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

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 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:
Writing WA
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:

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

The course provides an introduction to financial markets, the banking system, monetary theory and policy, and financial crises. Our approach combines empirics and modeling to understand the importance of monetary policy over the aggregate economy, the banking sector, and financial markets. 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:

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

Deals is a unique class. Nearly all class sessions are taught by former Macalester students, most of whom graduated with an Economics major. These guest professors generally share their post-Macalester career and educational journey with you, then spend more time talking about their current or most recent business venture (some might be nonprofit), and then focus on a particular transaction or "deal".  Many of the presentations will be finance-oriented.  Students in Deals are evaluated in four ways, 1) by class participation, including class lunches or dinners with guest speakers, 2) by short write-ups of the guest speaker presentations, 3) by an exam, and, 4) by a research paper related to a topic raised by a guest speaker. This course counts as a Group B elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 113; ECON 119 or ECON 129; and one additional economics course. 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

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

This course will extend beyond the conventional structure-conduct-performance framework of industrial organization to focus on the theoretical models that inform the discipline and their empirical applications. In particular, students will use microeconomics and game theory to study models of imperfect competition and understand the implications for consumer welfare. We will analyze firm behavior and strategic interactions such as price discrimination, predatory pricing, limit pricing and investment under different market structures. We will also discuss various public policies that affect the structure of markets and the behavior of firms, specifically regulation, deregulation and antitrust laws. This course counts as a Group E elective. It is a capstone course. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361 and ECON 381, or permission of instructor. C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

By taking this course, students will learn to interpret and conduct technical economic analysis of public policies. Students will apply their knowledge of micro- and macroeconomic theory and econometrics to study the economics of controversial and important policies. Sample policy areas might include climate change, illegal drugs, health care, anti-poverty programs, affirmative action, income inequality, income redistribution via the tax system, public transit, immigration, education, gun control, and minimum or living-wage laws. While the course usually focuses on examples from the United States, it presents tools and frameworks that are applicable in any context. The course grade will be based on group and individual presentations and policy briefs relating to specific policies, at least one exam, homework sets, and a capstone-level research project. The project consists of a policy, econometric, or theoretical analysis of a public policy chosen by the student. This course counts as a Group E elective. It is a capstone course. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361, ECON 371, and ECON 381. C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

General Education Requirements:
Writing WA

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

This class concentrates on applying econometric techniques and computer programming to empirically test major financial theories. The econometric techniques used in the class include but is not restricted to OLS, GLS, GMM, Maximum Likelihood method, Nonparametric method, panel data models (random effect model, fixed effect model, pooled regression, etc.), time series models (VAR, ARMA, ARMAX, GARCH, etc.). Main programming language used in the class is Matlab, while R and STATA may also be used occasionally. Major finance topics tested in the class include market efficiency, portfolio theory, stock selection models, market microstructure, anomalies in the financial markets, calendar effects, etc.  This course counts as a Group E elective and the capstone requirement. 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

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

Business Negotiations will cover frameworks useful in negotiating business agreements, but the negotiating skills learned can be helpful in many settings.  Starting with the classic text "Getting to Yes", students in this course will learn to implement a principled approach to negotiating by focusing on the true interests of the negotiating parties, brainstorming to find ways to improve the outcome of all parties, and identifying and defusing the most common "dirty tricks" of unprincipled negotiators.  In class, students will practice negotiating each week, in a series of one-on-one and multi-party negotiating exercises.  Case studies will be discussed and alumni will be invited to share negotiating experiences. 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:

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

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

An introduction to the basic tools of micro- and macroeconomic analysis in a math intensive way. Microeconomics deals with consumers, firms, markets and income distribution. Macroeconomics deals with national income, employment, inflation and money. Compared to ECON 119, this class requires calculus to learn economic models and conduct economic analysis, although the two classes cover the same economic concepts and theories. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): MATH 135 or a qualifying AP Calculus score.

General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q3

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:

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

This course presents a broad overview of world economic history. It uses concepts and models developed in Principles of Economics to explore how the interplay between geography, institutions, and technology has influenced material living standards from the Stone Age to the present. In particular, we will study the causes and consequences of long-term structural forces such as the agriculture, industrial and informational revolutions, the Malthusian trap and demographic transition, slavery, globalization, and the rise of government. We will also explore more cyclical phenomena such as wars, financial crises, economic depressions and hyper-inflations. Students will learn how economic historians use evidence to make sense of the past and the role economic history plays in guiding current policy debates. 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 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

Situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Twin Cities has been a sacred gathering place for centuries. St. Anthony Falls provided power for the region’s first lumber and flour mills and attracted settlers who founded the city of Minneapolis, displacing members of the Dakota community. Railroads enabled fast and cheap transport of agricultural products and generated wealth still evident today in the grand houses lining Summit Avenue. The Twin Cities evolved into a center for financial services, biotech, health care, education, and government, and is now home to nearly twenty Fortune-500 companies. This robust economy attracts immigrants from all over the world, whose entrepreneurial activity enriches neighborhoods like those surrounding University Avenue and Lake Street. Yet Minneapolis-Saint Paul remains one of the most segregated metropolitan areas in the United States. Gaps in educational outcomes between white students and students of color are increasing. Many households struggle to find affordable housing. While public transit systems are expanding, Twin Cities residents commute almost exclusively by car, congesting roads and polluting the atmosphere. In this course, we will examine these contradictions and realities by applying the tools of urban economics in the classroom and in the field on class trips into the cities. Students will be evaluated on the basis of class participation, homework, short papers, and/or take-home exams. Since this course meets only once per week—sometimes in the field—attendance is particularly important; please keep this in mind when registering. First day attendance is required. This is an ECON 200E course, and it counts as a B course for the Urban Studies concentration. Prerequisite: ECON 119.

General Education Requirements:

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

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

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

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

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:
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

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

Fact 1: All countries on the planet are open to trade (yes, even Cuba or North Korea). Fact 2: Macroeconomics typically ignores Fact 1 and assumes a closed economy when offered at a basic or intermediate level. Fact 3: The only closed economy is planet Earth. Fact 4: The difference between how a closed economy works vis-a-vis an open economy is huge. Fact 5: Phrases like "the trade balance deficit/current account worsened" are thrown around in the media (often in a fearmongering fashion) without enough context nor background information for the public to understand what's going on. This course takes these facts seriously and aims to complement and expand the macroeconomic foundations from ECON 371 by "opening up" the economy. We will study the canonical open economy models (theory) and see how these do when compared to the real world (practice). This course counts as a Group E elective. Meets concurrently with ECON 474. Prerequisite(s): ECON 371 and ECON 381, earned with grades of C- or higher.

General Education Requirements:
Internationalism

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials

Fact 1: All countries on the planet are open to trade (yes, even Cuba or North Korea). Fact 2: Macroeconomics typically ignores Fact 1 and assumes a closed economy when offered at a basic or intermediate level. Fact 3: The only closed economy is planet Earth. Fact 4: The difference between how a closed economy works vis-a-vis an open economy is huge. Fact 5: Phrases like "the trade balance deficit/current account worsened" are thrown around in the media (often in a fearmongering fashion) without enough context nor background information for the public to understand what's going on. This course takes these facts seriously and aims to complement and expand the macroeconomic foundations from ECON 371 by "opening up" the economy. We will study the canonical open economy models (theory) and see how these do when compared to the real world (practice). This course counts as a Group E elective. It is a capstone course. Meets concurrently with ECON 473. Prerequisite(s): ECON 371 and ECON 381, earned with grades of C- or higher.

General Education Requirements:
Internationalism

Distribution Requirements:
Social science

Course Materials