ECON 1011 Introduction to Microeconomics    3 Credits

This course analyzes the behavior of individual consumers and producers as they deal with the economic problem of allocating scarce resources. The course examines how markets function to establish prices and quantities through supply and demand, how resource costs influence firm supply, and how variations in competition levels affect economic efficiency. Topics may include antitrust policy, the distribution of income, the role of government, and environmental problems. Previously EC 0011.

ECON 1012 Introduction to Macroeconomics    3 Credits

This course develops models of the aggregate economy to determine the level of output, income, prices, and unemployment in an economy. In recognition of the growing importance of global economic activity, these models incorporate the international sector. The course examines and evaluates the role of public economic policy, including fiscal and monetary policy. Topics may include growth theory and price stability. Previously EC 0012.

ECON 2112 Economic Aspects of Current Social Problems    3 Credits

Attributes: BUEL Business Elective

This course uses a policy-oriented approach to study contemporary economic issues. Topics include government spending, the role of federal budgets in solving national problems, poverty, welfare, social security, population, the limits to growth controversy, pollution, energy, and regulation. Previously EC 0112.

ECON 2114 Economics of Race, Class, and Gender in the American Workplace    3 Credits

Attributes: EDCG Educational Studies Cognate, WSGF Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies: Gender Focused

This course examines the impact of race, class, and gender differences on decisions made in households and in the workplace. It begins with an in-depth analysis of labor supply decisions and responsibilities of households, moving to an examination of labor demand decisions and wage-rate determination. The course reviews applications of theoretical predictions as they relate to important public policy issues such as child and elder care, social security, pay equity, the glass ceiling, affirmative action, sexual harassment, and poverty. Previously EC 0114.

ECON 2120 Introduction to Environmental Economics    3 Credits

Attributes: ANMC Asian Studies Elective, EVME Environmental Studies Major Elective, EVPE Environmental Studies Elective, EVSS Environmental Studies: Social Science, IBEL International Business Elective, INEL International Studies Elective, LCEL LACS Minor: Elective, PAEP Public Administration Environment Policy

This course, which presents an overview of the theory and empirical practice of economic analysis as it applies to environmental issues, first establishes a relationship between the environment and economics. It then develops the concept of externalities (or market failures) and the importance of property rights before exploring the valuation of non-market goods. It examines the practice of benefit-cost analysis and offers economic solutions to market failures, while highlighting pollution control practices, especially those based on incentives. Throughout, the course examines current issues regarding environmental protection around the globe. Previously EC 0120.

ECON 2140 Health Economics    3 Credits

Attributes: HACA Humanitarian Action Minor Context Course, HSSS Health Studies: Social Science, PAPH Public Administration Public Health, PJST Peace and Justice Studies

This course begins by applying microeconomic theory to the health sector of the U.S. economy. The U.S. experience will be generalized to global health issues and alternative health care systems. Topics include the demand for health care and health insurance, managed care and the role of government, physician compensation, and specialty choice, the role of nurses and other healthcare professionals, the hospital sector, and medical cost inflation. Previously EC 0140.

ECON 2150 Media Economics    3 Credits

This course analyzes the operation and consumption of the music, television, and entertainment industries within a microeconomic framework. Students will learn what forms of competition drive the production and distribution of media in the context of a changing technical environment. Theories of different media market settings will be illustrated and then concepts reinforced by real-world examples, including the changing operation of music production and distribution as the internet evolves, and the ways in which current media companies integrate seemingly different products. To explain these processes the topics of competition, pricing, industry structures, and regulatory environments will be explored. Previously EC 0150.

ECON 2152 Economics of Sport    3 Credits

This course develops and examines the tools and concepts of economic analysis as they apply to the sports industry. Topics in professional sports include free agency, salary cap, and new franchises. The course also explores economic issues and institutional structures of sports such as golf and tennis, and the broader industry including the National Collegiate Athletic Association, sports equipment, advertising, minor leagues, and the Olympics. Students gain an increased understanding of how economics affect them through this combination of sports and economics. Previously EC 0152.

ECON 2154 Contemporary Issues Affecting the Global Business Environment    3 Credits

Attributes: INEL International Studies Elective

Prerequisites: ECON 1011, ECON 1012; or INST 1053.

This course introduces students to contemporary issues facing businesses that operate in the global market. Students will learn about the changing global business environment on a macro-level. The course focuses on the evolving rhetoric surrounding international trade and its impact on business activity, the now of investment to developing countries and emerging markets, and the status of global and regional integration and/or potential disintegration. Through the study of these current real-world topics in international business, students will learn about challenges and opportunities of doing business in an interconnected global environment while working with international organizations, local governments, and global competitors. Previously ECON 1054.

ECON 2185 Regional Economic Development    3 Credits

Attributes: PACG Public Administration City Government, PALE Public Administration Economic Development

This course includes two key components: a theoretical examination of the basic theories of regional economic development such as growth poles, spillovers, infrastructure requirements, and center-periphery analysis; and an application of these theories to a specific economic issue. Students participate in a comprehensive study of a significant economic issue facing a Connecticut community, in cooperation with a regional agency, resulting in detailed analysis of the issues and potential solutions. Fieldwork is required. Previously EC 0185.

ECON 2980 Internship    1 Credit

Students will engage in a work experience that is designed to be relevant to the student's academic pursuits, personal development, and professional preparation. The internship provides students with the opportunity to gain experience in workplace settings and to translate classroom learning into practice. The internship is a substantive career development experience. It can be paid or unpaid with the intent of the experience being for the student to be exposed to ideas and concepts in a professional setting while being mentored. At the end of the internship experience, students will be able to reflect on their personal and professional growth and make a more informed decision on their career path. Students must be matriculated in the Dolan School of Business and have a GPA of 2.50 or higher. Enrollment by permission only.

ECON 3204 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory    3 Credits

Prerequisite: ECON 1011.

This course builds upon and expands the theoretical models of EC 0011. The course introduces indifference curves to explain consumer behavior; short- and long-run production functions, showing their relationship to product costs; and the efficiency of various competitive market structures. Topics include marginal productivity theory of income distribution, monopoly, and general equilibrium theory. Previously EC 0204.

ECON 3205 Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory    3 Credits

Prerequisite: ECON 1012.

This course, which includes computer applications, analyzes the determination of national income and output; fiscal and monetary tools; and growth, inflation, and stabilization policies. Previously EC 0205. Previously EC 0205.

ECON 3210 Money and Banking    3 Credits

Prerequisite: ECON 1012.

This course covers the commercial banking industry, the money market, Federal Reserve operations and policy making, and monetary theory. Previously EC 0210.

ECON 3224 Labor Economics and Labor Relations    3 Credits

Attributes: PACG Public Administration City Government

Prerequisites: ECON 1011, ECON 1012.

Nearly 70 percent of income earned in the United States is a return to labor. This course applies the fundamentals of microeconomic and macroeconomic analysis to important decisions that people make in labor markets. From an employee's perspective, questions include: Should I work in exchange for a wage? If so, how much? How will my work affect my lifestyle and family decisions? Should I go to school to improve my skills? From an employer's perspective, questions include: Should I hire workers? If so, how many? How should I pick workers out of a pool of applicants? What techniques should I use to provide incentives for these workers? Many of the answers to these questions require complex analysis and an understanding of the impact of government policy on the workplace. The course explores a variety of public policy issues such as minimum wage programs, government welfare programs, workplace regulatory requirements, Title IX, immigration, and the union movement. Previously EC 0224.

ECON 3225 Applied Environmental Economics    3 Credits

Attributes: EVME Environmental Studies Major Elective, EVPE Environmental Studies Elective, EVSS Environmental Studies: Social Science, PAEP Public Administration Environment Policy

Prerequisite: ECON 1011 or ECON 2120.

This in-depth examination of the economic tools used in environmental economics and policy-making builds on basic environmental economic concepts and provides the opportunity to put those concepts into practice. The course explores common externalities and market failures in the United States and analyzes governmental policies used to control them. Previously EC 0225.

ECON 3230 Comparative Economic Systems    3 Credits

Attributes: ANMC Asian Studies Elective, IBEL International Business Elective, INEL International Studies Elective, RSEC Russian Studies Minor: Economics

Prerequisite: ECON 1011 or ECON 1012.

Is communism dead? Is capitalism the only real economic system left? This course explores the various economic systems that are used to distribute resources, i.e., to decide "who gets what" in a nation's economy. The course considers the differences between alternative distribution mechanisms, what it means to transition from one system to another, and how these economic decisions are affected by political and national realities. Because there are so many international alternatives to be explored, each semester focuses on an economic region of the globe: Asia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Africa, or Latin America. This course, where appropriate, is available for credit in international studies or area studies programs. Previously EC 0230.

ECON 3231 International Trade    3 Credits

Attributes: IBEL International Business Elective, INEL International Studies Elective

Prerequisite: ECON 1011.

This course covers international trade theory, U.S. commercial policy (tariffs, quotas), common markets, trade with and among developing nations, balance of payments disequilibria, and multinational enterprises. Previously EC 0231.

ECON 3233 International Economic Policy and Finance    3 Credits

Attributes: IBEL International Business Elective, INEL International Studies Elective

Prerequisite: ECON 1012.

This course explores international financial relations. Topics include the international monetary system, exchange rate systems, balance of payments adjustment mechanisms, and changes in international finance relations. It treats theoretical concepts and considers governmental policy approaches to the various problems. Previously EC 0233.

ECON 3235 Economic Development    3 Credits

Attributes: ANMC Asian Studies Elective, DEIE Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Elective, IBEL International Business Elective

Prerequisites: FNCE 3210 or FNCE 3215.

This course considers the nature and causes of problems facing low-income nations, with a focus on the impact that various economic policies have on promoting economic development. Previously EC 0235.

ECON 3236 Income Inequality    3 Credits

This course examines income inequality in the US and other high-income countries within a global context. Students will learn to measure inequality, to examine trends across time and geography, and to consider factors affecting income mobility. Topics include globalization and technological change, minimum wage, unionization, universal basic income, migration policy, systemic racism, welfare reform, tax policy, education policy, and criminal justice reform.

ECON 3237 Fair Trade and Microfinance    3 Credits

Attributes: HASM Humanitarian Action Minor Skills/Method Course, IBEL International Business Elective, INEL International Studies Elective, LCEL LACS Minor: Elective, MSID Magis Core: Interdisciplinary

Prerequisites: ECON 1011, ECON 1012.

Fair trade and microfinance are two very important trends aiding the development of poor countries around the world. In this project-based course, will learn about the challenges of producing and distributing fair trade products, bringing them to market, and accessing funding to pay for expanding one’s business or materials to increase production. Previously EC 0237.

ECON 3244 Behavioral Economics    3 Credits

Prerequisites: ECON 1011, ECON 1012.

This course is an introduction to behavioral economics: incorporating insights from psychology into economics. Though behavioral economics is a relatively new field, it has already led to one Nobel Prize and is beginning to have a huge impact in finance, marketing, management, industrial organization, psychology, political science, and philosophy. In this course, we will study how behavioral economists explain a range of psychological and social phenomena, and how those explanations differ from standard economic ones. Likely topics include drug use, sex, crime, gambling, over-eating, overconfidence and procrastination. In particular, we will study various ways in which (apparent) irrationality influences people’s judgment and decision-making.

ECON 3250 Industrial Organization and Competitive Strategy    3 Credits

Attributes: BUEL Business Elective

Prerequisite: ECON 1011.

Using microeconomic theory, this course examines the economic behavior of firms and industries, identifying factors affecting the competitive structure of markets and using these structural characteristics to evaluate the efficiency of resource use. Topics include mergers, measures of concentration, pricing, entry barriers, technological change, and product development. Previously EC 0250.

ECON 3252 Urban Economics    3 Credits

Attributes: PALE Public Administration Economic Development

Prerequisites: ECON 1011, ECON 1012.

This course analyzes the development of modern urban areas by applying the tools of economic analysis to their problems. Topics include transportation, housing, and the provision and financing of public services. Previously EC 0252.

ECON 3270 Engineering Economics    3 Credits

Prerequisite: ECON 1011.

Engineering projects must be analyzed based upon their technical soundness, but also upon their ability to attract investment dollars in a market economy. This course prepares engineering students to apply microeconomic, financial, and statistical methods as they analyze the economic feasibility of projects. Students will learn about capital budgeting, risk and uncertainty, demand analysis, production and cost modeling, and linear programming. They will apply Excel and other computer-based simulations to analyze data. The goal of the course is ultimately to provide the student with the economic decision-making skills they need to plan, design, and finance engineering projects. Previously EC 0270.

ECON 3275 Managerial Economics    3 Credits

Attributes: BUEL Business Elective

Prerequisite: ECON 1011.

This course prepares economics and business students to apply microeconomic, financial, and statistical methods as they analyze the economic feasibility of projects. Students will learn about capital budgeting, risk and uncertainty, demand analysis, regression analysis, production and cost modeling, and linear programming. They will apply Excel and other computer-based simulations to analyze data. The goal of the course is ultimately to provide students with the economic decision-making skills they need to plan, design, and finance projects, and to understand how various divisions of a firm must work together to achieve goals. Previously EC 0275.

ECON 3276 Public Finance    3 Credits

Attributes: PALE Public Administration Economic Development

Prerequisites: ECON 1011, ECON 1012.

This course examines government expenditure and tax policies with an emphasis on evaluation of expenditures; the structure of federal, state, and local taxes; and the budget as an economic document. Previously EC 0276.

ECON 3278 Economic Statistics    3 Credits

Attributes: EVAP Environmental Studies: Applied Professional Skills

Prerequisites: ECON 1011, ECON 1012.

This course introduces students to descriptive statistics, probability theory, discrete and continuous probability distributions, sampling methods, sampling distributions, interval estimation, and hypothesis testing. A weekly lab provides opportunities for active exploration and application of course concepts. Previously EC 0278.

ECON 3290 Mathematical Economics    3 Credits

Attributes: BUEL Business Elective

Prerequisites: ECON 1011, ECON 1012, MATH 1016.

This course applies mathematical models and concepts to economic problems and issues. Mathematical techniques include calculus and matrix algebra. Economic applications include the areas of consumer theory, theory of the firm, industrial organization, and macroeconomic modeling. Previously EC 0290.

ECON 3340 Environmental, Social and Governance Investing    3 Credits

Attributes: EVME Environmental Studies Major Elective, EVPE Environmental Studies Elective, EVSS Environmental Studies: Social Science

Prerequisite: Select one course from: ECON 1011; ECON 1012; FNCE 2101.

ESG investing presents the arguments for maximizing shareholder returns, alternative theories of the firm and various approaches for investors to ‘do well while doing good’. Topics covered include impact investing, sustainable investing, shareholder activism, and religious values investing. Empirical performance of ESG funds will be reviewed, providing evidence to those who wish to participate in ESG investing as well as those looking to improve their competency in the area of these increasingly prominent strategies.

ECON 3980 Internship    3 Credits

Students will engage in a work experience that is designed to be relevant to the student's academic pursuits, personal development, and professional preparation. The internship provides students with the opportunity to gain experience in workplace settings and to translate classroom learning into practice. The internship is a substantive career development experience. It can be paid or unpaid with the intent of the experience being for the student to be exposed to ideas and concepts in a professional setting while being mentored. At the end of the internship experience, students will be able to reflect on their personal and professional growth and make a more informed decision on their career path. Students must be matriculated in the Dolan School of Business and have a GPA of at least 2.50. Enrollment by permission only. Previously EC 0299.

ECON 4305 Innovation and Economic Growth    3 Credits

Prerequisite: ECON 3205.

This course discusses the determinants of long-term economic growth, emphasizing modern growth theory and topics of current macroeconomic relevance. We will address issues such as: What is the role of technology and innovation in driving the growth process? How does finance contribute to it? What are the current trends in the automation of economic activity, and how do they interact with income inequality? Is sustained growth possible on a finite planet, and how? Previously EC 0305.

ECON 4310 Fed Challenge    3 Credits

In this course, students participate in the College Fed Challenge, organized by the Federal Reserve. Students cooperate in preparing a presentation that includes the following: an analysis of current macroeconomic conditions; a forecast of near-term economic and financial conditions relevant to the formulation of monetary policy, with a focus on risks that should receive special attention; a monetary policy recommendation. If students qualify for the following stage, they will participate in a questions and answers session with Federal Reserve judges. Enrollment by permission only.

ECON 4320 Financial Markets and Institutions    3 Credits

Prerequisite: ECON 3210.

Topics include capital markets, financial intermediaries, equities, bonds, options, futures, security analysis, portfolio theory, and the efficient markets hypothesis. Students manage a hypothetical portfolio and use a computer model. Previously EC 0320.

ECON 4380 Econometrics    3 Credits

Attributes: MWID Magis Core: Writing in the Discipline

Prerequisites: ECON 1011, ECON 1012; ECON 3278 or MATH 2217.

This course introduces students to the process used to formulate theories of economic behavior in mathematical terms and to test these theories using statistical methods. The course discusses the technique and limitations of econometric analyses as well as methods available for overcoming data problems in measuring quantitative economic relationships. Previously EC 0380.

ECON 4391 Microeconomics Seminar    3 Credits

This seminar seeks to familiarize participants with recent developments in the discipline and sharpen research skills. Students complete a research project concerning a topic of their choice. The course includes computer applications. Enrollment by permission only. Previously EC 0397.

ECON 4392 Macroeconomics Seminar    3 Credits

This seminar seeks to familiarize participants with recent developments in the discipline and sharpen research skills. Students complete a research project concerning a topic of their choice. The course includes computer applications. Enrollment by permission only. Previously EC 0398. Prerequisite: ECON 3205

ECON 4980 Internship    1-4 Credits

Students, placed in a professional environment by the department, use economic and analytical skills acquired from their courses in a non-academic job setting. Students submit a written assignment detailing their internship experience to a faculty sponsor by the end of the term. Enrollment by permission only.

ECON 4990 Independent Study    1-3 Credits

For economic majors only, this course is open to seniors by invitation or mutual agreement with the instructor. Previously EC 0298.