26 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 101Principles of Microeconomics
CR: 3 An introduction to the role markets play in determining the prices for products and services, wages workers earn, profits companies realize as participants in competitive markets, and how government policies impact markets.
CR: 3 This course introduces macroeconomics in the context of current economic problems. The student will become familiar with the macroeconomist’s toolkit to better understand: national income analysis, money and banking, economic growth and stability, unemployment, inflation, and the role of government in the economy.
CR: 3 This course will teach students to apply their mathematical skills to solve problems in economics. Specifically, the student will take a mathematically intensive approach to demand and supply analysis and the neoclassical theory of household and firm behavior. Also, the student will learn the mathematical approach to macroeconomic analysis of national income, unemployment, inflation, and growth. Finally, the course will introduce students to applied statistical analysis in preparation for econometrics.
ECON 101 and MATH 123 . Critical study of the theory of the behavior of consumers and business firms, the determination of prices under various market structures, and the welfare implications of the allocation of resources by markets. This course cannot be taken on a P/CR/NC grading option.
ECON 102 A critical study of the nature and construction of economic models for the determination of the level of income, output, employment, and prices in closed and open economies.
ECON 101 or CORE 180 and permission of instructor. Using the wine industry as an example, this course builds upon introductory microeconomic concepts and will cover a wide range of theoretical concepts such as auction theory, market structure, pricing, and quality competition. A particular emphasis will be given to the interaction between environmental parameters and wine price and quality. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the wine industry through trips to the Sweet Briar Vineyard as well as visits with local producers.
ECON 207Economics of Poverty
CR: 3 This course explores the main causes of poverty as well as sustainable approaches to poverty reduction in both developed and developing countries. Particular attention is given to the role of local economic development and entrepreneurship in poverty alleviation. The course examines institutional impediments to entrepreneurship and poverty alleviation. It also examines the role of governments, corporations, and NGOs in facilitating entrepreneurship.
CR: 3 ECON 101 and ECON 102 Managerial Economics is the study and application of economic theory and logic to business decision making. In this course, students use the economist’s toolkit to analyze and propose solutions to business dilemmas. Students are introduced to game theory and apply it to managerial problems. The course also covers optimal pricing strategy, transaction cost problems, and institutional design.
Pre-req: ECON 101 An examination and analysis of the theory, history, and policy of money and banking institutions with particular emphasis on American government programs, fiscal policies, and controls. The course will explore alternative monetary policies and issues in bank regulation. Alternate Years.
Pre-req: ECON 101. A critical study of the theory of international trade, foreign trade policies, and foreign exchange markets. The theory is applied to historic and current cases of free trade and protectionism with emphasis on gains from trade and welfare effects of various trade policies. Alternate years.
One ECON course and permission of the instructor. The study of introductory level material by an individual student or by a small group of students under the immediate supervision of a faculty member.
ECON 262Survey of Economic History
None. This survey of economic history first introduces the methods of the economic historian, then applies them to historical events to explore the nature and cause of economic growth. Students will study societies ranging from Medieval Anglo-Saxon England to Modern China. Emphasis is placed on institutional analysis, and causal reasoning to increase the students understanding of why some nations become rich while others do not.
ECON 201 and MATH 205 . An introduction to statistical quantitative analysis of economic behavior. The ordinary least squares technique and the assumptions underlying it are developed. Methods designed to detect and correct for the violations of these assumptions are examined. Special emphasis is given to the practical application of the procedures discussed through the use of computer exercises.
ECON 341Industrial Organization
Prerequisite: ECON 101. Industrial Organization studies market structure, firm strategy, and market performance. The course covers multiple topics, including but not limited to: strategic interactions among firms, mergers and acquisitions, antitrust and monopoly behavior, price discrimination, advertising, innovation, planned obsolescence, innovation, and cartels. The course will utilize the theoretical foundations of these behaviors as well as study their actual implementations.
ECON 101. Industrial Organization studies market structure, firm strategy, and market performance. The course covers multiple topics, including but not limited to: strategic interactions among firms, mergers and acquisitions, antitrust and monopoly behavior, price discrimination, advertising, innovation, planned obsolescence, innovation, and cartels. The course will utilize the theoretical foundations of these behaviors as well as study their actual implementations.
ECON 101 . An application of economic theory to problems of environmental degradation, natural resource use and ecological disruption. Economic concepts, such as market failure, property rights, and public goods, are combined with natural and physical science principles to explore the integration of economic and ecological systems. Emphasis is placed on the use of analytical economic tools such as benefit-cost analysis, economic policy instruments and non-market valuation. Offered alternate years.
ECON 101. This course will apply the tools of economics to explore various aspects of conflict, defense, and peace. We will explore the origin of conflict, the arms trade, terrorism, alternatives to conflict and war (e.g.sanctions), nation building, humanitarian intervention, and the impact of different political and economic systems on the likelihood of peace or conflict. Students will learn to conduct and execute analysis of policy issues (e.g. drones, anti-terrorism, torture, military intervention, and economic sanctions) using the tools of microeconomics and macroeconomics.
100-level ECON course and permission of the instructor. The study of an intermediate level topic by an individual student or by a small group of students under the immediate supervision of a faculty member.
Senior standing or concurrently completing all major requirements. A comprehensive review of basic economic reasoning and exercises in its application to the understanding and solution of contemporary problems. III.O, III.W
One 100-level ECON course, one 200-level ECON course, and permission of the instructor. Pursuit of an upper-level research project determined in advance by the student in consultation with a faculty member who will act as the sponsor.
ECON 470Advanced Honors
CR: 3 Upper-level research or creative project determined in advance by the student in consultation with two faculty members who will serve as primary and secondary project sponsors. The course is required for the Honors Degree, and serves as the capstone experience for Honors students who do not pursue a senior Honors thesis project. This course is typically taken in the student’s junior or senior year.
CR: 3 During this course, a senior is expected to refine and submit their thesis proposal under the supervision of a thesis advisor. The senior will submit their thesis proposal to the Student Advancement Committee by the deadline determined by the Honors Program. Pending approval by the Student Advancement Committee, the student will spend the remainder of the semester beginning the research described in their proposal. If a student does not submit an acceptable thesis proposal as determined by the Student Advancement Committee, they will not be allowed to continue in the pursuit of the Honors Degree/Program Honors. This course will carry the rubric of the student’s major in which the thesis is based.
CR: 3 In this course, the student is expected to continue the research proposed and approved by the Student Advancement Committee in the 471 Proposal/Research course. This work is completed under the supervision of faculty advisors, culminating in the student defending their thesis before a committee.
