ECN - Economics

Investigates the determinants of national output, the unemployment rate and inflation, as well as the use of monetary and fiscal policies to regulate the economy. Examines international trade and determinants of exchange rates.

Analyzes the behavior of consumers, workers, and firms in market economies. Examines issues in the context of both competitive and monopolistic markets, with a comparison of the way in which prices and output levels are determined in different markets. Extends analysis to include the role of government in market economies.

Applies statistical methods to economic or financial data to investigate the validity of hypotheses or theoretical models. Develops various techniques used in multiple regression analysis of time series and cross-section data.

Draws on the knowledge of economic theory, statistics, and calculus to provide managers with applicable tools for decisions regarding prices, production, and efficient resource allocation. Through problem-solving and hands-on projects, students learn the role of quantitative tools and economic theory in modern management.

Studies macroeconomic theories, including those about the determinants of output, the unemployment rate, and the inflation rate in the short run, and those about the rate of economic growth in the long run. The predictions of these theories will be contrasted with economic experience in the US and elsewhere.

Provides economic analysis of public policy issues in resource utilization and environmental quality, considering political and macroeconomic aspects of environmental policy. Discussion includes externalities,  cost-benefit analysis, local water and air pollution issues, and urgent global challenges such as renewable resource depletion and climate change. Highlights how to scale necessary change, including through clean technology promotion. Junior status.

Covers current analytical frameworks and tools utilized by leading-edge organizations to benchmark and improve environmental, social and financial performance. Includes environmental and social valuation techniques, life cycle analysis, carbon footprinting, and strategic approaches to prioritizing sustainability goals. Features local case studies, numerous guest speakers, and skill-building geared for impactful employment.

Examines adaptation and mitigation strategies and policies to climate change, with a focus on the role of clean energy in decarbonization. Highlights the role of uncertainty in climate change decision-making in a global context and contextualizes the U.S. approach by comparing it with policies in other parts of the world. Draws on diverse disciplinary perspectives, with an emphasis on economics.

Examines factors that give firms/individuals market power as well as the consequences of unequal market power. Students will study strategic behavior among firms (price discrimination, product selection, intellectual property, and investment decisions) and the role of government policy in imperfectly competitive markets. Focuses on producer and consumer behavior when assumptions of perfect competition are violated.

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.

Teaches skills needed for applied economic research. Students complete an empirical research paper, one that is theory-based and supported by data analysis. To build their research skills, students learn to develop a research proposal, write a literature review, find relevant data, and analyze that data using econometrics, or simulation, among other methodologies. Economics capstone.

Examines economies of the world from a theoretical and empirical perspective. Students will analyze how different national economic systems have evolved through time as changing economic ideas and practices spread across national boundaries in the past century. Features detailed analysis of variants of market capitalism and market socialism, including the economies of the US, Japan, Sweden, Russia and China.

Students will analyze how nearly half the world's population has come to live on $2 per day or less, as well what can be done in developing countries to try to lift and help people lift themselves out of extreme poverty. Includes an examination of the roles of education, income distribution, the rural and urban sectors, technology, investment, financial markets, foreign trade, domestic institutions, and international institutions.

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.

Credit arranged. Course is graded A-F.

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.