Course Descriptions
Economics
ECO 101
Economics I
3 credits
This course gives students a basic understanding of economics, with particular emphasis on the operation of the American economic system. The topics of macroeconomics, classical economics, Keynesian and Post-Keynesian economics, private enterprise, and national income are examined.
Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of math skills assessment or MAT 110
ECO 102
Economics II
3 credits
This course studies microeconomic issues such as the price system, income distribution and international economics. Applying and extending knowledge of basic economic principles are emphasized.
Prerequisite(s): ECO 101 and MAT 205
ECO 105
Fundamentals of Economics
3 credits
This course emphasizes both macro- and microeconomics for the non-business student. Basic economic concepts, tools and terms economists use, and methods of economic analysis are covered. A student’s understanding of the American business system is developed.
ECO 321
Economics of Money and Banking
3 credits
In this course you will develop an understanding of how money and the financial markets, together with the Federal Reserve, combine to influence the overall U.S. economy. Building on the role the FED plays in influencing interest rates through its tools of monetary policy, how interest rates in turn affect financial securities will be explored. The course concludes with an exploration of the recent changes in the U.S. financial system and shocks to that system will be described and answered throughout this course.
Prerequisite(s): ECO 101, ENG 121, MAT 205
ECO 340
Urban Economics & Sustainability
3 credits
In 1961, Jane Jacobs published her book The Death and Life of Great American Cities. It has never gone out of print. In her opening paragraph she wrote that her book “is an attack on current city planning and rebuilding”. Ironically, the efforts of urban planners did not result in a rebuilding of cities, but rather resulted in the “sacking of cities”. Strong words. The purpose of this course is for the student to understand the economic concepts and principles of wise urban planning so that decisions made when dealing with problems facing cities (and towns) will be both thoughtful and informed resulting, hopefully, in a sustainable urban community Ms. Jacobs would be proud of.
Prerequisite(s): ECO101, ECO102, ENG121, MAT205
ECO 440
International Economics
3 credits
In 2008, in the United States, the “housing bubble”, that is, the unsustainable rapid increase in housing prices, burst. The result to the US economy became known as the “Great Recession”. However, its impact was felt throughout the world’s financial system. Why? The obvious reason is that we live in an interconnected financial and economic world. This course develops a pathway to understanding those interconnected areas of the world economy – trade, investment and finance. Topics include the theory of comparative advantage, an analysis of tariffs and quotas, exchange rate and exchange rate systems, regional issues in the global economy, and financial crises that become international in scope.
Prerequisite(s): ECO 101, ECO 102, ECO 321, MAT 205