ECON 381, each earned with a minimum of C-.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

Why are some countries poor? Why are some others rich? Can poor countries be rich? If they can, then why are they still poor? If they can't, why? These questions are perhaps the most important ones in Economics, and they are all linked through the field of economic growth. Growth miracles allow countries to move from low- to high-income over a few generations (say, South Korea), yet lack of growth leads to stagnation (say, the "lost decades" in Mexico). This course aims to answer the question "What generates growth?" by introducing the key theoretical models and empirical results that summarize our current understanding of the field. This course counts as a Group E elective. Meets concurrently with ECON 477. Prerequisite(s): ECON 371 and ECON 381, each earned with a minimum of C-.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials