Course Descriptions

ECON Course Descriptions

• ECON 100 ECONOMICS OF CONTEMPORARY ISSUES (3)

  Provides a survey of societal issues examined through the lens of economic analysis. A scientific approach is adopted in which the basic tools of economics are ¬applied to social issues such as pollution, crime and prevention, poverty and discrimination, professional sports and economic growth. Students gain an appreciation of how society addresses the conflict between unlimited wants and scarce ¬resources. [SOSC] [GIK] [SBS]

• ECON 200 THE ECONOMIC WAY OF THINKING (3)

  An economist sees the world in a unique way and is able to provide a different perspective on many issues. This course presents the “economic way of thinking” with an emphasis on being able to make effective decisions in a wide variety of economic and business situations. In addition, the “economic way of thinking” is used to understand the impact of business and government policies and actions on our daily lives. [SOSC] [QQT] [SBS]

• ECON 201 PRINCIPLES OF MICROECONOMICS (3)

  This course introduces economic analysis of individual, business, and industry choices in the market economy. Topics include the price mechanism, supply and demand, optimizing economic behavior, costs and revenues, market structures, income distribution, market failure, and government intervention. [SBS]

• ECON 202 PRINCIPLES OF MACROECONOMICS (3)

  This course introduces economic analysis of aggregate output, employment, income, and prices. Attention is paid to international trade and global impacts across economies. The main analytical goal is application of the aggregate supply and demand model to understand fluctuations and government intervention. Students will be exposed to economic data and asked to present the data with an explanation. [SBS]

• ECON 305 MANAGERIAL ECONOMICS (3)

  Managers and business professionals need the wide variety of tools provided by economic theory to deal with the many complex issues facing organizations in today’s competitive global markets. This course focuses on the economic forces affecting the process of organizing ­economic activity. The primary tools of analysis are imperfect information, transaction costs, and the voluntary pursuit of efficiency. Prerequisite:ECON 200, or three hours of micro or macro economics , ACCT 202, and OPRE 202

• ECON 308 MONEY AND BANKING (3)

  Money and Banking focuses on financial markets and their interaction with the stability and growth of the U.S. economy. The course will be useful for all undergraduate business majors and will encourage a sound understanding and appreciation of topics frequently cited in the business press. Prerequisites: OPRE 202 and either ECON 200 or 6 hours economics coursework.

• ECON 312 INTRODUCTION TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (3)

  This course introduces students to local economic development from the perspective of the real estate industry and economic development professionals. Students will become familiar with theoretical frameworks of urban economies including theories of the location of economic activity and the principles of urban economic development, housing, transportation, poverty, and unemployment and municipal finance. Students are also exposed to economic development finance including the fundamentals of bond finance, tax increment financing, among others. Students will learn specific techniques in assessing local economies for business attraction and retention strategies such as location quotients, shift-share analysis and input-output analysis. While there is no formal pre-requisite, previous coursework in economics is recommended. [GD]

• ECON 409 INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS (3)

  A broad coverage of international issues, providing a starting point for the analysis and insights available from other business disciplines. Topics include the underlying rationale for trade, market mechanisms, efficiency, exchange rates, balance of payments and some aspects of international economic development. prerequisite: ECON 200 or 3 hours of micro- or macroeconomics

• ECON 410 ECONOMICS OF SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (3)

  Students are exposed to evolving firm strategies and actions generally designed and invoked under the umbrella of social responsibility from the vantage point of Economics. The broadness of social responsibility is continually growing and much analysis in the course is from the stakeholder point of view. A component of the course will relate to emergent issues from the Economic/Financial role. Prerequisite: Junior Status and Econ 200 or equivalent.

• ECON 493 HONORS SEMINAR (3)

  An advanced interdisciplinary seminar that focuses on important books and issues and encourages independent thinking, clear presentation and an understanding of the concerns and methods of various disciplines. The course may be team taught; topic and instructor(s) may change from semester to semester. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes. prerequisites: 3.3 GPA and permission of the Denit Honors Program director

• ECON 494 HONORS PROJ/THESIS (3 - 6)

  Directed individual instruction in an advanced project of the student's choice; the project must be academically related to this discipline. Each student works closely with a faculty director who guides his/her progress. The project must be of honors quality and must be finally approved by both the faculty director and a second faculty member. Course is eligible for a continuing studies grade. prerequisites: 3.3 GPA and permission of both the Denit Honors Program director and the faculty director

• ECON 497 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ECONOMICS (3)

  The economics and finance faculty, from time to time, offer an opportunity to integrate new material into the undergraduate ­program reflecting changes in the field and in the educational needs of ­students. Prerequisites: ECON 305 and six additional hours of economics.

• ECON 499 INDEPENDENT STUDY: ECONOMICS (1 - 3)

  An independent study completed under the direction of a faculty member. For eligibility and ­procedures, refer to the Merrick School of Business Independent Study Policy. Prerequisites: Merrick School of Business student or permission of the instructor

• ECON 505 MICRO ECONOMICS (1.50)

  Covers comparative advantage, supply and demand, elasticity, opportunity cost, competition and monopoly, and externalities. Emphasizes understanding concepts that are useful in making effective choices in a variety of economic and managerial situations. prerequisite: graduate standing

• ECON 506 MACRO ECONOMICS (1.50)

  Covers economic growth, monetary and fiscal policy, inflation and unemployment. Emphasizes understanding concepts, such as Federal Reserve policy, that are useful for managerial decision-making. prerequisite: graduate standing

• ECON 605 BUSINESS AND PUBLIC POLICY IN A GLOBAL ECONOMY (1.50)

  This course uses an economic framework to analyze and evaluate public policy issues that may affect businesses. Ethical and managerial implications are integrated. Applications of the framework include globalization, environmental, and health care issues. prerequisite: ECON 505 and ECON 506

• ECON 650 BUSINESS ECONOMICS (3)

  Applies macro-, micro- and global economic theory, drawing on analytical techniques and other business areas, to understand the financial environment of the firm. Based on an understanding of market behavior, the course examines global competitiveness, regulation and pricing. Attention then turns toward the impact of global and macroeconomic forces acting on organizations. Students will be expected to demonstrate analytical skills in solving real-world problems, with an emphasis on the financial conduct and structure of the firm. prerequisites: ECON 505,ECON 506 and OPRE 505, OPRE 506

• ECON 710 ECONOMICS OF SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (3)

  Students are exposed to evolving firm strategies and actions generally designed and invoked under the umbrella of social responsibility from the vantage point of Economics. The broadness of social responsibility is continually growing and much analysis in the course is from the stakeholder point of view. A component of the course will relate to emergent issues from the Economic/Financial role.

• ECON 720 INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS AND FINANCE (3)

  Covers the framework of international economics and finance. Topics covered include classical trade theory, balance of payment, models of open economy, export and import economic policies and trade performance, foreign exchange markets, currency options and futures markets, international money markets and capital markets. Specific application will be made to European, Asian and Latin American markets. Prerequisites: ECON 504 or ECON 505 and ECON 506.

• ECON 740 BUSINESS, ETHICAL, AND REGULATORY PERSPECTIVES OF AI (3)

  This course delves into the ethical and regulatory dimensions of using artificial intelligence in business activities incorporating perspectives of stakeholders. Introductions to various ethical perspectives and approaches are used to conduct analysis within various domains of ethical reasoning. Current and proposed regulations are discussed through an economic lens. Students will gain an understanding of the ethical principles guiding AI applications, as well as the legal frameworks and compliance requirements for businesses operating in AI-driven environments. Students will be encouraged to critically consider how to apply AI in their personal and professional lives.

• ECON 741 SPORTS ECONOMICS (3)

  The sports world offers a unique arena to illustrate many important economic concepts because incentives affect the behavior of individuals in the sport industry--players, managers, owners, and fans--just like they affect behavior in any other industry. This course will allow you to study sports and the sports industry using the models found in economics. This course is loosely organized according to the fields of industrial organization, public finance, and labor economics to allow for an investigation of many of the issues that regularly come up in sports. Topics include league makeup, stadium financing, team location, competitive balance,and incentive structures. Prerequisites: ECON 640 or ECON 605.

• ECON 765 THE HEALTH SERVICES SYSTEMS (3)

  An overview of the U.S. health-care system, including health care as a product and the role of all stakeholders: patients, physicians, staff, hospitals, insurers, employers and the government. Topics include the impact of cost containment and competition on management within hospitals and on physician-hospital relations; alternate delivery systems (HMOs, PPOs); multiunit systems; what makes health care different from standard economic markets; health-care marketing; health insurance, including (a) uninsured/uncompensated care and (b) poorly informed but heavily insured customers; a larger not-for-profit sector and heavy government involvement; and legal aspects of health care, including social, moral and ethical issues. prerequisites: ECON 504 or ECON 505 and ECON 506.

• ECON 792 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT (1.50)

  Specialized topics in economics allowing flexibility for both the changing developments in business and the educational needs of students. Topic areas may include econometrics, entrepreneurship or organizational architecture. Exact listing of topics and prerequisites may be listed in schedule of classes. prerequisite: ECON 504 or area approval

• ECON 797 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT (3)

  Specialized topics in economics allowing flexibility for both the changing developments in business and the educational needs of students. Topic areas may include econometrics, entrepreneurship or organizational architecture. Exact listing of topics and prerequisites may be listed in schedule of classes. prerequisite: ECON 504 or area approval

• ECON 799 INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH (1 - 3)

  Individual research in an area of interest to the student. The expectation is that work equivalent to a regular graduate course will be completed. Formal paper(s) will be written under the supervision of a full-time faculty member. prerequisites: approval of both an economics faculty member and the department chair