Economics studies how scarce resources can be used most effectively to address the pressing needs of society. These needs include: promoting long-term sustainable growth and fighting hunger, joblessness, inequality, and discrimination.
Economics courses provide students with critical thinking skills, and with theoretical and applied tools for studying social problems and proposing informed, evidence-based policies. Many economics majors go on to fulfilling careers in technology, business management, finance, government, and academia.
About Economics
Economics analyzes the ways in which resources can be most effectively organized to meet the changing goals of a society. Courses in the department combine theoretical and applied economics as a basis for developing and evaluating alternative public policies for entire economies and for the institutions and organizations within an economy. Department courses give a broad and practical perspective for those considering careers in law, government, business, education, journalism or social service; they also meet the needs of students seeking graduate work in economics, business administration, and public affairs. The basic introductory courses, 110 or 111 or both, are prerequisites to advanced courses; they offer a good foundation for further work in economics, but they have also been designed for students who have not yet selected majors and for those in other majors seeking an introduction to the analysis of economic theory and policies. Note: Either course in the principles sequence, Economics 110 or 111, can be taken first. Independent study (291 or 391) for those with special research interests can be taken with any faculty member.
Requirements for the Economics Major
All economics majors are required to successfully complete 75 credits from:
- Two 100-level courses (12 credits)
- MATH 101 or MATH 111 or equivalent (6 credits)
- STAT 120 or STAT 250 or equivalent (6 credits)
- Three 300-level core courses (18 credits)
- ECON 329 Econometrics
- Four electives (numbered 215 or above), this includes ECON 398 (24 credits):
- ECON 221: Cambridge Program: Contemporary British Economy
- ECON 222: Cambridge Program: The Industrial Revolution in Britain
- ECON 240: Microeconomics of Development
- ECON 241: Growth and Development · not offered in 2024-25
- ECON 242: Economy of Latin America · not offered in 2024-25
- ECON 244: Gender and Ethnicity in Latin American Economic Development
- ECON 246: Welfare Economics and Mechanism Design · not offered in 2024-25
- ECON 257: Economics of Gender · not offered in 2024-25
- ECON 262: The Economics of Sports · not offered in 2024-25
- ECON 264: Health Care Economics
- ECON 265: Game Theory and Economic Applications
- ECON 267: Behavioral Economics
- ECON 268: Economics of Cost Benefit Analysis · not offered in 2024-25
- ECON 269: Economics of Climate Change
- ECON 270: Economics of the Public Sector
- ECON 271: Economics of Natural Resources and the Environment
- ECON 273: Water and Western Economic Development · not offered in 2024-25
- ECON 274: Labor Economics
- ECON 275: Law and Economics
- ECON 276: Money and Banking
- ECON 277: History and Theory of Financial Crises
- ECON 278: Industrial Organization and Firm Behavior · not offered in 2024-25
- ECON 280: International Trade
- ECON 281: International Finance
- ECON 282: The Theory of Investment Finance · not offered in 2024-25
- ECON 283: Corporate Finance · not offered in 2024-25
- ECON 285: Computational Economics
- ECON 398: Advanced Research in Economics
- One advanced seminar, Economics 395 (6 credits)
- ECON 395: Advanced Topics in Macroeconomics and Finance
- ECON 395: Advanced Topics in Applied Microeconomics
Completion of the core sequence is a prerequisite for Advanced Seminars and the integrative exercise and must occur by the end of the junior year.
- Integrative Exercise (3 credits)
- Six Talk Credits: As part of the satisfaction of their comps exercise, majors must accumulate six talk credits during their combined junior and senior years by attending department events, including: the Veblen-Clark Lecture, the Lamson Lecture, other scheduled talks by visiting speakers sponsored by the department, and candidate job talks during recruiting years. These talk credits will be tracked by the economics department and will not appear on your transcript. Note: Attending the Veblen-Clark Lecture or the Lamson Lecture each count for two talk credits. All others count for one talk credit. Juniors may accumulate one talk credit for attending the senior comps poster session. We encourage majors to participate in the numerous activities that take place in the department.
We strongly encourage prospective majors to complete all mathematics prerequisites no later than the sophomore year. Math courses may be taken on an elective S/Cr/NC basis but we encourage students to take these on a graded basis. Completion of the core sequence is a prerequisite for Advanced Seminars and the integrative exercise and must occur by the end of the junior year. We encourage students to take Economics 329 in their sophomore spring or junior fall terms. All Advanced Seminars (395) are typically offered only in fall term.
Students considering graduate school in economics should also take Mathematics 120, 210 or 211, 232, 236, 240 and Statistics 250. Courses teaching additional skills such as computer science, advanced rhetoric and analysis of political and social policies are highly recommended.
Economics Courses
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ECON 110 Principles of Macroeconomics
This course gives students a foundation in the general principles of economics as a basis for effective citizenship and, when combined with 111, as a preparation for all advanced study in economics. Topics include analysis of the measurement, level, and distribution of national income; the concepts of inflation and depression; the role and structure of the banking system; fiscal and monetary stabilization techniques; implications of and limits to economic growth; and international economic relations.
- Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Spring 2025
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
-
Not open to students who have completed any of the following exams: AP Macroeconomics exam with a score of 5 or better or IB Economics exam with a score of 6 or better.
- Michael Hemesath π« π€ · Ethan Struby π« π€ · Anthony Priolo π« π€ · Lhakpa Sherpa π« π€
-
ECON 111 Principles of Microeconomics
This course gives the students a foundation in the general principles of economics as a basis for effective citizenship and, when combined with 110, as a preparation for all advanced study in economics. Topics include consumer choice theory; the formation of prices under competition, monopoly, and other market structures; the determination of wages, profits, and income from capital; the distribution of income; and an analysis of policy directed towards problems of public finance, pollution, natural resources, and public goods.
- Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Spring 2025
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
-
Note open to students who have completed any of the following exams: AP Microeconomics exam with a score of 5 or better or IB Economics exam with a score of 6 or better.
- Faress Bhuiyan π« π€ · Aaron Swoboda π« π€ · Jonathan Lafky π« π€ · Mark Kanazawa π« π€ · Nathan Grawe π« π€
-
ECON 201 Analysis of Microeconomic Development Models
This course is the second part of a two-term winter break course sequence beginning with Economics 240. This course will focus on critically analyzing the appropriateness of modern microeconomic development models in the context of Bangladesh. Students exposed to various on-site visits and lectures in Bangladesh during the winter break will be required to research, write, and present their views on the reliability of different model assumptions and implications they studied in Economics 240.
Not offered in 2024-25
- 6
- IS, International Studies QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry WR2 Writing Requirement 2
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics or received a score of 5 on the Microeconomics AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Economics IB exam AND ECON 240 – Microeconomics of Development with a grade of C-. Open only students accepted in the Microeconomic Development in Bangladesh program.
-
ECON 221 Cambridge Program: Contemporary British Economy
The course focuses on the development of the British economy since the inter-war period. The approach integrates economic and historical analysis to discuss the development of the structure of the British economy, economic policy, and the institutions affecting economic performance. Students majoring in economics, political science, and history are particularly encourage to apply, but the seminar is open to students of all majors.
- Summer 2024
- 6
- IS, International Studies QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
-
Acceptance in the Carleton OCS Economics in Cambridge program.
- Michael Hemesath π« π€
-
ECON 222 Cambridge Program: The Industrial Revolution in Britain
Economic growth only became an expected part of modern life during the Industrial Revolution. This course will explore the origins and implications of the Industrial Revolution in Britain. Why did this revolution start in Britain? How did it change life for British citizens, and how did the many changes move beyond Britain? The course will use readings, lectures and visits to industrial sites and museums in and around Manchester. Students majoring in economics, political science, and history are particularly encouraged to apply, but the seminar is open to students of all majors.
- Summer 2024
- 6
- IS, International Studies QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry WR2 Writing Requirement 2
-
Acceptance in the Carleton OCS Economics in Cambridge program.
- Michael Hemesath π« π€
-
ECON 223 Cambridge Program: The Economics of Multinational Enterprises
Among the most important economic institutions in the world today are multinational enterprises. This course will explore the theory and practice of MNEs. Lectures and reading will be supplemented with visits to British multinationals. Students majoring in economics, political science, and history are particularly encouraged to apply, but the seminar is open to students of all majors.
- Summer 2024
- 3
- IS, International Studies No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning
-
Acceptance in the Carleton OCS Economics in Cambridge program.
- Michael Hemesath π« π€
-
ECON 224 Cambridge Program: J.M. Keynes and the Bloomsbury Group
Britain has nurtured some of the most important economists in the world and Cambridge was the intellectual home of the foremost of these, J.M. Keynes. This course will explore the economic theory and social thought of Keynes and the influence of his contemporaries in the Bloomsbury group on post-WWI Britain. Students majoring in economics, political science, and history are particularly encouraged to apply, but the seminar is open to students of all majors.
- Summer 2024
- S/CR/NC
- 3
- IS, International Studies QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
-
Acceptance in the Carleton OCS Economics in Cambridge program.
- Michael Hemesath π« π€
-
ECON 240 Microeconomics of Development
This course explores household behavior in developing countries. We will cover areas including fertility decisions, health and mortality, investment in education, the intra-household allocation of resources, household structure, and the marriage market. We will also look at the characteristics of land, labor, and credit markets, particularly technology adoption; land tenure and tenancy arrangements; the role of agrarian institutions in the development process; and the impacts of alternative politics and strategies in developing countries. The course complements Economics 241.
- Winter 2025
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry IS, International Studies
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics with a grade of C- or better or has received a score of 5 on the AP Microeconomics test or a score of 6 or better on the IB Economics test.
- Faress Bhuiyan π« π€
-
ECON 241 Growth and Development
Why are some countries rich and others poor? What causes countries to grow? This course develops a general framework of economic growth and development to analyze these questions. We will document the empirical differences in growth and development across countries and study some of the theories developed to explain these differences. This course complements Economics 240.
Not offered in 2024-25
- 6
- IS, International Studies QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 110 – Principles of Macroeconomics with grade of C- or better or has scored a 5 on the Macroeconomics AP exam or has scored a 6 or better on the Economics IB exam.
-
ECON 242 Economy of Latin America
This course offers an introduction to the economy of Latin America. We will study the region’s policies undertaken during its colonial period and its development strategy during the twentieth century. Topics include import substitution industrialization, the 1980s debt crisis, hyperinflation, dollarization, and international trade agreements. Besides these experiences shared by many countries in Latin America, we will also analyze selected country-specific ones such as the Brazilian stabilization plans and the recent Argentine sovereign debt crisis.
Not offered in 2024-25
- 6
- IS, International Studies SI, Social Inquiry
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 110 – Principles of Macroeconomics with grade of C- or better or has scored a 5 on the Macroeconomics AP exam or has scored a 6 or better on the Economics IB exam.
-
ECON 244 Gender and Ethnicity in Latin American Economic Development
Latin America has the highest level of inequality in the world, undergirded by significant ethnic and gender inequalities. The course will analyze key gender issues such as the feminization of poverty, female labor force participation and violence against women. We will also investigate how men can contribute to promoting gender equality and how public policy can promote healthyβrather than toxicβmasculinities. We will explore what development means for indigenous peoples in the Americas, analyze different ways of measuring development with identity, and delve into how to promote better health and educational outcomes for indigenous peoples, in collaboration with indigenous communities and in ways that respect their worldview. This course is designed to be a combination of topics and tools. You will be equipped with a few useful tools from the economistβs toolkit, including using randomized controlled trials to measure the effectiveness of public policy and deploying nudges inspired by behavioral science to change behaviors in quick and low-cost fashion.
- Fall 2024
- 6
- IS, International Studies QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics with a grade of C- or better or has received a score of 5 on the AP Microeconomics test or a score of 6 or better on the IB Economics test.
- Andrew Morrison π« π€
-
ECON 246 Welfare Economics and Mechanism Design
This course presents economic theory on how society as a whole ranks and chooses between different alternatives. It delves into the realm of normative economics analyzing objectives society may want to pursue, mechanisms designed to reach those objectives, and the resulting welfare of individuals affected by the choices made. The theoretical tools discussed will be used to study different mechanisms of voting, redistributing income, government intervention, auctions, and trade. Among other things, students will be exposed to the Pareto criterion, Arrow’s impossibility theorem, the Vickrey-Clarke-Grove mechanism, the Coase theorem, utilitarianism, Rawlsian ethics, and welfare theorems.
Not offered in 2024-25
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics with a grade of C- or better or has received a score of 5 on the AP Microeconomics test or a score of 6 or better on the IB Economics test.
-
ECON 257 Economics of Gender
This course uses economic theory and empirical evidence to examine gender differentials in education, marriage, fertility, earnings, labor market participation, occupational choice, and household work. Trends and patterns in gender-based outcomes will be examined across time, across countries, and within socio-economic groups, using empirical evidence from both historical and recent research. The impact of government and firm policies on gender outcomes will also be examined. By the end of the course, students will be able to utilize the most common economic tools in the study of gender inequality, as well as understand their strengths and weaknesses.
Not offered in 2024-25
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics with a grade of C- or better or has received a score of 5 on the AP Microeconomics test or a score of 6 or better on the IB Economics test.
-
ECON 262 The Economics of Sports
In recent years, the sports business in the United States has grown into a multibillion-dollar industry. Understanding the sports business from an economic viewpoint is the subject of this course. Topics will include player compensation, revenue-sharing, salary caps, free agency, tournaments, salary discrimination, professional franchise valuation, league competitiveness, college athletics, and the economics of sports stadiums and arenas.
Not offered in 2024-25
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 110 – Principles of Macroeconomics with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 on the Macroeconomics AP exam AND ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 on the Microeconomics AP exam OR has received a score of 6 or better on the Economics IB exam.
-
ECON 264 Health Care Economics
This course will focus on the economics of medical care and how health care markets and systems work. We will consider both private health insurance markets and publicly provided social health insurance. The changes which demography, technology and the Affordable Health Care Act are bringing to health care delivery will be examined. Some time will be devoted to understanding the health care systems in other countries. This is a discussion course.
- Winter 2025
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics with a grade of C- or better or has received a score of 5 on the AP Microeconomics test or a score of 6 or better on the IB Economics test.
- Nathan Grawe π« π€
-
ECON 265 Game Theory and Economic Applications
Game theory is the study of purposeful behavior in strategic situations. It serves as a framework for analysis that can be applied to everyday decisions, such as working with a study group and cleaning your room, as well as to a variety of economic issues, including contract negotiations and firms’ output decisions. In this class, modern game theoretic tools will be primarily applied to economic situations, but we will also draw on examples from other realms.
- Spring 2025
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics with a grade of C- or better or has received a score of 5 on the AP Microeconomics test or a score of 6 or better on the IB Economics test.
- Jonathan Lafky π« π€
-
ECON 267 Behavioral Economics
This course introduces experimental economics and behavioral economics as two complementary approaches to understanding economic decision making. We will study the use of controlled experiments to test and critique economic theories, as well as how these theories can be improved by introducing psychologically plausible assumptions to our models. We will read a broad survey of experimental and behavioral results, including risk and time preferences, prospect theory, other-regarding preferences, the design of laboratory and field experiments, and biases in decision making.
- Winter 2025
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 110 – Principles of Macroeconomics with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 on the Macroeconomics AP exam AND ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 on the Microeconomics AP exam OR has received a score of 6 or better on the Economics IB exam.
- Jonathan Lafky π« π€
-
ECON 268 Economics of Cost Benefit Analysis
Cost-benefit analysis is a tool commonly used by economists and policy makers to compare and choose among competing policy options. This course will cover the basic theory and empirical techniques necessary to quantify and aggregate the impacts of government policy, especially as related to the environment. Topics covered include the time value of money; uncertainty; sensitivity analysis; option value; contingent valuation; hedonic estimation; basic research design. Throughout the course case studies will be used to elucidate and bring life to the theoretical concepts.
Not offered in 2024-25
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics with a grade of C- or better or has received a score of 5 on the AP Microeconomics test or a score of 6 or better on the IB Economics test.
-
ECON 269 Economics of Climate Change
This course studies the relationship between climate change, government policy, and global markets. It explores the historical relationship between economic growth and greenhouse gasses, the cost-benefit analysis of policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and the potential for adaptation to climate change. Through readings, discussions, and case studies, students will gain a deep understanding of the economic implications of climate change and the policies that can be used to mitigate its effects. By the end of the course, students will have developed a critical understanding of the complex relationship between economics and climate change and will be equipped to engage in meaningful discussions and analysis of this pressing global issue.
- Spring 2025
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 110 – Principles of Macroeconomics with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 on the Macroeconomics AP exam AND ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 on the Microeconomics AP exam OR has received a score of 6 or better on the Economics IB exam.
- Aaron Swoboda π« π€
-
ECON 270 Economics of the Public Sector
This course provides a theoretical and empirical examination of the government’s role in the U.S. economy. Emphasis is placed on policy analysis using the criteria of efficiency and equity. Topics include rationales for government intervention; analysis of alternative public expenditure programs from a partial and/or general equilibrium framework; the incidence of various types of taxes; models of collective choice; cost-benefit analysis; intergovernmental fiscal relations.
- Spring 2025
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry WR2 Writing Requirement 2
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 110 – Principles of Macroeconomics with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 on the Macroeconomics AP exam AND ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 on the Microeconomics AP exam OR has received a score of 6 or better on the Economics IB exam.
- Jenny Bourne π« π€
-
ECON 271 Economics of Natural Resources and the Environment
This course focuses on environmental economics, energy economics, and the relationship between them. Economic incentives for pollution abatement, the industrial organization of energy production, optimal depletion rates of energy sources, and the environmental and economic consequences of alternate energy sources are analyzed.
- Winter 2025
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics with a grade of C- or better or has received a score of 5 on the AP Microeconomics test or a score of 6 or better on the IB Economics test.
- Mark Kanazawa π« π€
-
ECON 273 Water and Western Economic Development
This course examines scarce water resources as a legal/political/economic factor in the economic development of the western United States, using and combining insights from environmental economics, law and economics, institutional economics, and economic history. Topics include the economic growth of the western economy, surface- and groundwater management, water markets, western water law, Indian water rights, surface- and groundwater pollution, and instream flow protection.
Not offered in 2024-25
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics with a grade of C- or better or has received a score of 5 on the AP Microeconomics test or a score of 6 or better on the IB Economics test.
-
ECON 274 Labor Economics
Why do some people choose to work and others do not? Why are some people paid higher wages than others? What are the economic benefits of education for the individual and for society? How do government policies, such as subsidized child care, the Earned Income Tax Credit and the income tax influence whether people work and the number of hours they choose to work? These are some of the questions examined in labor economics. This course will focus on the labor supply and human capital decisions of individuals and households.
- Spring 2025
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 110 – Principles of Macroeconomics with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 on the Macroeconomics AP exam AND ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 on the Microeconomics AP exam OR has received a score of 6 or better on the Economics IB exam.
- Faress Bhuiyan π« π€
-
ECON 275 Law and Economics
Legal rules and institutions influence people’s behavior. By setting acceptable levels of pollution, structuring guidelines for contract negotiations, deciding who should pay for the costs of an accident, and determining punishment for crimes, courts and legislatures create incentives. How do economic considerations factor into legal rules, and how do laws affect economic output and distribution? In this class, we use court cases, experiments, and current legal controversies to explore such issues.
- Fall 2024
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry WR2 Writing Requirement 2
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics with a grade of C- or better or has received a score of 5 on the AP Microeconomics test or a score of 6 or better on the IB Economics test.
- Jenny Bourne π« π€
-
ECON 276 Money and Banking
This course examines the role of money and monetary institutions in determination of income, employment, and prices in the domestic and world economies. It also examines the role of commercial banking and financial markets in a market-based economy.
- Winter 2025
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 110 – Principles of Macroeconomics with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 on the Macroeconomics AP exam AND ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 on the Microeconomics AP exam OR has received a score of 6 or better on the Economics IB exam.
- Lhakpa Sherpa π« π€
-
ECON 277 History and Theory of Financial Crises
This course provides a historical perspective on financial crises and highlights their main empirical patterns. This course also introduces economic theories of financial crises, in which leverage, moral hazard, mistaken beliefs, and coordination problems play a central role. We will also discuss some policy instruments used to balance risk exposure, such as deposit insurance, collective action clauses, exchange controls, and foreign reserves.
- Spring 2025
- 6
- IS, International Studies SI, Social Inquiry
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 110 – Principles of Macroeconomics with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 on the Macroeconomics AP exam AND ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 on the Microeconomics AP exam OR has received a score of 6 or better on the Economics IB exam.
- Victor Almeida π« π€
-
ECON 278 Industrial Organization and Firm Behavior
This course analyzes the firm’s marketing and pricing problems, its conduct, and the resulting economic performance, given the nature of the demand for its products, its buying markets, the nature of its unit costs, and the structure of its selling markets.
Not offered in 2024-25
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics with a grade of C- or better or has received a score of 5 on the AP Microeconomics test or a score of 6 or better on the IB Economics test.
-
ECON 280 International Trade
A study of international trade theories and their policy implications. Classical and neo-classical trade models, the gains from trade, the terms of trade and the distribution of income, world trade patterns, international factor movements, tariffs, and the impact of commercial policy on developing and developed countries are analyzed.
- Spring 2025
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics with a grade of C- or better or has received a score of 5 on the AP Microeconomics test or a score of 6 or better on the IB Economics test.
- Prathi Seneviratne π« π€
-
ECON 281 International Finance
This course studies theories of the multi-faceted interaction between the balance of international payments and foreign exchange market and the general levels of domestic prices, employment and economic activity. Topics include the balance of payments, foreign exchange markets, adjustment mechanisms in international payments, macroeconomic policies for internal and external balance, and international monetary systems.
- Fall 2024
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 110 – Principles of Macroeconomics with grade of C- or better or has scored a 5 on the Macroeconomics AP exam or has scored a 6 or better on the Economics IB exam.
- Michael Hemesath π« π€
-
ECON 282 The Theory of Investment Finance
This course provides an introduction to the broad range of financial instruments that are used to fund economic activities. We will explore major asset classes in financial markets, look at how investors make choices when allocating their portfolios, and learn how to price a typical security within each asset class. Topics in this course include asset classification, portfolio theory, debt and equity securities valuation, and derivatives valuation.
Not offered in 2024-25
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 110 – Principles of Macroeconomics with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 on the Macroeconomics AP exam AND ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 on the Microeconomics AP exam OR has received a score of 6 or better on the Economics IB exam.
-
ECON 283 Corporate Finance
This course introduces you to the financial decision-making process of corporations and other institutions. We will analyze financial statements, understand cash flows and how firms choose investment projects, as well as how to raise funding for these investment projects, the related costs of capital, and the trade-off between debt and equity financing. Students will be asked to conduct a real-world business case study in this course.
Not offered in 2024-25
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 110 – Principles of Macroeconomics with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 on the Macroeconomics AP exam AND ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 on the Microeconomics AP exam OR has received a score of 6 or better on the Economics IB exam.
-
ECON 285 Computational Economics
This course is an introduction to the use of computational methods for the analysis of economic models. After becoming familiar with the programming environment, we will explore the application of computational methods to constrained optimization, econometric estimation, and calibrating, solving, and simulating static and dynamic economic models.
- Fall 2024
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 110 – Principles of Macroeconomics with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 on the Macroeconomics AP exam AND ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 on the Microeconomics AP exam OR has received a score of 6 or better on the Economics IB exam.
- Anthony Priolo π« π€
-
ECON 329 Econometrics
This course is an introduction to the statistical methods used by economists to test hypotheses and to study and quantify economic relationships. The course emphasizes both econometric theory and practical application through analysis of economic data sets using statistical software. Prior experience with R is strongly encouraged. Topics include two-variable and multiple regression, interval estimation and hypothesis testing, discrete and continuous structural change, parameter restrictions, model construction, experimental design, issues of functional specification, model overfitting and underfitting, heteroscedasticity, autocorrelation, and multicollinearity.
- Fall 2024, Winter 2025
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
-
Student must have completed any of the following course(s): ECON 110 – Principles of Macroeconomics or received a score of 5 or better on the Macroeconomics AP exam AND ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics or received a score of 5 or better on the Microeconomics AP exam OR received a score of 6 or better on the Economics IB exam. AND MATH 101 – Calculus with Problem Solving or MATH 111 – Introduction to Calculus or greater or received a a score of 4 or better on the Calculus AB AP exam or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus BC AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Mathematics IB exam AND either STAT 120 – Introduction to Statistics or STAT 250 – Introduction to Statistical Inference with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Statistics AP exam or equivalents.
- Mark Kanazawa π« π€
-
ECON 330 Intermediate Price Theory
An analysis of the forces determining relative prices within the framework of production and distribution. This class is normally taken by juniors. Sophomores considering enrolling should speak to the instructor.
- Fall 2024, Spring 2025
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
-
Student must have completed any of the following course(s): ECON 110 – Principles of Macroeconomics with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Macroeconomics AP exam AND ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 5 or better on the Microeconomics AP exam OR received a score of 6 or better on the Economics IB exam AND MATH 101- Calculus with Problem Solving or MATH 111 – Introduction to Calculus with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus AB AP exam or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus BC AP exam or received a score of 5 or better on the Calculus IB exam.
- Jenny Bourne π« π€
-
ECON 331 Intermediate Macro Theory
Analysis of the forces determining the general level of output, employment, and prices with special emphasis on the role of money and on interest rate determination. This class is normally taken by juniors. Sophomores considering enrolling should speak to the instructor.
- Winter 2025, Spring 2025
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry
-
Student must have completed any of the following course(s): ECON 110 – Principles of Macroeconomics or received a score of 5 or better on the Macroeconomics AP exam AND ECON 111 – Principles of Microeconomics or received a score of 5 or better on the Microeconomics AP exam OR received a score of 6 or better on the Economics IB exam. AND MATH 101 – Calculus with Problem Solving or MATH 111 – Introduction to Calculus or greater or received a a score of 4 or better on the Calculus AB AP exam or received a score of 4 or better on the Calculus BC AP exam or received a score of 6 or better on the Mathematics IB exam AND either STAT 120 – Introduction to Statistics or STAT 250 – Introduction to Statistical Inference with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Statistics AP exam or equivalents.
- Ethan Struby π« π€ · Victor Almeida π« π€
-
ECON 395 Advanced Topics in Macroeconomics and Finance
The seminar will explore contemporary approaches to the analysis of the macroeconomy and financial markets. Topics include tests of micro-founded models of consumer, worker, firm, and investor behavior; the analysis of business cycles and the dynamic response of the macroeconomy to exogenous shocks; proximate and fundamental theories of long-run growth across countries; and the design and effects of stabilization policies.
- Fall 2024
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry WR2 Writing Requirement 2
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Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 329 – Econometrics and ECON 330 – Intermediate Price Theory and ECON 331 – Intermediate Macro Theory with a grade of C- or better.
- Ethan Struby π« π€
-
ECON 395 Advanced Topics in Applied Microeconomics
The seminar focuses on the advanced microeconomic analysis of real-world economic data. Through discussion of research papers and hands-on data analysis projects, we will explore techniques such as panel data analysis, instrumental variables, differences-in-differences, and regression discontinuity designs. Throughout the course we will focus on the application of these techniques to economic issues such as the effects of school quality, minimum wages, expansion of Medicaid, stock-price news event studies, and others according to student interest. A major goal of the course is to prepare students to write a COMPS research prospectus as required for the Economics major.
- Fall 2024
- 6
- QRE, Quantitative Reasoning SI, Social Inquiry WR2 Writing Requirement 2
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 329 – Econometrics and ECON 330 – Intermediate Price Theory and ECON 331 – Intermediate Macro Theory with a grade of C- or better.
- Aaron Swoboda π« π€
-
ECON 398 Advanced Research in Economics
This course is designed to support majors in developing advanced skills in economic research and communication. Through a combination of class discussion, small group work, and/or one-on-one interactions with the professor, majors learn the process of constructing strong, theoretically-grounded arguments through primary research, secondary research, or both. Students will also learn and practice strategies for engaging critically with contemporary scholarship and effective techniques of peer review and the oral presentation of research.
- Winter 2025, Spring 2025
- S/CR/NC
- 6
- No Exploration
-
Student has completed any of the following course(s): ECON 395 – Advanced Topics in Economics with a grade of C- or better.
- ECON 400
- Aaron Swoboda π« π€ · Ethan Struby π« π€
-
ECON 400 Integrative Exercise
- Summer 2024, Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Spring 2025
- S/NC
- 3
-
Student is an Economics major and has Senior Priority.
- ECON 398
- Aaron Swoboda π« π€ · Ethan Struby π« π€ · Faress Bhuiyan π« π€