Economics (ECO)

Introductory survey of basic economic principles applied to public policy issues.

In this course, students will learn the foundations of macroeconomics as the branch of economics concerned with how decision-making, in an environment of scarcity, maps onto the aggregate economy. Students will examine theories and evidence related the following core set of topics: national income determination, money, monetary and fiscal policy, macroeconomic conditions, international trade and the balance of payments, and economic growth and development

Individual components of an economic system. Special emphasis is placed on decision-making by individuals and by firms. Market structures of competition and monopoly; supply and demand; international trade and finance.

Behavior of individual economic units, primarily consumers and firms. Development of tools for analysis and explanation of various economic phenomena.

An extension of the two principles of economics courses that evaluate the roles of the private and public sectors in the determination of national income, employment, and prices. Competing theories of the macroeconomy will be covered and at least one of the major macroeconomic models will be developed in depth. Money and monetary policy will be covered as will the interplay of domestic and international economies upon one another. Monetary and fiscal policies will be covered and critiqued.

Introduces fundamental mathematical tools employed in economic analysis including comparative static analysis, introduces linear algebra, constrained and unconstrained optimization, and dynamic analysis using differential and difference equations.

Covers statistical methods as applied in economics and finance. Topics include estimation and hypothesis testing, ordinary least squares estimators and their properties, single and multiple regression models.

Gains from trade, balance of payments, exchange rate determination, balance of payments stability, and international commercial policy.

Introduces advanced concepts and methods employed in empirical economic analysis and modeling. Focuses on identification of causality using regression techniques. Examines regression discontinuity and difference-in-differences identification strategies.

The study of the role of government in a market economy, including how government budgetary policy (spending, taxing, borrowing, and debt management) affects the economy and its citizens.

Small class in which students will discuss readings, write research paper, and defend research and ideas orally. Satisfies SACS requirement in oral competency.

Experiential learning course allowing for practical applications of the skills and knowledge acquired in a classroom setting. Departmental Approval Only.

Independent graduate level study and research under the direction of a faculty member. A prospectus and the product(s) of the completed research undertaken will become a permanent part of the student's file. Not automatically transferable. Permission of the instructor and/or the director of the program is required.