Course	ECON 101 A Introduction to Microeconomics
Professor	Andrew Pearlman
CRN	97112
Schedule	Mon Wed 10:30 - 11:50 am ALBEE 106
Distribution	Social Science

Cross-listed: Environmental Studies

This course covers the essential ideas of economic analysis. Students will learn how economists explain human behavior as we seek to satisfy our needs and wants. The first part of the course develops models of consumer and firm behavior, including demand and supply, in the context of an idealized competitive market. From there we analyze several ways in which the real world deviates from this model, including monopoly and other forms of imperfect competition, information problems, minimum wages and other price controls, taxes, and government regulation. Along the way we will explore public policy problems such as pricing the environment, winners and losers from international trade, health care costs and insurance, and the high price of textbooks. Econ 101 and 102 may be taken in either order.

Course	ECON 101 B Introduction to Microeconomics
Professor	Kris Feder
CRN	97113
Schedule	Tu Th 1:00 -2:20 pm OLIN 204
Distribution	Social Science

Cross-listed: Environmental Studies

This course covers the essential ideas of economic analysis. Students will learn how economists explain human behavior as we seek to satisfy our needs and wants. The first part of the course develops models of consumer and firm behavior, including demand and supply, in the context of an idealized competitive market. From there we analyze several ways in which the real world deviates from this model, including monopoly and other forms of imperfect competition, information problems, minimum wages and other price controls, taxes, and government regulation. Along the way we will explore public policy problems such as pricing the environment, winners and losers from international trade, health care costs and insurance, and the high price of textbooks. Econ 101 and 102 may be taken in either order.

Course	ECON 102 A Introduction to Macroeconomics
Professor	Tamar Khitarishvili
CRN	97114
Schedule	Tu Th 10:30 - 11:50 am OLINLC 115
Distribution	Social Science

This course begins with the examination of the aggregate behavior of modern economies: the factors leading to economic growth, explanations of booms and recessions, unemployment, interest rates, inflation, budget deficits or surpluses, and international trade. We will also analyze the government’s ability (or inability) to use monetary and fiscal policies to achieve economic goals such as full employment and price stability. Throughout the course, we will debate whether government should use monetary and fiscal policy tools to try to ‘fine tune’ the economy and what the likely effects of such government involvement are. We will analyze these issues using current domestic and international examples. Econ 101 and 102 may be taken in either order.

Course	ECON 102 B Introduction to Macroeconomics
Professor	Andrew Pearlman
CRN	97115
Schedule	Mon Wed 3:00 -4:20 pm RKC 101
Distribution	Social Science

This course begins with the examination of the aggregate behavior of modern economies: the factors leading to economic growth, explanations of booms and recessions, unemployment, interest rates, inflation, budget deficits or surpluses, and international trade. We will also analyze the government’s ability (or inability) to use monetary and fiscal policies to achieve economic goals such as full employment and price stability. Throughout the course, we will debate whether government should use monetary and fiscal policy tools to try to ‘fine tune’ the economy and what the likely effects of such government involvement are. We will analyze these issues using current domestic and international examples. Econ 101 and 102 may be taken in either order.

Course	ECON 102 C Introduction to Macroeconomics
Professor	Pavlina Tcherneva
CRN	97116
Schedule	Mon Wed 9:00 - 10:20 am OLIN 202
Distribution	Social Science

This course begins with the examination of the aggregate behavior of modern economies: the factors leading to economic growth, explanations of booms and recessions, unemployment, interest rates, inflation, budget deficits or surpluses, and international trade. We will also analyze the government’s ability (or inability) to use monetary and fiscal policies to achieve economic goals such as full employment and price stability. Throughout the course, we will debate whether government should use monetary and fiscal policy tools to try to ‘fine tune’ the economy and what the likely effects of such government involvement are. We will analyze these issues using current domestic and international examples. Econ 101 and 102 may be taken in either order.

Course	ECON 201 Intermediate Microeconomics
Professor	Kris Feder
CRN	97117
Schedule	Tu 9:00 - 10:20 am OLIN 310 Th 9:00 - 11:00 am OLIN 310
Distribution	Social Science

Cross-listed: Social Policy

A further development of principles and analytical methods begun in Introductionto Microeconomics: demand, supply, and the workings of the price system. The positive and normative characteristics of alternative market structures ‘ perfect competition, monopolistic competition, oligopoly, pure monopoly, and in resource markets, monopsony ‘ are studies in depth. Market forces are examined in the context of social and political institutions that shape, and are shaped by, market outcomes. The alleged ‘trade-off’ between equity and efficiency is debated in the context of a variety of applications. Prerequisite: Introduction to Microeconomics.

Course	ECON 204 National Economic Policy
Professor	Pavlina Tcherneva
CRN	97620
Schedule	Mon Wed 1:30 – 2:50 pm ALBEE 106
Distribution	Social Science

This course will examine selected macroeconomic policies employed in the US and around the world to address issues of unemployment, poverty, inflation and economic instability. Often policy decisions are guided by much more than pure economic theory; political considerations, national interests, social concerns, global trends also drive policy. We will study the confluence of these forces along with the institutions and structures, which enable them. The objective is to investigate the macroeconomic impact of these policies and identify the ones that are viable and sustainable. Prerequisite: 102  or 202.

Course	ECON 219 Economic History of Central Asia
Professor	Tamar Khitarishvili
CRN	97118
Schedule	Tu Th 2:30 -3:50 pm OLIN 303
Distribution	History / Rethinking Difference

Cross-listed: Asian Studies, Global & Int’l Studies, History, Russian and Eurasian Studies

Central Asia has made headlines due to its vast reserves of oil and natural gas and the geographic proximity to Russia, China and Afghanistan. Yet, little is known about the region, which includes Mongolia and five countries of the former Soviet Union (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan). This course will explore the economic history of Central Asia from early times until today. Several major themes will be explored. The economic development of Central Asia was closely linked to the fortunes of the Silk Road, which passed through the region. We will study the impact that being the main segment of the Silk Road had on the lifestyle and economic wellbeing of the Central Asian population. We will also analyze the lasting influence that the rise of Genghis Khan in 13th century had on the region. As the heart of his empire, Central Asia experienced dramatic changes as free trade and commerce prospered, a common paper currency system was introduced, and physical infrastructure developed. We will then evaluate the impact that the discovery of oil and natural gas in 19^th century has had on the region, as it became the battle zone between Russia and the Great Britain in 19th century and Russia and the United States today. Finally, we will look at the challenges that Central Asia faces today as it attempts to leave behind the Soviet legacy and move forward.

Course	ECON 221 Economics of Developing Countries
Professor	Sanjaya DeSilva
CRN	97119
Schedule	Wed Fr 10:30 - 11:50 am OLIN 204
Distribution	Social Science

Cross-listed: Africana Studies; Asian Studies; Environmental Studies; GISP; Human Rights; LAIS, Social Policy; STS

This course explores the economic conditions and problems faced by the majority of the world’s population that live in the developing countries of Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. The concept of economic development is defined and related to ideas such as economic growth, sustainable development and human development. Economic theories of development are introduced, and policies designed to promote development at the local, national and international levels are evaluated. Considerable attention is paid to understanding how household decisions in rural agricultural societies are shaped by the institutional and policy environments. Topics include the economic consequences of colonialism and economic dependence; poverty and income distribution; investments in physical and human capital; economic aspects of household choices such as schooling, and fertility; rural-urban transformation; the effects of trade, industrial and agricultural policies; the role of foreign capital flows; political economy aspects of development policy; population growth and the environment; gender and development. Students will be expected to carry out a case study of the development experiences of a country of their choice. Prerequisites: One Economics course, or permission of the instructor.

Course	ECON 329 Econometrics
Professor	Sanjaya DeSilva
CRN	97121
Schedule	Wed 1:30 -3:50 pm OLIN 308 LAB: Fr 3:00 -5:00 pm HDR 101A
Distribution	Mathematics & Computing

Cross-listed: Social Policy

Econometrics is the artful blending of economic theory with statistics. Economic theory helps us to develop behavioral hypotheses, while statistics help us to test these hypotheses. For example, consumer theory tells us that there is an inverse relationship between price and quantity demanded; we use econometrics to see if consumers actually behave in this way. This course covers the proper use of statistical tools, such as linear regression, multivariate regression and hypothesis testing. Students will have an opportunity to apply these tools to analyze a variety of economic issues. Prerequisites: ECON 229 and either ECON 201 or ECON 202.

Course	ECON 330 Seminar in Geoclassical Economics
Professor	Kris Feder
CRN	97120
Schedule	Fr 12 noon-2:20 pm OLIN 307
Distribution	Social Science

Cross-listed: Environmental Studies

This seminar reviews the literature of geoclassical economics from it roots in Locke, Quesnay, Smith, Ricardo and George to the recently published work of Tideman, Gaffney, Vickrey, Stiglitz, and others. The geoclassical tradition studies the role of land tenure and related property institutions in shaping social, political, and economic life. Its interdisciplinary research agenda includes economic applications to environmental issues, urban problems, economic cycles, tax policy, public choice, the economic theory of government, trade, debt and dependency, income distribution, and territorial disputes. Exploring discrepancies between geoclassical and neoclassical postulates, we ask whether geoclassical thought constitutes a consistent body of theory. Each student will present articles or excerpts from the primary literature, compose short critical essays, and write a research paper. Together as a class, we will attempt to characterize the nature and scope of the geoclassical research agenda and to identify a priority list of questions for research. (Econ 330 satisfies the History of Economic Thought field requirement in Economics.)

Prerequisites: Economics 102 and either 101 or 115. Moderated ES students with related background may enroll with permission of instructor.

Course	ECON CONF Senior Conference
Professor	Kris Feder / Sanjaya DeSilva / Andrew Pearlman
CRN	97122
Schedule	Mon Tu 5:00 -7:30 pm ALBEE 106

Students writing Senior Projects in Economics will be required to attend the Senior Conference, which will meet not more than one evening every two weeks throughout the fall and spring terms. Not for credit.