Courses

Courses

Spring 2005 Courses

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101. Principles of Microeconomics
Bibi Khan M 1:00 - 2:25, W 1:00 - 2:25
An introduction to economic analysis and institutions, with special emphasis on the allocation of resources through markets. The theory of demand, supply, cost, and market structure is developed and then applied to problems in antitrust policy, environmental quality, energy, education, health, the role of the corporation in society, income distribution, and poverty. Students desiring a comprehensive introduction to economic reasoning should take both Economics 101 and 102.
101. Principles of Microeconomics
Joon-Suk Lee M 2:30 - 3:55, W 2:30 - 3:55
An introduction to economic analysis and institutions, with special emphasis on the allocation of resources through markets. The theory of demand, supply, cost, and market structure is developed and then applied to problems in antitrust policy, environmental quality, energy, education, health, the role of the corporation in society, income distribution, and poverty. Students desiring a comprehensive introduction to economic reasoning should take both Economics 101 and 102.
101. Principles of Microeconomics
Guillermo Herrera M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55
An introduction to economic analysis and institutions, with special emphasis on the allocation of resources through markets. The theory of demand, supply, cost, and market structure is developed and then applied to problems in antitrust policy, environmental quality, energy, education, health, the role of the corporation in society, income distribution, and poverty. Students desiring a comprehensive introduction to economic reasoning should take both Economics 101 and 102.
102. Principles of Macroeconomics
Paola Boel M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55
An introduction to economic analysis and institutions, with special emphasis on determinants of the level of national income, prices, and employment. Current problems of inflation and unemployment are explored with the aid of such analysis, and alternative views of the effectiveness of fiscal, monetary, and other governmental policies are analyzed. Attention is given to the sources and consequences of economic growth and to the nature and significance of international linkages through goods and capital markets.
102. Principles of Macroeconomics
Deborah DeGraff M 8:00 - 9:25, W 8:00 - 9:25
An introduction to economic analysis and institutions, with special emphasis on determinants of the level of national income, prices, and employment. Current problems of inflation and unemployment are explored with the aid of such analysis, and alternative views of the effectiveness of fiscal, monetary, and other governmental policies are analyzed. Attention is given to the sources and consequences of economic growth and to the nature and significance of international linkages through goods and capital markets.
102. Principles of Macroeconomics
Jonathan Goldstein T 1:00 - 2:25, TH 1:00 - 2:25
An introduction to economic analysis and institutions, with special emphasis on determinants of the level of national income, prices, and employment. Current problems of inflation and unemployment are explored with the aid of such analysis, and alternative views of the effectiveness of fiscal, monetary, and other governmental policies are analyzed. Attention is given to the sources and consequences of economic growth and to the nature and significance of international linkages through goods and capital markets.
211. Poverty and Redistribution
John Fitzgerald T 10:00 - 11:25, TH 10:00 - 11:25
Examines the causes and consequences of poverty and inequality in the United States and analyzes policy responses. Topics include: social welfare theory, poverty measurement, discrimination, rising wage inequality, the working poor, and consequences of poverty for families and subsequent generations. A substantial part of the course focuses on benefit-cost analysis and experimental and non-experimental evaluations of current policy, including welfare reform, education and training, and employment programs. Makes limited use of comparisons to other countries.
218. Environmental Economics and Policy
David Vail W 9:30 - 10:55, F 9:30 - 10:55
An exploration of environmental degradation and public policy responses in industrial economies. Market failures, property rights, and materialistic values are investigated as causes of pollution and deteriorating ecosystem functions. Guidelines for equitable and cost-effective environmental policy are explored, with an emphasis on the roles and limitations of cost-benefit analysis and techniques for estimating non-monetary values. Three core themes are the transition from “command and control” to incentive-based policies; the evolution from piecemeal regulation to comprehensive “green plans” (as in the Netherlands); and the connections among air pollution, energy systems, and global warming.
LAB
David Vail M 9:00 - 9:55
An exploration of environmental degradation and public policy responses in industrial economies. Market failures, property rights, and materialistic values are investigated as causes of pollution and deteriorating ecosystem functions. Guidelines for equitable and cost-effective environmental policy are explored, with an emphasis on the roles and limitations of cost-benefit analysis and techniques for estimating non-monetary values. Three core themes are the transition from “command and control” to incentive-based policies; the evolution from piecemeal regulation to comprehensive “green plans” (as in the Netherlands); and the connections among air pollution, energy systems, and global warming.
LAB
David Vail M 10:00 - 10:55
An exploration of environmental degradation and public policy responses in industrial economies. Market failures, property rights, and materialistic values are investigated as causes of pollution and deteriorating ecosystem functions. Guidelines for equitable and cost-effective environmental policy are explored, with an emphasis on the roles and limitations of cost-benefit analysis and techniques for estimating non-monetary values. Three core themes are the transition from “command and control” to incentive-based policies; the evolution from piecemeal regulation to comprehensive “green plans” (as in the Netherlands); and the connections among air pollution, energy systems, and global warming.
223. Africa’s Economic Prospects: Globalization and Economic Institutions
John Todd T 1:00 - 2:25, TH 1:00 - 2:25
An examination of the factors that have affected Africa’s recent economic development, including globalization, international aid institutions, and domestic governance. Particular attention is paid to the interests and the strategies of the many players in this field — both external (multinationals, NGOs, bilateral and multilateral aid agencies) and internal (governments, civil society, local business, and the poor). Competing explanations for Africa’s relatively poor economic record are reviewed, including the impact of globalization; the policies and practices of aid institutions; and Africa’s political and economic management, with specific examples from Nigeria, Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa. Tools of economic analysis are used to help understand the potential roles of international trade, foreign investment, aid, and productivity growth in contributing to the achievement of broadly-shared and sustainable economic growth in Africa. Concludes with an exploration of alternative scenarios for the world economy and Africa’s place in it over the next ten to fifteen years.
255. Microeconomics
Guillermo Herrera M 1:00 - 2:25, W 1:00 - 2:25
An intermediate-level study of contemporary microeconomic theory. Analysis of the theory of resource allocation and distribution, with major emphasis on systems of markets and prices as a social mechanism for making resource allocation decisions. Topics include the theory of individual choice and demand, the theory of the firm, market equilibrium under competition and monopoly, general equilibrium theory, and welfare economics.
LAB
Guillermo Herrera T 1:00 - 1:55
An intermediate-level study of contemporary microeconomic theory. Analysis of the theory of resource allocation and distribution, with major emphasis on systems of markets and prices as a social mechanism for making resource allocation decisions. Topics include the theory of individual choice and demand, the theory of the firm, market equilibrium under competition and monopoly, general equilibrium theory, and welfare economics.
256. Macroeconomics
Paola Boel M 2:30 - 3:55, W 2:30 - 3:55
An intermediate-level study of contemporary national income, employment, and inflation theory. Consumption, investment, government receipts, government expenditures, money, and interest rates are examined for their determinants, interrelationships, and role in determining the level of aggregate economic activity. Policy implications are drawn from the analysis.
257. Economic Statistics
Deborah DeGraff M 11:30 - 12:55, W 11:30 - 12:55
An introduction to the data and statistical methods used in economics. A review of the systems that generate economic data and the accuracy of such data is followed by an examination of the statistical methods used in testing the hypotheses of economic theory, both micro- and macro-. Probability, random variables and their distributions, methods of estimating parameters, hypothesis testing, regression, and correlation are covered. The application of multiple regression to economic problems is stressed.
302. Business Cycles
Jonathan Goldstein T 10:00 - 11:25, TH 10:00 - 11:25
Seminar. A survey of competing theories of the business cycle, empirical tests of cycle theories, and appropriate macro stabilization policies. Topics include descriptive and historical analysis of cyclical fluctuations in the United States, Keynesian-Kaleckian multiplier-accelerator models, NBER analysis of cycles, growth cycle models, theories of financial instability, Marxian crisis theory, new classical and new Keynesian theories, and international aspects of business cycles.
310. Advanced Public Economics
John Fitzgerald T 1:00 - 2:25, TH 1:00 - 2:25
Seminar. A survey of theoretical and empirical evaluations of government activities in the economy, considering both efficiency and equity aspects. Topics include public choice, income redistribution, benefit-cost analysis, analysis of selected government expenditure programs (including social security), incidence and behavioral effects of taxation, and tax reform. Current public policy issues are emphasized. Not open to students who have taken Economics 210.
348. Research in Economic History
Bibi Khan M 10:00 - 11:25, W 10:00 - 11:25
Seminar. Investigates the sources of economic growth and development using cliometrics, or the quantitative study of economic history. Students are required to apply economic theories and methodology to the analysis of primary historical materials in order to produce a professional-quality research paper. Not open to students who have taken Economics 208.
360. Finance II
Gregory DeCoster T 2:30 - 3:55, TH 2:30 - 3:55
Finance II is a continuation of Economics 260. Topics covered include bond valuation and bond portfolio management; financial statement analysis; equity valuation — equity pricing models, estimation of earnings, and rates of return; topics in corporate finance — dividend policy, mergers, and multinational financial management; derivatives — futures, options, and swaps; risk management; and behavioral finance — overview, and implications for asset pricing, risk management, and corporate financial management.
LAB
Gregory DeCoster W 2:30 - 3:55
Finance II is a continuation of Economics 260. Topics covered include bond valuation and bond portfolio management; financial statement analysis; equity valuation — equity pricing models, estimation of earnings, and rates of return; topics in corporate finance — dividend policy, mergers, and multinational financial management; derivatives — futures, options, and swaps; risk management; and behavioral finance — overview, and implications for asset pricing, risk management, and corporate financial management.
LAB
Gregory DeCoster W 6:30 - 7:55
Finance II is a continuation of Economics 260. Topics covered include bond valuation and bond portfolio management; financial statement analysis; equity valuation — equity pricing models, estimation of earnings, and rates of return; topics in corporate finance — dividend policy, mergers, and multinational financial management; derivatives — futures, options, and swaps; risk management; and behavioral finance — overview, and implications for asset pricing, risk management, and corporate financial management.

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