Economics Course Descriptions

ECON 120: General Economics

A survey of economic principles applied to a wide range of social problems. Domestic markets, government intervention, inflation, and the global economy are all considered.

Course Level Objectives

1. Apply supply and demand analysis to a variety of examples.
2. Calculate how firms maximize profits.
3. Describe the determinants of aggregate spending and multiplier effects.
4. Explain and demonstrate how the tools of fiscal and monetary policies affect the economy.
5. Use comparative advantage to explain the role of foreign trade.

ECON 130: American Economic History: CD

The American economy is examined through the historical perspective of over four centuries. Capitalist development and cultural diversity are emphasized throughout the course. Topics include: growth, war, immigration, equity, public policy, business cycles, and globalization.

Course Level Objectives

1. Use graphical analysis to describe historical trends and economic relationships.
2. Identify causal relationships of business cycles.
3. Identify major economic turning points with their economic impacts.
4. Describe various perspectives embodied in such institutions as: slavery, immigration, unionism, and globalization.
5. Evaluate the impacts of government policies on economic outcomes.

ECON 140: The World Economy: CD

Examines various economic systems around the world and studies how these are affected by politics, culture, and other social influences to coalesce into unique business environments.

Course Level Objectives

1. Evaluate empirical evidence comparing performance of various economies.
2. Explain comparative advantage and its role in foreign trade.
3. Describe how firms maximize profits and engage themselves in the global economy.
4. Analyze the impact of cultural differences on economic performance.
5. Compare the structure of business across a variety of economic systems and political environments.

ECON 150: Global Economic Development: CD

The structure and functioning of the world's emerging economies are studied through a historical context with case studies and analysis of current events. Crosslisted as: DIVST 150.

Course Level Objectives

1. Describe the major obstacles to growth and modernization in emerging economies.
2. Apply theories of development and growth to various countries.
3. Analyze the main issues involved with central economic planning and socialist systems.
4. Describe comparative advantage and its role in foreign trade.
5. Demonstrate how global influences affect development, growth, and a variety of social indicators.

ECON& 201: Microeconomics

Covers consumer and business interaction through markets. Public policies are also evaluated in terms of their impacts upon equity and efficiency. Recommended completion of MATH 84 or MATH 87; and ENGL& 101 each with a minimum grade of 2.0.

Course Level Objectives

1. Construct graphs and analyze their economic implications.
2. Describe the impact of supply and demand on a variety of situations.
3. Calculate how firms maximize profits under the different types of market structures.
4. Analyze current events in the media.
5. Apply various market theories to a broad range of issues such as healthcare, agriculture, foreign trade, and labor markets.

ECON& 202: Macroeconomics

Study of the national economy in terms of aggregate spending, money supply, and foreign trade. Various theories are put forth to explain business cycles in the U.S. and world economy. Recommended completion of MATH 84 or MATH 87 and ENGL& 101 each with a minimum grade of 2.0.

Course Level Objectives

1. Explain scarcity and how market forces operate to allocate resources and distribute incomes.
2. Critique the tools of both fiscal and monetary policies.
3. Determine the causes of inflation, unemployment, and economic growth.
4. Assess the impact of government policies on the distribution of income and allocation of resources.
5. Analyze current events.

ECON 255: Special Topics in Economics

Covers broad variety of special topics which extend beyond the reach of existing courses. Prerequisite: Placement in ENGL 100.

Course Level Objectives