ECON 190 – Principles of Economics
4 semester hours
Ankrom, Jeff, Frost, Marcia, Gwinn, Lawrence, and Wishart, David
Prerequisites: Students must have attained the math placement level 22 to enroll.
An introduction to basic principles of economics. Topics covered include supply and demand, marginal analysis, competition, profit maximization, aggregate demand and supply, the level of employment, inflation, fiscal policy, monetary policy, and international trade. Lecture/discussion format.
ECON 231 - European Economic History
4 semester hours
Wishart, David
This course examines the evolution of capitalism in Europe from the 15th century to the present, the impact of European capitalism on economies and societies in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, the rise and demise of centrally planned state socialist economies in Russia and the Eastern European countries, and the prospects for European economic integration. The topics presented in this course will emphasize the use of principles of economics to understand historical change and methods of empirical analysis that are commonly used by economic historians. Grades will be determined by two exams, a final, and a 10-15 page term paper.
Lecture/discussion format. Writing Intensive.
ECON 280 – Managerial Economics
4 Semester hours
Tiffany, Frederick
Prerequisites: ECON 190 and MGT 210
In this course, students will extend their understanding of microeconomic theory and its use in managerial decision-making. In addition to studying the theories of demand, production and cost, students will be introduced to the statistical method of regression analysis and its use in applying these theories to real-world problems. Theories of market structure and capital budgeting will also be considered.
The course will have a lecture/discussion format. Students will be evaluated on the basis of two or three midterm examinations, a final examination, and frequent homework assignments.
ECON 300 – Econometrics
4 semester hours
Gwinn, Lawrence
Prerequisites: ECON 190 and MGT 210 or its equivalent.
Econometrics revolves around constructing and statistically testing economic models. The lectures will focus on discussing methodology in economics and learning the fundamentals of regression analysis. In addition, a large portion of the course will be devoted to research projects in which students use a computer regression package to test economic theory against empirical evidence, analyze economic policies, and forecast economic variables.
Writing Intensive.
ECON 310: Intermediate Microeconomic Theory
4 semester hours
Tiffany, Frederick
Prerequisites: ECON 190 and MATH 120.
Economics 310 is a rigorous examination and extension of the microeconomic principles learned in ECON 190. Formal models of consumer and producer behavior are presented, along with theories of market behavior under assumptions of both perfect and imperfect competition. It is essential that students taking this course have a thorough understanding of ECON 190 and MATH 120. Lecture/discussion format. Grade is based on two midterm exams and a comprehensive final exam.
ECON 340: Public Finance
4 semester hours
Ankrom, Jeff
Prerequisites: ECON 190 and MATH 120.
Public Finance traditionally deals with the role and impact of government (or public sector) activity on economic activity, income distribution and the efficiency of the economy. The course is divided into three parts:
(1) An introduction to fiscal institutions, fiscal politics and the theory of social goods. Here we are concerned with the rationale for government intervention in economic activity, and with theories explaining the size and scope of government activity.
(2) Expenditure evaluation.
(3) Principles of taxation, including a description of the tax landscape and the effects of taxes on equity and efficiency.
Grade is determined by performance on three exams and a paper.
Lecture/discussion format. Writing Intensive.
