Economics

This introductory course focuses on the basic principles explaining aggregate economic activity. Topics covered include the concepts ,measurements, and problems associated with aggregates such as gross domestic product, price level, unemployment and macroeconomic policy.

This introductory course focuses on the basic problem of resource allocation in an economy with particular reference to the market economy.

One-semester issue-based general education economics course. Various topics include: The Great Recession, stock market and crashes, race and sex discrimination, international trade, minimum wage, climate change, helath care, crime, and income inequality.

Examination of the composition of the national income and the effects of changes in its components upon the level of national income. Also analyzed are the nature of business cycle fluctuations, with attention to the interrelated problems of inflation, balance of payments, unemployment, and economic growth. The problem of forecasting economic activity and the development of private and public stabilization programs are analyzed.

Analysis of the economic principles and processes involved in the structure and operation of a predominantly free-enterprise economic system. Attention is given to pricing and distribution theory (micro-analysis).

A first course in statistics concentrates on applications in business and economic decision making. Topics covered include descriptive statistics, basic probability distributions, sampling theory, confidence interval estimation, hypothesis testing, correlation, and simple regression analysis.

Examination of the practical statistical tools corporate managers and investors use in decision making. Presentation of statistical concepts such as descriptive indicators, risk analysis, performance trends and indicators, cause-effect analysis, and the analysis of relationships between business indicators and measures in applied contexts of business administration.

The purpose of this course is fourfold: (1) to introduce the student to the field and tools of development economics; (2) to explore in depth the philosophical, theoretical, and policy-oriented complexities of contemporary development issues facing over two-thirds of the world’s population; (3) to examine the strengths and weaknesses of alternative development strategies in light of country experience, and (4) to evaluate recent policy options introduced in development.

This course covers topics in both the supply of and demand for labor, wage determination, the effects of market structure on the equilibrium in the labor market, and the theory of human capital. Additional issues may include labor market discrimination, time allocation between and among house-holds, and the effect of unions.

An economic analysis of the structure and functioning of contemporary urban communities to identify and study the more pressing economic problems. Attention is directed to the changing structure of central cities, fiscal arrangements, housing markets, and public goods.

Principles and techniques involved in obtaining and expending funds by governmental bodies. Considered also are the nature of governmental borrowing and indebtedness as well as sources of revenue and fiscal administration.

Study of how psychological, cognitive and social factors affect real-world economic decisions. The factors include loss aversion, probability weighting, procrastination, mental accounting, heuristics, biases, and social norms.

An exposition of methods of the empirical determination of economic laws. Topics include the general linear regression model and the corrective measures to take in the critical use of ready-made econometric computer programs which come with an understanding of the rationale of the various methods of econometrics.

Examines economic and behavioral factors affecting entrepreneurial decisions, and business performance and survival. Explores government policies promoting entrepreneurship and innovation.

A study of the tools of economic theory to investigate issues in the economic growth and development of the United States from the early colonial period to the Depression of the 1930’s. Attention centers on the forces underlying the development of the modern economy.

Analysis of economic ideas from Aristotle and Plato to the contemporary scene of Keynes, Robinson, and Chamberlin. Included is the study of the mercantilists, and Adam Smith, Karl Marx, Ricardo, and Malthus.

A close look at the role of money in determining output, inflation, and interest rates. Topics include money creation, monetary policy, budget deficits, financial intermediation, banking regulations, and the Federal Reserve.

Theoretical foundations of why nations trade; the problems that arise from trade and the policies nations adopt to correct the problems.

The global economic activity and balance of payments implications of fiscal/monetary policies under various capital market conditions. Topics include absolute/comparative advantages, exchange rates and the balance of payments, national income determination in an open economy, integrated and nonintegrated capital markets, economic growth, stablization policies, and the quest for global economic stability.

The economics of poverty and inequality in America is designed to provide both theoretical and empirical examination. The course draws together some of the most influential research, as well as more up-to-date articles and data that have influenced the evolution of social policies in America. This class is intended to offer students the opportunity to apply economic theory and empirical tools made available in teaching syllabus.

This is a special course that is either in the pilot stage or a course that will be offered up to three times.

Problems solving applications of microeconomic theory to policy level decision-making processes of individual firms competing in local, national, and international markets.

An integrating course in economics that calls for the application of statistical and econometric methods to solve economic problems of personal interest. Students formulate a problem, set out the methodology for its resolution, conduct an analysis, and draw valid inferences with policy implications.

A supervised internship in business or government with the application of economic theory to problems of enterprise administration. Bi-weekly reporting to the faculty supervisor is necessary.

Research of a high quality meeting the standards of the department faculty director.

Presents the basic theories and practical approaches for managing a portfolio of financial assets within the risk-return framework. Perspectives and strategies associated with portfolio management and security analysis are studied. Topics discussed include: risk-return trade-off; asset selection and allocation; portfolio optimization; asset pricing models; market efficiency and investing strategies; analysis and evaluation of asset management and new developments in professional asset management. Students aspiring for a professional asset management career or planning to take the CFA test will find this course particularly useful.

A special course for students interested in starting a new business. Topics: legal organization, entrepreneurial profile, return and risk relation in venture business, and marketing, business planning, capital budgeting, financing and personnel issues in the management of a venture business.