Chair: David Griffith (Fall 2022), Ashley Tharayil (Spring 2023)
Faculty: Shannon Cornelison-Brown, Martinella Dryburgh, Mikidadu Mohammed, Daniel Nuckols, Stephen Ramsey, Kevin Simmons
Adjunct Faculty: Matt Hanley, Stephen Clayton
Emeriti: Clyde Hall, Jerry Johnson
The economics and business curriculum is structured to cover the efficient and equitable production and allocation of scarce resources to meet competing ends and the stabilization of the macro economy. Coursework and research opportunities will enable the student to study appropriate and timely business and economic theories, methodologies, policies, and techniques.
Degree Programs Offered in Economics and Business Administration
Major in Business Administration
Major in Business Finance
Major in Economics
Major in International Economics and Finance
Major in International Business
Minor in Accounting
For the major in Health Care Administration, please refer to the Public Health Program.
For a multidisciplinary program incorporating economics, please refer to the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) program.
A major in business administration consists of:
Required Supporting Courses (3 courses)
MATH 120 or SSCI 120 Statistics
ECO 101 Principles of Microeconomics
ECO 102 Principles of Macroeconomics
Required Business Courses (3 courses)
ACCT 261 Financial Accounting
BA 361 Finance
BA 495 Strategic Management
Elective Courses (5 courses)
BA, ACCT, or ECO Elective
BA, ACCT, or ECO Elective
BA, ACCT, or ECO elective
BA, ACCT, or ECO elective
BA, ACCT, or ECO elective – 300 level or higher required
Other Considerations When Planning for this Major:
- Students cannot double major in Business Finance with Business Administration or International Business. However, minoring in Accounting or double majoring in Business Administration with Economics or International Finance and Economics is acceptable.
Total Credits Requirement = 8 course credits
A major in business finance consists of:
Required Supporting Courses (4 courses)
MATH 120 or SSCI 120 Statistics
MATH 151 Calculus I
ECO 101 Principles of Microeconomics
ECO 102 Principles of Macroeconomics
Required Business Courses (6 courses)
ACCT 261 Financial Accounting
ACCT 262 Managerial Accounting
BA 361 Finance
BA 362 Investment Management
BA 471 International Finance
BA 495 Strategic Management
Elective Courses (2 courses)
ECO, ACCT, or BA elective
ECO, ACCT, or BA elective
Other Considerations for Planning this Major:
- Students cannot double major in Business Administration with Business Finance or International Business. However, minoring in Accounting or double majoring in Business Administration with Economics or International Finance and Economics is acceptable.
Total Credits Requirement = 8 course credits
A major in economics consists of:
Required Supporting Courses (2 courses)
MATH 120 or SSCI 120 Statistics
MATH 151 Calculus I
Required Economics Courses (4 courses)
ECO 101 Principles of Microeconomics
ECO 102 Principles of Macroeconomics
ECO 301 Intermediate Microeconomics
ECO 302 Intermediate Macroeconomics
Elective Courses (4 courses)
ECO elective
ECO elective
ECO elective – 300 level or higher
ECO elective – 300 level or higher
Other Considerations for Planning this Major:
- Students cannot double major in Economics with International Economics and Finance. However, minoring in Accounting or double majoring in Economics with Business Administration, Business Finance, or International Business is acceptable.
Total Credits Requirement = 8 course credits
A major in international economics and finance consists of:
Required Supporting Courses (4 courses)
MATH 120 or SSCI 120 Statistics
MATH 151 Calculus I
Language 236
Semester Abroad
Required International Economics and Finance Courses (7 courses)
ECO 101 Principles of Microeconomics
ECO 102 Principles of Macroeconomics
ECO 301 Intermediate Microeconomics
ECO 302 Intermediate Macroeconomics
ACCT 261 Financial Accounting
BA 361 Finance
BA 471 International Finance
Electives (select 2 courses)
ECO 234 Development Economics
BA 368 International Business
ECO 481 International Trade
Other Considerations for Planning this Major:
- Students cannot double major in International Economics and Finance with Economics. However, minoring in Accounting or double majoring in International Economics and Finance with Business Administration, Business Finance, or International Business is acceptable.
Total Credits Requirement = 9 course credits
A major in international business consists of:
Required Supporting Courses
Language 236
Study Abroad Experience (long or short program)
MATH 120 or SSCI 120 Statistics
ECO 101 Principles of Microeconomics
ECO 102 Principles of Macroeconomics
Required International Business Courses (6 courses)
BA 261 Financial Accounting
BA 361 Finance
BA 355 Marketing
BA 368 International Business
BA 495 Strategic Management
ECO 234 Development Economics
Electives (2 courses)
ACCT, BA or ECO elective
ACCT, BA or ECO elective
Other Considerations for Planning this Major:
- Students cannot double major in International Business with Business Administration or Business Finance. However, minoring in Accounting or double majoring in International Business with Economics or International Economics and Finance is acceptable.
Total Credits Requirement = 8 course credits
A minor in accounting consists of:
Required Supporting Courses (2 courses)
MATH 120 or SSCI 120 Statistics
ECO 101 Principles of Microeconomics or ECO 102 Principles of Macroeconomics
Required Accounting Courses (5 courses):
ACCT 261 Financial Accounting
ACCT 262 Managerial Accounting
ACCT 363 Intermediate Accounting I
ACCT 364 Intermediate Accounting II
ACCT 366 Tax Accounting
Total Credits Requirement = 5 course credits
COURSES IN ACCOUNTING
ACCT 250 Topics in Accounting
A study of selected topics for beginning students based on faculty and student interests. Offered on an occasional basis. Course may be repeated when topic varies. 1 course credit.
ACCT 261 Financial Accounting
A study of the fundamental concepts of financial accounting, including the measurement, recording, and reporting of financial information. Topics include income measurement, operating cycle, and preparation of financial statements. (Each fall and spring)
ACCT 262 Managerial Accounting
Measures, techniques, and approaches used by organizational decision makers. Accounting and economic concepts of cost are studied in relation to performance measurement and to both long-term and short-term planning and decision making. The analysis of cost data, budgetary controls, and cost-volume-profit relationships are also covered. PREQ: Accounting 261. (Each fall and spring)
ACCT 294 Intermediate Student Research
Intended for less experienced students to develop and execute a research project in accounting, beyond the constraints of the normal classroom, suitable for public dissemination on or off campus under mentorship of a faculty member. Typically, this work results in a formal presentation, written work, or creative works. Course credit varies from 0-1.00. PREQ: Instructor permission required.
ACCT 350 Advanced Topics in Accounting
An investigation of selected topics for more advanced students based on faculty and student interests. Offered on an occasional basis. Course may be repeated when topic varies. Prerequisites vary. 1 course credit.
ACCT 363 Intermediate Accounting
An overview of financial reporting and practice with a focus on how management decisions impact financial statements. The course covers the reporting effects of financing, investing, and operating decisions made by corporate managers, and develops a relatively sophisticated understanding of how these business decisions interact with financial reporting rules and guidelines. This is not a bookkeeping course or a journal entry course. The focus is on the end products of the financial reporting process: income statements, balance sheets, statements of stockholders’ equity, and cash flow statements. Students completing this course successfully will have developed many of the competencies needed to pursue an accounting career and/or make in-depth, informed management decisions. PREQ: Accounting 261 (Each fall)
ACCT 364 Intermediate Accounting 2
This course is a continuation of Intermediate Accounting I; an in-depth study of accounting transactions, their effect on financial statements, and the impact that management decisions have on financial statements. PREQ: Accounting 363 (Each spring)
ACCT 366 Tax Accounting
Introduction to the federal tax laws, the history of the federal income tax, determination of federal income tax base, application of tax rates, and the economic and social implications of taxation. PREQ: Accounting 261. (Each fall)
ACCT 371 Non Profit Accounting
An overview of accounting and financial reporting for a variety of non-profit entities and governmental units. Topics include Financial Reporting Standards; Budgetary Accounting and Controls; Accounting for Capital Assets, Capital Projects, and Debt Service; Accounting for Fiduciary Activities and Trust Funds; Analysis of Financial Performance; and Auditing of the Entity. PREQ: Accounting 261. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. (Every other year)
COURSES IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
BA 250 Topics in Business
A study of selected topics for beginning students based on faculty and student interests. Offered on an occasional basis. Course may be repeated when topic varies. 1 course credit.
BA 251 Business Law
A study of legal and ethical issues in business. Topics may include commercial transactions, contracts, agency and employer-employee relationships, negotiable instruments, legal procedures, breaches and remedies, product liability, real property, consumer/debtor protection, bankruptcy, personal property, and agency contracts/torts. Requirements met: Advanced Writing Competency. (Each year)
BA 252 Business Analytics
The purpose of this course is to introduce students on how to conduct financial analysis with the aid of computer software. In the first part of the course, students will learn how to use Microsoft Excel for designing spreadsheets that organize, manage and provide analysis of business data. Techniques covered in the course will include formatting, formulas, templates and model building. The latter portion of the course will add on SPSS and SAS to the methods in conducting data analysis. The course will be appropriate for any student who wants to develop organizational and decision making skills using computer software. Prerequisites: Economics 101 or 102 or Accounting 261. Cross-listed with Economics 252. (All years)
BA 253 Product Lab
Product Lab introduces, demonstrates, and develops principles of design thinking in the context of product development. Students will identify needs, develop product ideas that solve everyday problems, and turn these ideas into product prototypes. Students will apply user-centric product design and prototyping methodology to build a bridge between their idea and a viable product. Students will experience a collaborative and creative interdisciplinary environment where they will be tasked with accomplishing the “idea to launch” product life-cycle. Prerequisite: Economics 101 or 102. Requirements met: Applied Learning Experience. (Each spring)
BA 260 Intermediate Directed Study
Student investigation of topic of interest working in collaboration with a faculty member resulting in significant oral and written work. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Freshman January term or Sophomore standing. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
BA 294 Intermediate Student Research
Intended for less experienced students to develop and execute a research project related to business administration, beyond the constraints of the normal classroom, suitable for public dissemination on or off campus under mentorship of a faculty member. Typically, this work results in a formal presentation, written work, or creative works. Course credit varies from 0-1.00. PREQ: Instructor permission required.
BA 346 Health Care Administration
The course explores how health care organizations are managed in a rapidly changing environment. Using literature from management, social science, policy analysis, and health services, students will examine the environments in which health care managers work. Students will also be introduced to the essential analytical tools and managerial skills for managing health care organizations. Topics include health care leadership, organization design, teamwork, communication, power and conflict, change and innovation, quality improvement, strategic thinking, competitive advantage, strategic alliances, health policy, information systems, consumerism, ethics, and globalization. PREQ: Economics 101, Economics 102, or Accounting 261. Cross-listed with Public Health 346. (Each spring)
BA 350 Advanced Topics in Business
An investigation of selected topics for more advanced students based on faculty and student interests. Offered on an occasional basis. Course may be repeated when topic varies. Prerequisites vary. 1 course credit.
BA 355 Marketing
A broad overview of marketing from a managerial perspective emphasizing marketing strategies, market segmentation, and the marketing mix; includes a critical examination of the meaning of the marketing concept within the current social and cultural environment. PREQ: Accounting 261. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. (Each year)
BA 360/460 Advanced Directed Study
Student investigation of topic of interest related to the major or minor working in collaboration with a faculty member resulting in significant oral and written work. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Junior or Senior standing. Special permission required. Offered for variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
BA 361 Finance
Managerial finance using basic accounting and algebraic techniques. Topics cover financial decision making including bond and stock valuation, capital budgeting, and capital structure. PREQ: Accounting 261, Economics 101, Social Science 120 or Mathematics 120 or instructor permission. Additionally, Accounting 262 encouraged. Requirements met: Quantitative Competency (pre-Fall 2019). (Each fall and spring)
BA 362 Investment Management
A course in understanding and evaluating instruments used in the markets for capital, including stocks, bonds, insurance, and basic options. Includes a lab component responsible for the management of the Todd Williams Student Investment Fund. PREQ: Business Administration 361 or Economics 361. Requirements met: Applied Learning Experience. (Each fall and spring)
BA 368 International Business
Provides students with an analysis of doing business abroad, including various methods of trade ranging from exporting to joint ventures; evaluates how cultural, economic, environmental, legal, political, and sociological differences between countries impact the performance of U.S. multinationals; also integrates management, marketing, accounting, and finance into the practice of international business. PREQ: Accounting 261 and Economics 102. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover and Advanced Writing Competency. (Each spring)
BA 394/494 Advanced Student Research
Intended for advanced students to develop and execute a research project related to business administration suitable for public dissemination under mentorship of a faculty member. Students are expected to present the results of their research in a public forum. Typically, this work results in a formal presentation, written work, or creative works. Course credit varies from 0-1.00. PREQ: Instructor permission required.
BA 450 Advanced Topics in Business
An investigation of selected topics for more advanced students based on faculty and student interests. Offered on an occasional basis. Course may be repeated when topic varies. Prerequisites vary. 1 course credit.
BA 455 Management
Examination and evaluation of current management theories and practices. Topics include motivation, leadership, organizational structure, decision making, and the evolution of management thought. PREQ: Accounting 261, Economics 101 or Economics 102. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. (Each year)
BA 464 Teaching/Learning Participation
An individualized study that includes sharing in the instructional process for a particular business administration course under the supervision of the faculty member teaching the course. Open only to certain highly qualified juniors and seniors by invitation. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information.
BA 471 International Finance
This course considers international monetary environments, theory of international capital movement and banking, foreign exchange markets, foreign exchange exposure, currency swaps, interest rate risk, international monetary policy cooperation, and international banking structure and regulation. Attention will also be given to monetary policy and the relation of money to inflation, interest rates, and business cycles. PREQ: Business Administration 361. (Each spring)
BA 483 Student Investment Fund Management
Students participating in this class will be making investment decisions regarding an actual portfolio residing within the college’s endowment. The necessary research concerning each investment will be conducted by the students and investment decisions must be presented and defended to the Fund’s Advisory Board. 0.50 course credit units. May be repeated for a total of 1.0 course credit units. Students who desire to participate beyond 2 semesters may do so as a non-credit course. PREQ: Business Administration 362 or Economics 362 or instructor permission. (Each fall and spring)
BA 486 Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
A course for upper-level business students interested in starting a business. Business fundamentals, such as planning, financing, marketing, and management are explored from a small business perspective using a variety of case studies. Students conduct their own research and develop a comprehensive business plan. PREQ: Accounting 261 and Economics 101 or Economics 102. (Each year)
BA 490 Independent Study
Student-driven independent work to produce a high quality body of work such as paper, report, art project, etc. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Junior or Senior standing. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
BA 491 Honors Thesis in Business Administration
Extensive independent study in the major in a topic of special interest culminating in a bachelor’s thesis with oral examination by thesis committee resulting in a bachelor’s degree with Honors upon completion. See Departmental Honors Program for more information. Completed in last three semesters before graduation. Offered for variable course credit from 1.00-2.00.
BA 492 Independent Study Off-Campus/NSOC
Student-driven independent study in a topic related to the major completed at an off-campus site. See Off-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Junior or Senior standing. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
BA 495 Strategic Management
Course uses computer simulation and case studies to explore the interrelationships of organizations with their environments, emphasizes integrating the various business functions into a meaningful whole. This is a capstone course for business administration majors. PREQ: Economics 101 and 102, Business Administration 361. Senior status or instructor permission. Requirements met: Applied Learning Experience. (Each semester)
COURSES IN ECONOMICS
ECO 101 Principles of Microeconomics
An introductory course in the fundamentals of microeconomics, covering the influence of competitive and non-competitive market structures on efficient resource use. Topics include consumer theory, producer theory, behavior of firms, market equilibrium, monopoly, and the role of the government in the economy. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. (Each fall and spring)
ECO 102 Principles of Macroeconomics
An introductory course in macroeconomic issues such as growth, inflation, unemployment, interest rates, exchange rates, technological progress, and budget deficits; monetary and fiscal policies; and effects on economic policy initiatives on the macroeconomic performance of the United States and other countries. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. (Each fall and spring)
ECO 234 Development Economics
Explores the theories, process, and impact of economic growth and development in both developed and developing countries. Examines questions such as: Why is economic development important? How is economic development defined? What policies and programs can be used to foster economic development? What are the consequences of economic development for society and the environment? Case studies of economic development plans and outcomes for several countries including the United States of America and countries in Asia, Latin America, and Africa are considered. PREQ: Economics 102. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover and Systems of Power, Privilege, and Inequality. (Each year)
ECO 242 Natural Resource and Environmental Economics
Applies the methodology and tools of economic analysis to the study of natural resources and the environment. The “economic way of thinking” is used to analyze important issues related to economic development and environmental stewardship. Topics covered include: economically efficient approaches for controlling air and water pollution, methods of valuing environmental attributes, applications of benefit-cost analysis, and issues related to environmental policy-making both domestically and internationally. PREQ: Economics 101 or 102. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover and Advanced Writing Competency. (Each year)
ECO 250 Topics in Economics and Business
A study of selected topics for beginning students based on faculty and student interests. Offered on an occasional basis. Course may be repeated when topic varies. 1 course credit.
ECO 251 Business Law
(See BA 251)
ECO 252 Business Analytics
(See BA 252)
ECO 260 Intermediate Directed Study
Student investigation of topic of interest working in collaboration with a faculty member resulting in significant oral and written work. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Freshman January term or Sophomore standing. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
ECO 265 Energy Economics
This course examines the economics and structure of markets for various energy sources such as oil, natural gas, coal and renewables. The United States and other nations are considered. Current policy issues arising from energy production and consumption and the relationship with economic growth and the environment are examined. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. (Fall, alternate years)
ECO 270 Economic History
A comparative and multidisciplinary approach to the study of historical economic changes in Western industrial society, encompassing and integrating perspectives originating from economics, political science, philosophy, sociology and literature. Focus is on the historical development, structure, practices, and performance of economic institutions. Topics include pre-industrial economy, industrialization and development, technological change, evolving theories of the state, trade and demographic transitions, and continued interplay between government, industry, labor and the military. This course also provides students with an introduction to the methodology of economic history and economic reasoning within larger historical debates. PREQ: Economics 101 or 102 or instructor permission. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. (Offered on an occasional basis)
ECO 280 Health Economics
This course applies economic analysis to markets for health and medical care. Specific topics covered include the demand for the production of health, delivery of health care, financing, regulation, costs, health insurance, competition, the role of government in the provision of health care, and differences between health care systems in practice in the U.S. and around the world. PREQ: Economics 101 or instructor permission. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover and Advanced Writing Competency. (Each year)
ECO 283 Student Investment Fund Introduction
(See BA 283)
ECO 294 Intermediate Student Research
Intended for less experienced students to develop and execute a research project related to economics, beyond the constraints of the normal classroom, suitable for public dissemination on or off campus under mentorship of a faculty member. Typically, this work results in a formal presentation, written work, or creative works. Course credit varies from 0-1.00. PREQ: Instructor permission required.
ECO 301 Intermediate Microeconomics
The theory of consumer behavior and market demand, and producer behavior and market supply; price and output under competitive and imperfectly competitive markets in the short and long run; consequences of market structures for allocative efficiency and distributive equity. PREQ: Economics 101 and Economics 102 and Mathematics 151. Requirements met: Quantitative Competency (pre-Fall 2019). (Each fall)
ECO 302 Intermediate Macroeconomics
A study of the determinants of national income, employment, and prices that contrasts the Keynesian model with the quantity theory of money and neo-classical approaches, compares the effectiveness of monetary and fiscal policies at high and low income, and the differential consequences of these policies for economic stability and growth. Attention is given to current policy issues and to the history and development of economic thought. PREQ: Economics 101 and 102 and Mathematics 151. (Each spring)
ECO 341 Urban and Regional Economics
A course that explores the socioeconomic aspects of why and how cites exist, with emphasis on the forces that shape the formation, location, size and function of an urban area. Topics include urban economic history, theories of urban growth patterns, population characteristics, the economic decline of central cities, and policy issues addressed by local governments, including land use and zoning, housing and segregation, labor markets and poverty, homelessness, education, crime and transportation. PREQ: Economics 101 and 102. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. (Offered on an occasional basis)
ECO 343 International Political Economy
This course aims to introduce students to major theoretical and empirical issues in the field of international political economy (IPE). It will examine interactions between political and economic realms in the contemporary world, as well as introduce leading international, regional, and supranational organizations like the World Trade Organization scrutinizing their varying roles in shaping the global economy. Under four sections, the course will study several issue areas in IPE scholarship such as trade, international monetary system, international production networks (multinational corporations), and globalization and regionalism. Starting with political economy of international and regional trade and the role of international and regional organizations, the course will also discuss the processes of globalization and regionalization along with the debates as to whether they are complementary or contradictory processes. The second part of the course will focus on monetary policies, global expansion of capital movements and their worldwide impact within the current wave of globalization. It will explore the expansion of foreign direct investment through production networks of multinational corporations. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover, Systems of Power, Privilege, and Inequality, and Advanced Writing Competency. Cross-listed with Political Science 343. (Each year)
ECO 350/450 Advanced Topics in Economics and Business
An investigation of selected topics for more advanced students based on faculty and student interests. Offered on an occasional basis. Course may be repeated when topic varies. Prerequisites vary. 1 course credit.
ECO 360/460 Advanced Directed Study
Student investigation of topic of interest related to the major or minor working in collaboration with a faculty member resulting in significant oral and written work. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Junior or Senior standing. Special permission required. Offered for variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
ECO 361 Finance
(See Business Administration 361)
ECO 362 Investment Management
(See Business Administration 362)
ECO 368 International Business
(See Business Administration 368)
ECO 371 Econometrics
This course introduces students to the techniques necessary to perform empirical economic research. Topics to be covered include multivariate regression, model diagnostics, and the interpretation of regression results. Students will learn how to use SAS to perform data analysis. PREQ: Mathematics 120 or equivalent. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. Cross-listed with Data Science and Analytics 371. (Each fall)
ECO 372 Predictive Analytics
This course focuses on the application of regression models to analyze problems in the social and natural sciences. The course begins with a quick review of basic statistical concepts followed by a study of regression analysis with applications on real-world datasets. Students use regression models to analyze a variety of problems from areas like economics, business, politics, psychology, public health, and weather. Results from the regressions are then used to predict future outcomes. All students participate in a final project with live client data from a data analytics firm. Firm executives observe and comment on each presentation as to how well regression model predictions match actual results. The widely used statistical software SAS will be used. PREQ: Mathematics 120 or equivalent. (Each spring)
ECO 394/494 Advanced Student Research
Intended for advanced students to develop and execute a research project related to economics suitable for public dissemination under mentorship of a faculty member. Students are expected to present the results of their research in a public forum. Typically, this work results in a formal presentation, written work, or creative works. Course credit varies from 0-1.00. PREQ: Instructor permission required.
ECO 401 Advanced Microeconomics
The purpose of this class is to provide students planning to attend graduate school a deeper examination of microeconomic theory. Topics covered include theory of consumer choice and production theory in a competitive environment. Presentation of the material relies heavily on mathematics. PREQ: Economics 301. (Every other spring)
ECO 464 Teaching/Learning Participation
An individualized study that includes sharing in the instructional process for a particular economics course under the supervision of the faculty member teaching the course. Open only to certain highly qualified juniors and seniors by invitation. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information.
ECO 471 International Finance
This course considers international monetary environments, theory of international capital movement and banking, foreign exchange markets, foreign exchange exposure, currency swaps, interest rate risk, international monetary policy cooperation, and international banking structure and regulation. Attention will also be given to monetary policy and the relation of money to inflation, interest rates, and business cycles. PREQ: Business Administration 361. (Each spring)
ECO 472 Law and Economics
Examines the interaction of economics, law, and politics in the creation of the modern state. Uses classical and modern economic and political theory to determine the appropriate economic role for government, with particular attention to industrial organization, anti-trust and regulated policies; emphasizes the influence of economics on legal reasoning and applies economic analysis to tort, contract, property, and criminal law. PREQ: Economics 101 and Economics 102. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. (Offered on an occasional basis.)
ECO 473 Public Finance
Explores how the taxation and expenditure policies of the government affect the welfare of citizens, with an emphasis on the United States federal government. Examines the motivations behind government participation in the economy (public goods, externalities, efficiency, and equity), explores how the government makes decisions on where it will allocate its available resources, and considers both theoretical and empirical issues related to the design and impact of government taxation policies. The economic impact of the current United States income tax system is examined, and possible alternatives are considered. PREQ: Economics 101 and Economics 102. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. (Offered on an occasional basis.)
ECO 474 Labor Economics
A theoretical and empirical study of political economy issues and business & government policies toward how national and global society develops, allocates and rewards human resources. A partial topic list includes, theories of labor demand and supply, wage structure and inequality, education, gender and racial discrimination, immigration and internal migration, government institution impact on labor market outcomes, dual labor markets, poverty & welfare policies and technological displacement. PREQ: Economics 101 and 102. (Offered on an occasional basis.)
ECO 481 International Trade and Policy
The study of the gains from free trade resulting from differences in comparative costs under barter, flexible exchange rates, and a gold standard payments system; the differential consequences of import and export quotas, tariffs, and subsidies on economic welfare and income distribution; the effects of various monetary and fiscal policy combinations on the structure of the balance of payments and intergenerational equity; and an evaluation of current United States’ policies and institutions. PREQ: Economics 301. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. (Each spring)
ECO 483 Student Investment Fund Management
(See Business Administration 483)
ECO 485 History of Economic Thought
A systematic survey of the evolution of economic theory and methodology from ancient times through the 20th century. Attention given to the intellectual and historical background of both mainstream (orthodox) economics and the historical reaction against the mainstream (heterodox) economics. Emphasis also placed on how the field of economics is related to other areas in the sciences, social sciences, and the humanities. PREQ: Economics 101 and Economics 102. Requirements met: Social Sciences Breadth/Discover. (Offered on an occasional basis)
ECO 490 Independent Study
Student-driven independent work to produce a high quality body of work such as paper, report, art project, etc. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Junior or Senior standing. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
ECO 491 Honors Thesis in Economics
Extensive independent study in the major in a topic of special interest culminating in a bachelor’s thesis with oral examination by thesis committee resulting in a bachelor’s degree with Honors upon completion. See Departmental Honors Program for more information. Completed in last three semesters before graduation. Offered for variable course credit from 1.00-2.00.
ECO 492 Independent Study Off-Campus/NSOC
Student-driven independent study in a topic related to the major completed at an off-campus site. See Off-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Junior or Senior standing. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
ECO 493 Seminar in Economics and Business
The study of significant contemporary problems in economics and business. May be repeated when topic varies.