400

Examines the determinants of incomes in market economies, including education, training, experience, hours worked, discrimination, inheritance, unions, and government transfers. Studies causes of change in the extent of inequality and social impacts of inequality. Analyzes government policies to reduce inequality, including anti-poverty policies.

Examines major economies of the world from a historical, theoretical and applied perspective. Students will analyze how different national economic systems have evolved through time as changing economic ideas and practices spread across national boundaries.

Applies microeconomic concepts to analyze contemporary issues in professional and college athletics. Topics include the role of sports in society, the structure of sports markets, franchises, entry barriers, contracts and compensation, media, financing of new stadiums, ticket pricing, and labor-management disputes.

Studies the economics of the public sector, partly by examining the appropriate role for government in the economy. Course content focuses on the nature of public goods, externalities, and taxation. Topics include public choice, cost-benefit analysis, the incidence of taxes and an analysis of the effects of government resource allocation on private sector decisions.

Explores why some less-developed countries have seen substantial rises in living standards and others have not. Includes an examination of the roles of education, income distribution, the rural and urban sectors, technology, investment, financial markets, foreign trade, domestic institutions (like maquiladoras), and international institutions (like the World Bank).

Analyzes how departures from the classical assumptions of human behavior (perfect rationality, self-interest, etc.) affect economic decision-making with a focus on experimental economics and real-world problems such as natural resource management, fighting poverty, and the impact of “fair” wages.

Applies economic theory to the study of how best to promote health for all. Focuses on the decisions and institutions that influence the demand for and the production of health. Includes an evaluation of the roles of consumers, the environment, physicians, hospitals, insurers, and pharmaceutical companies. Evaluates government policy aimed at improving health, including the Affordable Care Act.

Examines how trade among nations takes place and why free trade may improve standard of living for all nations. Discusses payments among nations, i.e., the balance of payments and determination of currency values in the international markets.  Considers the effects of trade barriers and domestic monetary and fiscal policies.

Guided inquiry for superior students to pursue a particular subject area more intensively than course offerings permit. By special arrangement with economics faculty.

In the semesters in which offered, varying subject matter as economics faculty deems appropriate for needs of the student in meeting the objectives of the undergraduate business program.

In the semesters in which offered, varying subject matter as economics faculty deems appropriate for needs of the student in meeting the objectives of the undergraduate business program.

Research study or original work under the direction of a faculty mentor, leading to a scholarly thesis document with a public presentation of results. Requires approval of thesis director, department chair, dean, and the director of the honors program, when appropriate.