Fundamentals of Economics [Lecture] (3.0) (Liberal Arts)
This course provides an introduction to current economic issues and to fundamental concepts from micro and macroeconomics. Topics include scarcity, supply and demand, market equilibrium, money, interest rates, the banking system, the Federal Reserve, taxation, international trade, and standards of living. Throughout the class, the above topics will be explored within a Christian worldview.
Principles of Microeconomics [Lecture] (3.0) (Liberal Arts)
In this course, general theories of the price system are related to resource allocation in the market, models of competition, monopoly, oligopoly, and monopolistic competition.
Prerequisite: MTH 121 or MTH 185.
Principles of Macroeconomics [Lecture] (3.0) (Liberal Arts)
This course focuses on national income accounting, the behavior of households, business and government sectors, and their interactions at the aggregate level. The determinents of equilibrium, gross domestic product (GDP), and the behavior of the economy in the short- and long-run will be examined along with the roles of monetary and fiscal policy in attempting to "control" GDP, unemployment, interest rates, and other aggregate economic variables.
Prerequisite: MTH 121 or MTH 185.
Personal Finance [Lecture] (3.0) (Liberal Arts)
This course emphasizes financial planning and decision-making. Topics include budgeting, insurance, investing, retirement planning, and estate planning.
Money and Banking [Lecture] (3.0) (Liberal Arts)
This course analyzes the role of money in the economy and how financial institutions and financial markets work. Special emphasis is placed on the interaction between financial institutions, the public, and the Federal Reserve system in the design and implementation of monetary policy.
Prerequisites: ECN 202, BUA 321, and admission to major.
(Offered on demand)
Comparative Economic Systems [Lecture] (3.0)
A survey of the major economic systems, including the underlying ideological foundations and institutional arrangements. The major theoretical aspects of various types of systems are covered in terms of political economy and their central organizational features. Special attention is given to changes and developments in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. The European Union is covered in depth along with the major Asian economies of China and Japan. Prerequisites: ECN 201, ECN 202, admission to major, and admission to IBI study abroad program
Economic Development [Lecture] (3.0) (Liberal Arts)
This course is designed to examine the processes of economic development across a broad set of countries. The fundamental question we seek to answer is: Why do some countries achieve high rates of growth (development) and others do not. The course will present various theories of development as well as analyzing policy alternatives at both the micro and macro levels for achieving (and sustaining) high levels of development. Country case studies will be used throughout the semester to enable students to integrate theory and policy applications.
Prerequisites: ECN 201, ECN 202, and admission to major. Non-Business majors by permission of the instructor.
(Offered alternate years)
International Trade and Finance [Lecture] (3.0)
A survey of the analytical and institutional aspects of international trade and finance. The historical and contextual elements are the foundation for the examination of current theoretical and empirical approaches to international economic and financial relations. Major areas of emphasis include international finance, international trade, and regional economic integration. Special attention is also given to the issues of globalization and the problems of economic development. Prerequisites: ECN 201, ECN 202, admission to major, and admission to IBI study abroad program.
Independent Study in Economics [Independent Study] (1.0-3.0) (Liberal Arts)
Independent study provides opportunity to pursue advanced or special-interest topics not covered in the curriculum.
1. Junior standing.
2. A minimum of 9 semester hours in the discipline of the Independent Study.
3. A minimum grade point average of 2.50 in the discipline.
4. Proof of motivation and ability to work independently.
5. Approval of the department in which the study is to be taken.
6. Permission from the student's advisor, the course instructor, the Department Chair, the Academic Dean, and the Registrar.