Professor: Papadimitriou/Wiles
CRN: 92360
Distribution: A/E/Q
Time: M W 9:00 am - 10:20 am OLIN 202
Cross-listed: CRES
A consideration of
the macroeconomic problems of economic analysis-national income determination, the problem of
cycles and growth in the contemporary economy-and a discussion of the desirability of continuing
economic growth in the future. Current economic policy tools and their use will be studied,
including readings in governmental finance, defense spending, and fiscal and monetary
policies.
Professor: K. Feder
CRN: 92361
Distribution: A/Q
Time: Tu Th 1:20 pm - 2:40 pm OLIN 202
Cross-listed: CRES
An introductory
course for students not majoring in economics. Serves as a prerequisite for several CRES courses
(an alternative to Economics 102). The student will encounter fundamental principles of
production and distribution, and will become expert in the use of basic graphical and mathematical
methods of analysis. Emphasis is on a wide variety of applications, often but not exclusively
tailored to the interests of the CRES student. Topics include marginal analysis; the function of the
market system; economic efficiency; determinants of income distribution; macroeconomic stability
and growth; economics of natural resources and the environment; urban and regional problems;
public finance and the economics of collective choice.
Professor: D. Papadimitriou
CRN: 92362
Distribution: A
Time: Tu Th 6:00 pm - 7:20 pm ASP 302
The course will focus on the role of money and financial intermediaries in the context of aggregate economic activity. It will explore various forms of interaction involving savers, investors, and regulatory authorities in domestic and international capital markets. The linkage between the financial system and the real economy will be analyzed. Specific functions of central banks, commercial banks, security dealers, investment banks, and other intermediaries will be covered in some detail, with particular emphasis on new markets. Finally, the course will consider the debate over goals, tools, indicators, and effectiveness of monetary policy in light of current national and international economic problems.
Professor: R. Wiles
CRN: 92363
Distribution: n/a
Time: Tu 10:30 am - 12:30 pm OLIN 304
The formation of economic concepts and methods of dealing with economic problems from Greek and Roman writings to the synthesis of Adam Smith. Particular attention will be devoted to the contribution of philosophy to economic thought in the writings of Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics, medieval Scholastics, and physiocratic and mercantilist writers.
Professor: R. Wiles
CRN: 92364
Distribution: A
Time: Tu Th 9:00 am - 10:20 am ASP 302
Cross-listed: American Studies
An
analysis of the industrial structure of the U.S. economy, with special emphasis on the monopolistic
and anticompetitive behavior of Big Business and the response of government to this behavior,
especially in the area of antitrust policy. The role of the corporation in contemporary society and
the changing nature of corporate goals in a mixed economy are also discussed.
Professor: K. Feder
CRN: 92365
Distribution: A/E
Time: W F 2:50 pm - 4:10 pm OLIN 202
Cross-listed: CRES
The course will
analyze ecological issues and concerns from an economic perspective. Emphasis will be placed on
the development of environmental economic theory and the analysis of orthodox and alternative
solutions to ecological problems. Specific topics to be covered will include the inter-relationship
of the environment and the economy, pollution control strategies, public environmental policy,
energy needs and ecological problems, and the steady-state economy. Specific environmental
economic issues will also be discussed.
Professor: G. McCarthy
CRN: 92366
Distribution: A
Time: Tu Th 1:20 pm - 2:40 pm OLIN 205
Cross-listed: CRES
The course will
develop and evaluate theories and measures of population as they pertain to economic and social
spheres. The development of theories of population growth, control and their consequences will
be traced from Malthus and Marx to Boserup, Simon, and Easterlin. Particular attention will be
paid to current population issues--fertility control, famine, ecological consequences of population
pressure, and migration. Both domestic and international population policies will be discussed.
Domestic issues involve migration and shifting demographics as evidenced by the latest census.
International issues focus mainly on fertility control in developing countries. Students should have
knowledge of economics on an introductory level, particularly microeconomics. Math skills at the
pre-calculus level would be helpful. Readings will be primarily journal articles and excerpts from
books.
Professor: K. Feder
CRN: 92367
Distribution: A/E
Time: F 10:00 am - 12:00 pm OLIN 307 W 11:50 am - 12:30 pm HDR
An analysis of theories of price determination and allocation of resources by the market; factor prices, income distribution, and poverty; effects of monopoly and imperfect competition; problems of the consumer society, public goods, and social welfare.