66 courses with the subject ECON, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
ECON 113Financial Accounting4
Accounting is the language of business. One of the objectives of this course is to learn that “language.” The emphasis will be on understanding financial statements both for profit and non-profit organizations. International accounting, ethics and investment decisions are also covered. This course is designed for students who desire an understanding of the elements of accounting as a component of a liberal arts education as well as for those who would like to study further in accounting or business. This course counts as a Group B elective. Every semester.
This course will combine a theoretical background with hands-on experience that will permit a student to begin their career-long development of their leadership talent. The traditional model of a great leader was one that was tough, visionary and determined. Today scholars of leadership have argued that a great leader is self-aware, motivated, empathetic and skilled socially. Which model is right? Are there factors common to all great leaders? We will learn from Aristotle, Winston Churchill, Steve Jobs, Ernest Shackelton’s ill-fated trip to the South Pole, and the latest scholarly research. Extensive use will be made of case studies from the Harvard MBA program and guest speakers. This course counts as a Group B elective. Every spring.
Business Negotiations will cover frameworks useful in negotiating business agreements, but the negotiating skills learned can be helpful in many settings. Starting with the classic text “Getting to Yes”, students in this course will learn to implement a principled approach to negotiating by focusing on the true interests of the negotiating parties, brainstorming to find ways to improve the outcome of all parties, and identifying and defusing the most common “dirty tricks” of unprincipled negotiators. In class, students will practice negotiating each week, in a series of one-on-one and multi-party negotiating exercises. Case studies will be discussed and alumni will be invited to share negotiating experiences. This course counts as a Group B elective. Alternate fall semesters.
Economics is the study of how people make decisions and how these decisions apply to real-world problems. Economics can help us understand income inequality within and across countries, the quality of the environment, unemployment, poverty, crime, health care, financial crises, technological change, inflation and many more issues. This course introduces the basic tools that economists use to explore these topics and will cover fundamental economic concepts like scarcity, supply and demand, costs and benefits, trade-offs, and incentives. This course is a one semester overview of both microeconomics (the study of choices firms and individual consumers make) and macroeconomics (the study of the economy as a whole). This course counts as a Group E economics course and is the prerequisite for 200-level E courses in the Economics Department. Every semester.
An introduction to the basic tools of micro- and macroeconomic analysis in a math intensive way. Microeconomics deals with consumers, firms, markets and income distribution. Macroeconomics deals with national income, employment, inflation and money. Compared to ECON 119
ECON 119 or ECON 129 . C- or higher required for all
ECON 238Introduction to Entrepreneurship4
This course focuses on theories and applications of Entrepreneurship to identify opportunities and solve problems around the world. Students will learn contemporary methodologies used in startup companies and early stage organizations including: Lean Startup and Human Centered Design methodologies and the Business Model Canvas framework. Students spend the semester working in teams to apply the methodologies to identify a problem and develop a solution. For their final project students will prepare a plan for their solution and present it to an external audience. This course is open to those who are interested in social entrepreneurship as well. This course counts as a Group B elective.
MATH 135 or MATH 137 , and one 200-level Economics course from Group E electives. Not open to first-year students except by permission of the instructor. C- or higher required for all
Industrial organization (IO) studies how firms behave in markets. The field has theoretical foundations in comparative analysis and game theory. Most work in the field models strategic decision-making among firms to understand how their interactions affect profits, consumer welfare, and economic efficiency. This class is divided into three sections. The first covers the basic theory underlying modern empirical industrial organization, focusing on classical static IO models. The second section briefly reviews the history of empirical IO and covers workhorse empirical methods for analyzing market outcomes. The last will examine recent papers that synthesize the material covered in class, including trends in competition policy and market concentration in the tech industry. This course counts as a Group E elective. It is NOT a capstone course. It meets concurrently with ECON 406
ECON 361 and ECON 381 , or permission of instructor. C- or higher required for all
ECON 406Industrial Organization Capstone
Industrial organization (IO) studies how firms behave in markets. The field has theoretical foundations in comparative analysis and game theory. Most work in the field models strategic decision-making among firms to understand how their interactions affect profits, consumer welfare, and economic efficiency. This class is divided into three sections. The first covers the basic theory underlying modern empirical industrial organization, focusing on classical static IO models. The second section briefly reviews the history of empirical IO and covers workhorse empirical methods for analyzing market outcomes. The last will examine recent papers that synthesize the material covered in class, including trends in competition policy and market concentration in the tech industry. This course counts as a Group E elective. It is a capstone course. It meets concurrently with ECON 405
ECON 361 and ECON 381 , or permission of instructor. C- or higher required for all
ECON 421International Trade and Multinational Corporations
How do multinational corporations (Trade & FDI) shape globalization? We explore this question through two lenses: 1) a firm-centered theoretical component that introduces the more advanced theories of international trade and foreign direct investment (FDI). These derivations will help us evaluate the causes and consequences of international trade and FDI; and 2) an applied component where we evaluate and apply econometric research to examine the interactions between trade, FDI and a variety of issues including productivity, the labor market effects in home and host countries, economic development and inequality, convergence or polarization of global cultures, and natural disasters. The course grade will be based on group presentations, reading responses, two exams, and either a capstone or a non-capstone project. The capstone project consists of an econometric analysis of a topic in the realm of trade and FDI chosen by the student. The non-capstone project is a group project that involves market research on potential foreign investment strategies of a multinational corporation. This course counts as a Group E elective. It is NOT a capstone course. It meets concurrently with ECON 422
ECON 361 , ECON 371 and ECON 381 , all earned with a minimum grade of C-. Every year. (4 Credits)
ECON 422International Trade and Multinational Corporations Capstone
How do multinational corporations (Trade & FDI) shape globalization? We explore this question through two lenses: 1) a firm-centered theoretical component that introduces the more advanced theories of international trade and foreign direct investment (FDI). These derivations will help us evaluate the causes and consequences of international trade and FDI; and 2) an applied component where we evaluate and apply econometric research to examine the interactions between trade, FDI and a variety of issues including productivity, the labor market effects in home and host countries, economic development and inequality, convergence or polarization of global cultures, and natural disasters. The course grade will be based on group presentations, reading responses, two exams, and either a capstone or a non-capstone project. The capstone a capstone-level research project. The project consists of an econometric or theoretical analysis of a topic in the realm of trade and FDI chosen by the student. The non-capstone project is a group project that involves market research on potential foreign investment strategies of a multinational corporation. This course counts as a Group E elective. It is a capstone course. It meets concurrently with ECON 421
ECON 361 , ECON 371 , and ECON 381 , all earned with a minimum grade of C-. Every year. (4 Credits)
ECON 425International Economic Development
In this class, we study the economics of development in low-income countries and communities primarily in the Global South, from multiple perspectives and approaches. We primarily focus on the microeconomics of development economics. We explore both theoretical and empirical methodology in modern development economics. Topics we cover include: economic growth, fertility, health, cash transfers, rural labor markets, credit markets, and land markets as they relate to development. This course pushes students to work with datasets from low-income countries, and apply economic theory to problems of development. We keep an eye toward the relevance and applicability to policy of the topics we cover. This course counts as a Group E elective. It is NOT a capstone course. Meets concurrently with ECON 426
ECON 361 and ECON 381 , each earned with minimum grade of C-. Every year. (4 Credits)
ECON 426International Economic Development Capstone
In this class, we study the economics of development in low-income countries and communities primarily in the Global South, from multiple perspectives and approaches. We primarily focus on the microeconomics of development economics. We explore both theoretical and empirical methodology in modern development economics. Topics we cover include: economic growth, fertility, health, cash transfers, rural labor markets, credit markets, and land markets as they relate to development. This course pushes students to work with datasets from low-income countries, and apply economic theory to problems of development. We keep an eye toward the relevance and applicability to policy of the topics we cover. This course counts as a Group E elective. It is a capstone course. Meets concurrently with ECON 425
ECON 361 , ECON 371 , and ECON 381 . C- or higher required for all
ECON 431Economics of Public Policy
By taking this course, students will learn to interpret and conduct technical economic analysis of public policies. Students will apply their knowledge of micro- and macroeconomic theory and econometrics to study the economics of controversial and important policies. Sample policy areas might include climate change, health care, anti-poverty programs, income inequality and redistribution, public transit, urban redevelopment, immigration, education, and minimum or living-wage laws. While the course usually focuses on examples from the United States, it presents tools and frameworks that are applicable in any context. The course grade will be based on group and individual presentations and policy briefs, homework (including coding, data manipulation, and statistical estimation), and a review of the economic literature on a policy chosen by the student . This course counts as a Group E elective. It is NOT a capstone course. Meets concurrently with ECON 432
ECON 361 , ECON 371 , and ECON 381 . C- or higher required for all
ECON 432Economics of Public Policy Capstone
By taking this course, students will learn to interpret and conduct technical economic analysis of public policies. Students will apply their knowledge of micro- and macroeconomic theory and econometrics to study the economics of controversial and important policies. Sample policy areas might include climate change, health care, anti-poverty programs, income inequality and redistribution, public transit, urban redevelopment, immigration, education, and minimum or living-wage laws. While the course usually focuses on examples from the United States, it presents tools and frameworks that are applicable in any context. The course grade will be based on group and individual presentations and policy briefs relating to specific policies, homework (including coding, data manipulation, and statistical estimation), and a capstone-level research project. The project consists of an original econometric or theoretical analysis of a public policy chosen by the student. This course counts as a Group E elective. It is a capstone course. Meets concurrently with ECON 421
ECON 361 , ECON 371 , and ECON 381 . C- or higher required for all
ECON 444Honors Seminar4
The Economics Honors Program consists of two parts. In the Fall semester, you participate in the Honors Seminar. Here, we work intensively as a group to advance and develop a draft of your thesis. The purpose of this class is to learn about the research development process and to provide peer feedback on your drafts. You define the nature of each of your assignments in the first week and this will lay the foundation for your “contract” for the class. Your grade for the honors seminar will be determined by both the honors seminar instructor and your faculty honors advisor. In the second part of the Honors program (Spring semester) you will work exclusively with your advisor to complete the work that you started in the seminar. This effort will culminate in the presentation of your honors thesis in April at the Economics Honors Day. While many Honors projects are empirical in nature, not all are. We will take a nimble approach to assignments in this class to accommodate all project types. This course counts as a Group E elective and a capstone.
ECON 113 , ECON 361 and ECON 381 . C- or higher required for all
ECON 471Macroeconomic Modeling
You think you know macroeconomics until you open up an academic journal and discover that what’s on the page is nothing like what you learned in your intermediate-level macro. While the intuition learned there is useful, the tools of the trade are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. It’s almost as if you need to know the “secret handshake” before proceeding. The goal of this course is to teach you this secret handshake, as it provides a formal, hands-on exposition of modern macroeconomic theory using dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models. It offers a mix of theory and practice via three lecture hours and one lab hour per week. This course counts as a Group E elective. Meets concurrently with ECON 472
ECON 371 and ECON 381 Offered most years. (4 Credits)
ECON 472Macroeconomic Modeling Capstone
You think you know macroeconomics until you open up an academic journal and discover that what’s on the page is nothing like what you learned in your intermediate-level macro. While the intuition learned there is useful, the tools of the trade are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. It’s like you need to learn a “secret handshake” before proceeding. The goal of this course is to teach you this secret handshake, as it provides a formal, hands-on exposition of modern macroeconomic theory using dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models. It offers a mix of theory and practice via three lecture hours and one lab hour per week. This course counts as a Group E elective. It is a capstone course. Meets concurrently with ECON 471
ECON 371 and ECON 381 , earned with grades of C- or higher. Alternate years. (4 Credits)
ECON 477Economic Growth
Why are some countries poor? Why are some others rich? Can poor countries be rich? If they can, then why are they still poor? If they can’t, why? These questions are perhaps the most important ones in Economics, and they are all linked through the field of economic growth. Growth miracles allow countries to move from low- to high-income over a few generations (say, South Korea), yet lack of growth leads to stagnation (say, the “lost decades” in Mexico). This course aims to answer the question “What generates growth?” by introducing the key theoretical models and empirical results that summarize our current understanding of the field. This course counts as a Group E elective. It is NOT a capstone course. It meets concurrently with ECON 478
ECON 371 and ECON 381 , each earned with a minimum of C-. Offered most years. (4 Credits)
ECON 478Economic Growth Capstone
Why are some countries poor? Why are some others rich? Can poor countries be rich? If they can, then why are they still poor? If they can’t, why? These questions are perhaps the most important ones in Economics, and they are all linked through the field of economic growth. Growth miracles allow countries to move from low- to high-income over a few generations (say, South Korea), yet lack of growth leads to stagnation (say, the “lost decades” in Mexico). This course aims to answer the question “What generates growth?” by introducing the key theoretical models and empirical results that summarize our current understanding of the field. This course counts as a Group E elective. Meets concurrently with ECON 477
ECON 361 , ECON 371 , ECON 381 and MATH 135 or MATH 137 and MATH 236 , or permission of instructor. C- or higher required for all
ECON 485Empirical Finance
This class teaches students how to profit from financial markets using quantitative trading strategies. The course mainly covers stock and currency markets, in which fundamental and technical analyses are conducted to forecast asset prices and design trading strategies. The strategies are scientifically backtested and applied in simulated trading for real performance evaluation. This course counts as a Group E elective. It is NOT a capstone course. It meets concurrently with ECON 486
ECON 356 and ECON 381 , MATH 135 (or MATH 137 ) and MATH 236 . C- or higher required for all
ECON 486Empirical Finance Capstone
This class teaches students how to profit from financial markets using quantitative trading strategies. The course mainly covers stock and currency markets, in which fundamental and technical analyses are conducted to forecast asset prices and design trading strategies. The strategies are scientifically backtested and applied in simulated trading for real performance evaluation. This course counts as a Group E elective. It is a capstone course. It meets concurrently with ECON 485 .
ECON 356 and ECON 381 , MATH 135 (or MATH 137 ) and MATH 236 . C- or higher required for all
ECON 489Behavioral and Experimental Economics4
This course surveys recent developments in behavioral economics and considers applications in labor economics, macroeconomics, finance, public finance, consumer choice, and other areas. Our goal is to draw on recent work in cognitive and evolutionary psychology to better understand human behavior and incorporate these insights into neoclassical reasoning and modeling. This course counts as a Group E elective. It meets concurrently with ECON 490 . It is NOT a capstone course, but requires that students complete a significant assignment rather than a capstone project. Offered every other year.
ECON 490Behavioral and Experimental Economics Capstone
Cross-Listed as PSYC 490 This course surveys recent developments in behavioral economics and considers applications in labor economics, macroeconomics, finance, public finance, consumer choice, and other areas. Our goal is to draw on recent work in cognitive and evolutionary psychology to better understand human behavior and incorporate these insights into neoclassical reasoning and modeling. It is a capstone course. This course counts as a Group E elective. Meets concurrently with ECON 489
ECON 361, ECON 371 and permission of instructor and department chair. Every semester. (4 Credits)
ECON 621Internship1
Work that involves the student in practical off-campus experiences with business, government, and non-profit organizations. S/N grading only. While the department encourages students to undertake meaningful off-campus experiences, internship credits do not count among the eight minimum courses for the major. (Internships are considered like a ninth or tenth course.)
Two courses in economics and permission of instructor. Work with Internship Office. (1 Credits)
ECON 622Internship2
Work that involves the student in practical off-campus experiences with business, government, and non-profit organizations. S/N grading only. While the department encourages students to undertake meaningful off-campus experiences, internship credits do not count among the eight minimum courses for the major. (Internships are considered like a ninth or tenth course.)
Two courses in economics and permission of instructor. Work with Internship Office. (2 Credits)
ECON 623Internship3
Work that involves the student in practical off-campus experiences with business, government, and non-profit organizations. S/N grading only. While the department encourages students to undertake meaningful off-campus experiences, internship credits do not count among the eight minimum courses for the major. (Internships are considered like a ninth or tenth course.)
Two courses in economics and permission of instructor. Work with Internship Office. (3 Credits)
ECON 624Internship4
Work that involves the student in practical off-campus experiences with business, government, and non-profit organizations. S/N grading only. While the department encourages students to undertake meaningful off-campus experiences, internship credits do not count among the eight minimum courses for the major. (Internships are considered like a ninth or tenth course.)
