Mar 28, 2024  
College Catalog 2017-2018 
    
College Catalog 2017-2018 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Courses


 

Computer Science

  
  • COMP 124 - Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures


    This course introduces the principles of software design and development using the object-oriented paradigm (OOP) and the Java programming language. Students will learn to use data structures such as lists, trees and hash tables and they will compare the efficiency of these data structures for a particular application. Students will learn to decompose a project using OOP principles. They will work with integrated development environments (IDEs) and version control systems. Students will practice their skills by creating applications in areas such as graphics, games, simulations, and natural language processing. There is a required 1.5 hour laboratory section associated with this course. Prerequisite(s): COMP 120  or    or permission of instructor. Every semester. (4 Credits)

  
  • COMP 154 - Ethics and the Internet

    Cross-Listed as PHIL 225  
    This course looks at ethical questions connected with the internet as we know it today: an online environment where content is generated and shared through user activities such as blogging, media sharing, social networking, tagging, tweeting, virtual world gaming, wiki developing, and the like. We will start by considering debates over freedom of speech, privacy, surveillance, and intellectual property: issues that pre-exist the development of the Internet, but which because of it have taken on new dimensions. From here we will go on to take up some ethical questions arising from four different domains of activity on the social web: gaming, social networking, blog/wiki developing, and “hacktivism.” In the third part of the course, we will consider broad questions connected to the integration of the Internet with devices other than the personal computer and mobile phone and which open the prospect of a world of integrated networked systems. What are some of the impacts of such integration on our everyday ethical relations with others and on the overall quality of our lives? How does being networked affect the meaning of being human? Offered alternate years. (4 Credits)

  
  • COMP 194 - Topics Course


    Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing. (4 Credits)

  
  • COMP 221 - Algorithm Design and Analysis


    An in-depth introduction to the design and analysis of algorithms. Topics may include algorithmic paradigms and structures, including recursion, divide and conquer, dynamic programming, greedy methods, branch and bound, randomized, probabilistic, and parallel algorithms, non-determinism and NP completeness. Applications to searching and sorting, graphs and optimization, geometric algorithms, and transforms. Prerequisite(s):   and  , or permission of instructor. Every fall. (4 Credits)

  
  • COMP 225 - Software Design and Development


    This course builds upon the software design foundation started in COMP 124. Students will design and implement medium-sized software projects using modern software design principles such as design patterns, refactoring, fault tolerance, stream-based programming, and exception handling. The concept of a distributed computing system will be introduced, and students will develop multithreaded and networked applications using currently available software libraries. Advanced graphical user interface methods will be studied with an emphasis on appropriate human-computer interaction techniques. Students will use operating systems services and be introduced to methods of evaluating the performance of their software. Prerequisite(s):   or permission of instructor. Every spring. (4 Credits)

  
  • COMP 240 - Computer Systems Organization


    This course familiarizes the student with the internal design and organization of computers. Topics include number systems, internal data representations, microarchitectures, the functional units of a computer system, memory, processor, and input/output structures, instruction sets and assembly language, addressing techniques, system software, and concurrency and parallelism. Prerequisite(s): COMP 124  , or permission of instructor. Every fall. (4 Credits)

  
  • COMP 261 - Theory of Computation

    Cross-Listed as   
    This course examines the theoretical foundations of computation. It explores different mathematical models that try to formalize our informal notion of an algorithm. Models include finite automata, regular expressions, grammars, and Turing machines. The course also discusses ideas about what can and cannot be computed. In addition, the course explores the basics of complexity theory, examining broad categories of problems and their algorithms, and their efficiency. The focus is on the question of P versus NP, and the NP-complete set. Prerequisite(s):   and  , or permission of instructor. Every spring. (4 Credits)

  
  • COMP 294 - Topics Course


    Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing. (4 Credits)

  
  • COMP 302 - Introduction to Database Management Systems


    This course will introduce students to the design, implementation, and analysis of databases stored in database management systems (DBMS). Topics include implementation-neutral data modeling, database design, database implementation, and data analysis using relational algebra and SQL. Students will generate data models based on real-world problems, and implement a database in a state-of-the-art DBMS. Students will master complex data analysis by learning to first design database queries and then implement them in a database query language such as SQL. Advanced topics include objects in databases, indexing for improved performance, distributed databases, and data warehouses. Offered every spring semester. (4 Credits)

  
  • COMP 320 - Computational Biology


    This course will examine selected topics in computational biology, including basic bioinformatics, algorithms used in genomics an genome analysis, computational techniques for systems biology, and synthetic biology. This is an interdisciplinary course that will often be cross-listed with a course in Biology. Prerequisite(s): Students with either Biology or Computer Science or Math coursework may register for this interdisciplinary course. Offered occasionally. (4 Credits)

  
  • COMP 340 - Digital Electronics

    Cross-Listed as  
    A survey of fundamental ideas and methods used in the design and construction of digital electronic circuits such as computers. Emphasis will be on applying the theoretical aspects of digital design to the actual construction of circuits in the laboratory. Topics to be covered include basic circuit theory, transistor physics, logic families (TTL, CMOS), Boolean logic principles, combinatorial design techniques, sequential logic techniques, memory circuits and timing, and applications to microprocessor and computer design. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite(s): MATH 137  or permission of instructor. Offered alternate spring semesters. (4 Credits)

  
  • COMP 342 - Operating Systems and Computer Architecture


    This course introduces the basic design and architecture of operating systems. Concepts to be discussed include sequential and concurrent processes, synchronization and mutual exclusion, processor scheduling, time-sharing, multitasking, parallel processing, memory management, file system design, and security. Students will learn concepts through lectures, readings, and low-level programming using the C programming language. Prerequisite(s): COMP 240  or permission of instructor. Offered odd-numbered spring semesters. (4 Credits)

  
  • COMP 346 - Internet Computing


    This course introduces technologies for building dynamic web applications. It will look at all stages in the web application design process, including: 1) the basic protocols and technologies underlying the web (e.g. HTTP, REST), 2) front-end web technologies, such as HTML, CSS, and Javascript, 3) and application servers that manage requests for information, update data, etc. The course will be programming-intensive, with students using web frameworks to design and implement Internet applications. The format of the course will be mainly laboratory-based sessions, where students learn components of a web application, supported by lectures and discussions. Students will research particular topics and present their findings during these discussion sessions. The course will also investigate the usability of designs from a human factors standpoint and discuss privacy and other social consequences of this technology. Prerequisite(s): COMP 225  or permission of instructor. Offered even-numbered fall semesters. (4 Credits)

  
  • COMP 365 - Computational Linear Algebra

    Cross-Listed as MATH 365 
    This course covers a central point of contact between mathematics and computer science. Many of the computational techniques important in science, commerce, and statistics are based on concepts from linear algebra: subspaces, projection, matrix decompositions, etc. The course reviews these concepts, adopts them to large scales, and applies them in the core techniques of scientific computing; solving systems of linear and nonlinear equations, approximation and statistical function estimation, optimization, interpolation, Monte Carlo techniques. Applications throughout the sciences and statistics. Prerequisite(s): COMP 120  or COMP 123 , and MATH 236  Every spring. (4 Credits)

  
  • COMP 380 - Bodies/Minds: AI Robotics


    This course examines two distinct aspects of work in robotics: the physical construction of the robot’s “body” and the creation of robot control programs that form the robot’s “mind.” It will study the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of robot sensors, including sonar, infrared, touch, GPS, and computer vision. It will also examine both reactive and deliberative approaches to robot control programs. The course will include hands-on work with multiple robots, and a semester-long course project in robotics. Prerequisite(s): COMP 221  or permission of instructor. Offered even-numbered spring semesters. (4 Credits)

  
  • COMP 394 - Topics Course


    Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing. (4 Credits)

  
  • COMP 440 - Collective Intelligence


    This course introduces the theory and practice of data science applied to online communities such as Wikipedia, Facebook, and Twitter. Students will read and discuss recent academic research papers that analyze behavior on these websites and use computational simulation, machine learning, and data-mining techniques to analyze massive behavioral datasets in areas such as recommender systems, natural language processing, and tagging systems. Prerequisite(s): COMP 124  and COMP 221 , or permission of instructor. Offered odd-numbered fall semesters. (4 Credits)

  
  • COMP 445 - Parallel and Distributed Processing


    Many current computational challenges, such as Internet search, protein folding, and data mining require the use of multiple processes running in parallel, whether on a single multiprocessor machine (parallel processing) or on multiple machines connected together on a network (distributed processing). The type of processing required to solve such problems in adequate amounts of time involves dividing the program and/or problem space into parts that can run simultaneously on many processors. In this course we will explore the various computer architectures used for this purpose and the issues involved with programming parallel solutions in such environments. Students will examine several types of problems that can benefit from parallel or distributed solutions and develop their own solutions for them. Prerequisite(s): COMP 240  and COMP 221 , or permission of instructor. Offered odd-numbered fall semesters. (4 Credits)

  
  • COMP 479 - Network Science

    Cross-Listed as   
    The modern Information Age has produced a wealth of data about the complex networks that tie us together. In response, the field of Network Science has arisen, bringing together mathematics, computer science, sociology, biology, economics and other fields. This course will explore the fundamental questions and the mathematical tools of Network Science. This includes: the structure of complex networks, including connectedness, centrality and “long tails”; community detection; random/strategic models for network formation; diffusion/contagion and “tipping points” on networks; and algorithms for analyzing complex networks. Prerequisite(s): MATH 236  and MATH 379  and COMP 123 . Offered odd-numbered spring semesters. (4 Credits)

  
  • COMP 484 - Introduction to Artificial Intelligence


    An introduction to the basic principles and techniques of artificial intelligence. Topics will include specific AI techniques, a range of application areas, and connections between AI and other areas of study (i.e., philosophy, psychology). Techniques may include heuristic search, automated reasoning, machine learning, deliberative planning and behavior-based agent control. Application areas include robotics, games, knowledge representation, and natural language processing. Prerequisite(s): COMP 221 , or permission of instructor. Offered even-numbered fall semesters. (4 Credits)

  
  • COMP 494 - Topics Course


    Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing. (4 Credits)

  
  • COMP 601 - Tutorial


    Closely supervised individual (or very small group) study with a faculty member in which a student may explore, by way of readings, short writings, etc., an area of computer science not available through the regular offerings. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair. Every semester. (1 Credits)

  
  • COMP 602 - Tutorial


    Closely supervised individual (or very small group) study with a faculty member in which a student may explore, by way of readings, short writings, etc., an area of computer science not available through the regular offerings. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair. Every semester. (2 Credits)

  
  • COMP 603 - Tutorial


    Closely supervised individual (or very small group) study with a faculty member in which a student may explore, by way of readings, short writings, etc., an area of computer science not available through the regular offerings. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair. Every semester. (3 Credits)

  
  • COMP 604 - Tutorial


    Closely supervised individual (or very small group) study with a faculty member in which a student may explore, by way of readings, short writings, etc., an area of computer science not available through the regular offerings. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair. Every semester. (4 Credits)

  
  • COMP 611 - Independent Project


    Individual project including library research, conferences with instructor, oral and written reports on independent work in computer science. Subject matter may complement but not duplicate material covered in regular courses. Prerequisite(s): Arrangements must be made with a department member prior to registration and permission of instructor and department chair. Every semester. (1 Credits)

  
  • COMP 612 - Independent Project


    Individual project including library research, conferences with instructor, oral and written reports on independent work in computer science. Subject matter may complement but not duplicate material covered in regular courses. Prerequisite(s): Arrangements must be made with a department member prior to registration and permission of instructor and department chair. Every semester. (2 Credits)

  
  • COMP 613 - Independent Project


    Individual project including library research, conferences with instructor, oral and written reports on independent work in computer science. Subject matter may complement but not duplicate material covered in regular courses. Prerequisite(s): Arrangements must be made with a department member prior to registration and permission of instructor and department chair. Every semester. (3 Credits)

  
  • COMP 614 - Independent Project


    Individual project including library research, conferences with instructor, oral and written reports on independent work in computer science. Subject matter may complement but not duplicate material covered in regular courses. Prerequisite(s): Arrangements must be made with a department member prior to registration and permission of instructor and department chair. Every semester. (4 Credits)

  
  • COMP 621 - Internship


    Internships are offered only as S/D/NC grading option. Prerequisite(s): Available to junior and senior students with declared majors in computer science. Arrangements must be made prior to registration. Permission of instructor. Work with Internship Office. Every semester. (1 Credits)

  
  • COMP 622 - Internship


    Internships are offered only as S/D/NC grading option. Prerequisite(s): Available to junior and senior students with declared majors in computer science. Arrangements must be made prior to registration. Permission of instructor. Work with Internship Office. Every semester. (2 Credits)

  
  • COMP 623 - Internship


    Internships are offered only as S/D/NC grading option. Prerequisite(s): Available to junior and senior students with declared majors in computer science. Arrangements must be made prior to registration. Permission of instructor. Work with Internship Office. Every semester. (3 Credits)

  
  • COMP 624 - Internship


    Internships are offered only as S/D/NC grading option. Prerequisite(s): Available to junior and senior students with declared majors in computer science. Arrangements must be made prior to registration. Permission of instructor. Work with Internship Office. Every semester. (4 Credits)

  
  • COMP 631 - Preceptorship


    Work in assisting faculty in the planning and teaching of a course.

      Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. Work with Academic Programs. Every semester. (1 Credits)

  
  • COMP 632 - Preceptorship


    Work in assisting faculty in the planning and teaching of a course.

      Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. Work with Academic Programs. Every semester. (2 Credits)

  
  • COMP 633 - Preceptorship


    Work in assisting faculty in the planning and teaching of a course.

      Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. Work with Academic Programs. Every semester. (3 Credits)

  
  • COMP 634 - Preceptorship


    Work in assisting faculty in the planning and teaching of a course.

      Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. Work with Academic Programs. Every semester. (4 Credits)

  
  • COMP 641 - Honors Independent


    Independent research, writing, or other preparation leading to the culmination of the senior honors project. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair. Every semester. (1 Credits)

  
  • COMP 642 - Honors Independent


    Independent research, writing, or other preparation leading to the culmination of the senior honors project. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair. Every semester. (2 Credits)

  
  • COMP 643 - Honors Independent


    Independent research, writing, or other preparation leading to the culmination of the senior honors project. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair. Every semester. (3 Credits)

  
  • COMP 644 - Honors Independent


    Independent research, writing, or other preparation leading to the culmination of the senior honors project. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair. Every semester. (4 Credits)


Economics

  
  • ECON 113 - Financial Accounting


    Accounting is the language of business. One of the objectives of this course is to learn that “language.” The emphasis will be on understanding financial statements both for profit and non-profit organizations. International accounting, ethics and investment decisions are also covered. This course is designed for students who desire an understanding of the elements of accounting as a component of a liberal arts education as well as for those who would like to study further in accounting or business. Every semester. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 115 - Introduction to American Economy


    This course provides a non-technical introduction to the basic concepts in economics, with a focus on the United States. Using a small number of fundamental economic concepts, this course provides a foundation for informed decision making regarding current economic debates. The course is intended for non-majors and does not count for the economics major. It is not open to students who have already taken ECON 119 - Principles of Economics . Once per year. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 116 - Organizational Leadership


    This course will combine a theoretical background with hands-on experience that will permit a student to begin their career-long development of their leadership talent. The traditional model of a great leader was one that was tough, visionary and determined. Today scholars of leadership have argued that a great leader is self-aware, motivated, empathetic and skilled socially. Which model is right? Are there factors common to all great leaders? We will learn from Aristotle, Winston Churchill, Steve Jobs, Ernest Shackelton’s ill-fated trip to the South Pole, and the latest scholarly research. Extensive use will be made of case studies from the Harvard MBA program and guest speakers. Every spring. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 119 - Principles of Economics


    A one-semester introduction to the basic tools of micro- and macroeconomic analysis. Microeconomics deals with consumers, firms, markets and income distribution. Macroeconomics deals with national income, employment, inflation and money. Every semester. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 194 - Topics Course


    Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 210 - Business Communications


    This course is intended to help students improve their own critical communication skills and explore how those skills can be best applied in business situations. Students will polish writing skills, with sessions that focus on resumes, cover letters, and everyday business communications like email. Students will learn best practices of effective presentations and will deliver several powerpoint presentations in class. The course will use the case method to review real corporate communication issues, such as crisis management, interpersonal communications challenges, negotiation simulations and the like. Prerequisite(s): ECON 113  or ECON 119  (with minimum grade of C-) (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 221 - Introduction to International Economics


    This course explores the theoretical foundations and empirical realities of international trade flows, commercial policies (tariffs, quotas, etc.) and international finance. The course emphasizes the welfare implications of international trade and commercial policies and links these to discussion of disputes over international trade agreements. The international finance portion of the course covers the foreign exchange market, balance of payments analysis and an introduction to open economy macroeconomics. Recommended for students majoring in international studies. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 119  (with minimum grade of C-) Every year. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 225 - Comparative Economic Systems

    Cross-Listed as   
    This course examines the workings of economic systems from the perspective of the incentives facing the firm and consumer. The course provides an introduction to the economics of information and organization which is used to evaluate resource allocation under the specific institutional environment of different economic systems. Our understanding of the incentive system is then used to evaluate the overall economic system. The focus of the course is primarily on the U.S. economy, Japan and the former Soviet Union/Russia. As time permits the course may examine China, Germany and Central Europe. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 119  (with minimum grade of C-) (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 227 - Adam Smith and Karl Marx


    The objective of this course is to study the lives and the original writings of two of the most important scholars in the history of economic thought. Adam Smith, the patron saint of laissez-faire capitalism, was the founding father of modern economics, as well as the intellectual predecessor of Marx. Marx’s historical and political vision embraced an equally large panorama. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 119  (with minimum grade of C-) Alternate years. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 229 - World Economic History


    This course presents a broad overview of world economic history. It uses concepts and models developed in Principles of Economics to explore how the interplay between geography, institutions, and technology has influenced material living standards from the Stone Age to the present. In particular, we will study the causes and consequences of long-term structural forces such as the agriculture, industrial and informational revolutions, the Malthusian trap and demographic transition, slavery, globalization, and the rise of government. We will also explore more cyclical phenomena such as wars, financial crises, economic depressions and hyper-inflations. Students will learn how economic historians use evidence to make sense of the past and the role economic history plays in guiding current policy debates. This course counts as a Group E elective and serves as a prerequisite for ECON 361. Prerequisite(s): ECON 119  (with minimum grade of C-) Once per year. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 231 - Environmental Economics and Policy

    Cross-Listed as ENVI 231  
    This course studies the economics of public policy toward the environment. We begin by examining the problem of market failure in the presence of externalities and public goods. Then, we consider public policy responses to these market failures, including command-and-control regulations, tax and subsidy incentives, marketable pollution permits, voluntary programs, and information as regulation. We consider these policies in contexts such as local pollution, climate change, threats to biodiversity, environmental justice, international trade, and development. In addition, we learn how to measure the costs and benefits of pollution control.  By the end of the semester, you will learn how economists think about environmental problems, understand the advantages and disadvantages of a range of environmental policies, be able to conduct a cost-benefit analysis, and have a complete economic analysis of an environmental problem.. This course counts as a Group E elective and serves as a prerequisite for ECON 361. Prerequisite(s): ECON 119  (with minimum grade of C-) (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 233 - Health Economics


    The field of health economics applies microeconomic theory to the study of health care, drawing on concepts from public, labor, and development economics and industrial orgainzation. The healthcare industry is one of the largest in the US, representing nearly 18% of the GDP and comprising a large share of the typical household budget. The role of government regulation in healthcare is significant and unique to the industry. This class will review topics relevant to the healthcare and health insurance industries in the US, other developed countries, and developing nations including determinants of demand, pricing of healthcare services, the role of insurance and its reforms, incentives and hurdles for health technology innovations, and the role of health in economic development. We will also examine the traditional methods for evaluating healthcare services including cost benefit and cost effectiveness analysis. Group E Elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 119  with grade of C- or higher Every year (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 238 - Introduction to Entrepreneurship


    This course focuses on theories and applications of Entrepreneurship to identify opportunities and solve problems around the world. Students will learn contemporary methodologies used in startup companies and early stage organizations including: Lean Startup and Human Centered Design methodologies and the Business Model Canvas framework. Students spend the semester working in teams to apply the methodologies to identify a problem and develop a solution. For their final project students will prepare a plan for their solution and present it to an external audience. This course is open to those who are interested in social entrepreneurship as well. Group B elective. Note: Not available to students who took Social Entrepreneurship during the fall 2016 semester. Prerequisite(s): ECON 119  with C- or higher Spring semester (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 242 - Economics of Gender

    Cross-Listed as WGSS 242  
    This course uses economic theory to explore how gender differences lead to different economic outcomes for men and women, both within families and in the marketplace. Topics include applications of economic theory to 1) aspects of family life including marriage, cohabitation, fertility, and divorce, and 2) the interactions of men and women in firms and in markets. The course will combine theory, empirical work, and analysis of economic policies that affect men and women differently. This course counts as a Group E elective and serves as a prerequisite for ECON 361. Prerequisite(s): ECON 119  (with minimum grade of C-) (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 252 - Economics of Not-For-Profit


    This course focuses on the economics of not-for-profit institutions. The course will deal with both underlying theoretical concepts and their applicability to actual nonprofits.  The course will be broken down into three components: (1) A rather deep overview of the nonprofit sectors of the US economy.  Their history, evolution, trends, and possible future;  (2) Macalester College (and other selective LA colleges) as a nonprofit; and lastly (3) How to actually start your own nonprofit.  After our introduction, the college will actually provide the basic framework for the course. Using the tools of economic analysis acquired in the Principles course, we will examine the mission/purpose/aims of the college and how they relate to governance (the interplay between the Board of Trustees, the President and his/her staff, the various faculty/staff committees, students, and other constituencies); planning and goal setting; resource allocation (both operating and capital budgets); the interplay between human capital, financial capital, and physical capital; agency matters and incentives; and the issues that must be confronted in deciding whether to spend more from the endowment now vs later. We will also study how not-for-profits tend to self-evaluate their progress and how external evaluating methodologies (eg U.S.News) might influence all of the above. During the portion of the course wherein we focus on Macalester, we will often analyze the same matter found at other selective, national liberal arts colleges, including Swarthmore, Carleton, Grinnell and Pomona. This course counts as a Group E elective and serves as a prerequisite for ECON 361. Prerequisite(s): ECON 119  (with minimum grade of C-) (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 256 - Intro to Investment Banking


    This course will provide a one semester overview of investment banks. The role of equity capital markets, debt capital markets, research, sales and trading, and investment banking will be covered. Basic corporate finance techniques will be introduced. Current financial issues in the business world will be reviewed. Classroom work, case studies, and outside speakers will be utilized. The key objectives of this course are for students to obtain a solid understanding of the various disciplines within the investment banking field and to prepare themselves for interviews and internships. The course is well suited for students who are contemplating a career in investment banking, banking, or corporate finance. Group B elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 113  and ECON 119  (with minimum grade of C-) (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 258 - Introduction to Securities Analysis


    This course will primarily focus on equity securities analysis (stocks) from the perspective of institutional (Wall Street) investors. Topics will include industry analysis and forecasting, financial statement analysis, fundamental company analysis and valuation methods. Students will form industry groups and will each research a company in that industry. Students will build complete historical and projected financial statement models in Excel. The end product of the course will be a company report written by each student. Group B elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 113   Alternate spring semesters. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 294 - Topics Course


    Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 325 - China, Russia and Central Europe in Transition

    Cross-Listed as INTL 325  


    This course surveys the theoretic and empirical literature on Soviet-style central planning and the transition to a market economy. The economic history of central planning is examined with emphasis on the experience of the Soviet Union and its variants in Eastern Europe and China. The tool of analysis is the branch of economics known as the economics of organization and information, which will be used to analyze the operation, strengths, and limitations of central planning. The legacy of central planning forms the backdrop for an examination of the transition to a market economy. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s):   and one 200-level Economics course from Group E electives; ECON 221  or ECON 225  are recommended. C- or higher required for all prerequisites.

      Alternate years. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 333 - Economics of Global Food Problems

    Cross-Listed as ENVI 333  and INTL 333  
    This course will examine food distribution, production, policy, and hunger issues from an economics perspective. It explores and compares food and agriculture issues in both industrialized and developing countries. Basic economic tools will be applied to provide an analytical understanding of these issues. Topics such as hunger and nutrition, US farm policy, food distribution, food security, food aid, biotechnology and the Green Revolution, the connection between food production and health outcomes, as well as other related themes will be explored in depth throughout the semester. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 119  and one 200-level Economics course from Group E electives;   or   recommended. C- or higher required for all prerequisites. Offered every other spring semester. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 342 - Economics of Poverty in US


    This course focuses on the economic aspects of poverty and inequality in the United States. The course utilizes economic theory and empirical research to analyze the determinants of, and potential strategies to overcome poverty and inequality. Topics include measurement and trends of poverty and inequality, labor markets, education, discrimination, residential segregation, and immigration. The course also investigates the role of public policy in fighting poverty and inequality. There is a required service learning component in this course. This course counts as a Group E elective.  Prerequisite(s): ECON 119  and one 200-level Economics course from Group E electives. C- or higher required for all prerequisites. Offered infrequently. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 353 - Managerial Accounting


    Planning is the key to business success. How do firms plan for the future? Setting objectives and budgets. Evaluating and rewarding employee performance. Controlling inventory, cash budgeting, and capital budgeting. Extensive use of case studies and group work. Prerequisite(s): ECON 113  (earned with C- or higher) or permission of instructor. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 356 - Capital Markets


    The structure, operation, regulation and economic role of financial markets and institutions; fundamental security analysis and present-value techniques; forecasts of earnings and analysis of yields on stocks and bonds; the portfolio theory and characteristic lines, betas and mutual-fund ratings; futures and options markets. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 113  and ECON 119 . C- or higher required for all prerequisites. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 361 - Intermediate Microeconomic Analysis


    Methodology of economic science; theory of consumer behavior; theory of the firm; market structure and price determination; factor markets and income distribution; general equilibrium analysis; market failure. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): MATH 135  or MATH 137 , and one 200-level Economics course from Group E electives. Not open to first-year students except by permission of the instructor. C- or higher required for all prerequisites. Every semester. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 371 - Intermediate Macroeconomic Analysis


    This course develops in detail theories of the determination of national income, employment and the price level. The foundations and mechanics of neo-classical and Keynesian models of the aggregate economy are studied and modern syntheses of these approaches are explored. Considerable attention will be paid to current behavior of the national economy. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361  or permission of instructor. C- or higher required for all prerequisites. Every semester. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 381 - Introduction to Econometrics


    This course investigates the methods economists use to test theories and conduct economic forecasts. This course will provide the student with the ability to design, conduct, and evaluate empirical work in economics and other social sciences. The primary focus of the course is on the final project that consists of a research paper that will integrate library research, economic theory, and econometric analysis. The course will take a “hands on” approach as much as possible with weekly use of the microcomputer in class. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s):  ECON 361  and MATH 155 .  C- or higher required for all prerequisites. Every semester. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 394 - Topics Course


    Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 405 - Industrial Organization


    This course will extend beyond the conventional structure-conduct-performance framework of industrial organization to focus on the theoretical models that inform the discipline and their empirical applications. In particular, students will use microeconomics and game theory to study models of imperfect competition and understand the implications for consumer welfare. We will analyze firm behavior and strategic interactions such as price discrimination, predatory pricing, limit pricing and investment under different market structures. We will also discuss various public policies that affect the structure of markets and the behavior of firms, specifically regulation, deregulation and antitrust laws. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361  and ECON 381 , or permission of instructor. Every year. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 420 - Applied Dynamic Macroeconomics


    This course provides a formal, hands-on exposition of modern macroeconomic theory using dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models.  This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 371  and MATH 137 , or permission of instructor. C- or higher required for all prerequisites. Alternate years. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 422 - International Macroeconomics and Finance


    This is a course in open economy macroeconomics and international finance. Special emphasis is placed on the causes and consequences of the international financial system’s evolution. The four major international monetary regimes of the twentieth century, the classical gold standard, the interwar gold-exchange standard, the Bretton Woods System, and the floating-rate dollar standard, are explored in chronological order as well as attempts at monetary union in Europe. Topics examined include: 1) exchange rate determination, 2) balance of payments, 3) macroeconomic adjustment, and 4) international monetary institutions. Case studies are used extensively. This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361  and ECON 371 . C- or higher required for all prerequisites. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 426 - International Economic Development


    This course will apply the tools of economic analysis to gain an understanding of economic development problems and their solutions. Patterns of economic development in an historical and dynamic context will be examined. The central role of agriculture and the problem of technological change in agriculture will also be examined. Other topics will include neo-classical growth models, domestic and international economic policies, international trade, foreign aid, external debt, technology transfer, rural-urban migration and income distribution.  This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361 , ECON 371 , and ECON 381 . C- or higher required for all prerequisites. Every year. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 431 - Economics of Public Policy


    By taking this course, students will learn to interpret and conduct technical economic analysis of public policies. Students will apply their knowledge of micro- and macroeconomic theory and econometrics to study the economics of controversial and important policies. Sample policy areas might include climate change, illegal drugs, health care, anti-poverty programs, affirmative action, income inequality, income redistribution via the tax system, public transit, immigration, education, gun control, and minimum or living-wage laws. While the course usually focuses on examples from the United States, it presents tools and frameworks that are applicable in any context. The course grade will be based on group and individual presentations and policy briefs relating to specific policies, at least one exam, homework sets, and a capstone-level research project. The project consists of a policy, econometric, or theoretical analysis of a public policy chosen by the student. This course will count towards the Group E 400s level elective for the economics major. It is a capstone course. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361 , ECON 371 , and ECON 381 . C- or higher required for all prerequisites. Every year. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 442 - Labor Economics


    This course uses theoretical and empirical research to examine the economics of work from both the point of view of the firm and the worker. Economic tools will be used to analyze some of the important issues relevant to labor economics, such as labor force participation, the division of labor within the household, occupational choice, investments in education, minimum wage legislation, wage elasticities, employment-hours tradeoff, labor market discrimination, unions, and job search.  This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s):   ECON 361 , ECON 371 , and ECON 381 . C- or higher required for all prerequisites. Offered every year. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 444 - Honors Seminar


    An honors seminar to enhance the senior capstone requirement.  This course counts as a Group E elective.

      Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor required. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 457 - Finance


    This course concentrates on developing and applying economic principles to the decision making process of the firm. Typically the course is taught from the viewpoint of the financial manager of a firm (profit or non-profit). Traditional corporate finance topics will be covered, including: cash flow management, sources of capital, capital budgeting, cost of capital, and financial structure. Recent theoretical developments in the capital asset pricing model and portfolio theory also will be examined. Actual case studies of financial decision making often are included in the course.  This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 113 , ECON 361  and ECON 381 . C- or higher required for all prerequisites. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 461 - Selected Topics in Microeconomic


    This course will extend the subject matter of Intermediate Microeconomics, considering both theory and selected applications in four broad areas: (1) Extensions of the theory of choice to considerations of risk and uncertainty, the expected utility hypothesis, and the economics of information; (2) Extensions of the competitive market model to examine the supply of exhaustible resources, airline regulation and deregulation, and rent controls; (3) Extensions of simple, undifferentiated oligopoly theory to examine product differentiation, game theory, and contestable markets; and (4) Extensions of the theory of factor markets to study discrimination in the labor market, the negative income tax, and the incidence of the social security payroll tax.  This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361 , ECON 371  and ECON 381 , and Senior standing or permission of instructor. C- or higher required for all prerequisites. Alternate years. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 481 - Advanced Econometrics


    This course will introduce advanced topics in applied econometrics. Among other topics, it will examine limited dependent variable models, vector autoregression and advanced time series techniques, simultaneous equations models and the econometrics of panel data estimation. Although the emphasis will be on applied work, the course will also examine the underlying mathematical structure of these estimation methods.  This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361 , ECON 371 , ECON 381  and MATH 135  or MATH 137  and MATH 236 , or permission of instructor. C- or higher required for all prerequisites. Alternate years. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 485 - Empirical Finance


    This class concentrates on applying econometric techniques and computer programming to empirically test major financial theories. The econometric techniques used in the class include but is not restricted to OLS, GLS, GMM, Maximum Likelihood method, Nonparametric method, panel data models (random effect model, fixed effect model, pooled regression, etc.), time series models (VAR, ARMA, ARMAX, GARCH, etc.). Main programming language used in the class is Matlab, while R and STATA may also be used occasionally. Major finance topics tested in the class include market efficiency, portfolio theory, stock selection models, market microstructure, anomalies in the financial markets, calendar effects, etc.  This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 356  and ECON 381 , MATH 135  (or MATH 137 ) and MATH 236 . C- or higher required for all prerequisites. Offered every other year. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 490 - Behavioral and Experimental Economics

    Cross-Listed as PSYC 490  
    This course surveys recent developments in behavioral economics and considers applications in labor economics, macroeconomics, finance, public finance, consumer choice, and other areas. Our goal is to draw on recent work in cognitive and evolutionary psychology to better understand human behavior and incorporate these insights into neoclassical reasoning and modeling. This course counts towards the capstone.  This course counts as a Group E elective. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361  and ECON 371 . C- or higher required for all prerequisites. Offered every year. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 494 - Topics Course


    Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 611 - Independent Project


    Further study in fields of special interest. Readings, conferences, field work, reports. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361, ECON 371 and permission of instructor and department chair. Every semester. (1 Credits)

  
  • ECON 612 - Independent Project


    Further study in fields of special interest. Readings, conferences, field work, reports. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361, ECON 371 and permission of instructor and department chair. Every semester. (2 Credits)

  
  • ECON 613 - Independent Project


    Further study in fields of special interest. Readings, conferences, field work, reports. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361, ECON 371 and permission of instructor and department chair. Every semester. (3 Credits)

  
  • ECON 614 - Independent Project


    Further study in fields of special interest. Readings, conferences, field work, reports. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361, ECON 371 and permission of instructor and department chair. Every semester. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 621 - Internship


    Work that involves the student in practical off-campus experiences with business, government, and non-profit organizations. S/NC grading only. While the department encourages students to undertake meaningful off-campus experiences, internship credits do not count among the eight minimum courses for the major. (Internships are considered like a ninth or tenth course.) Prerequisite(s): Two courses in economics and permission of instructor. Work with Internship Office. (1 Credits)

  
  • ECON 622 - Internship


    Work that involves the student in practical off-campus experiences with business, government, and non-profit organizations. S/NC grading only. While the department encourages students to undertake meaningful off-campus experiences, internship credits do not count among the eight minimum courses for the major. (Internships are considered like a ninth or tenth course.) Prerequisite(s): Two courses in economics and permission of instructor. Work with Internship Office. (2 Credits)

  
  • ECON 623 - Internship


    Work that involves the student in practical off-campus experiences with business, government, and non-profit organizations. S/NC grading only. While the department encourages students to undertake meaningful off-campus experiences, internship credits do not count among the eight minimum courses for the major. (Internships are considered like a ninth or tenth course.) Prerequisite(s): Two courses in economics and permission of instructor. Work with Internship Office. (3 Credits)

  
  • ECON 624 - Internship


    Work that involves the student in practical off-campus experiences with business, government, and non-profit organizations. S/NC grading only. While the department encourages students to undertake meaningful off-campus experiences, internship credits do not count among the eight minimum courses for the major. (Internships are considered like a ninth or tenth course.) Prerequisite(s): Two courses in economics and permission of instructor. Work with Internship Office. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 631 - Preceptorship


    Work in assisting faculty in the planning and teaching of a course and/or tutoring individual students. S/NC grading only. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361, ECON 371 and permission of instructor. Work with Academic Programs. Every semester. (1 Credits)

  
  • ECON 632 - Preceptorship


    Work in assisting faculty in the planning and teaching of a course and/or tutoring individual students. S/NC grading only. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361, ECON 371 and permission of instructor. Work with Academic Programs. Every semester. (2 Credits)

  
  • ECON 633 - Preceptorship


    Work in assisting faculty in the planning and teaching of a course and/or tutoring individual students. S/NC grading only. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361, ECON 371 and permission of instructor. Work with Academic Programs. Every semester. (3 Credits)

  
  • ECON 634 - Preceptorship


    Work in assisting faculty in the planning and teaching of a course and/or tutoring individual students. S/NC grading only. Prerequisite(s): ECON 361, ECON 371 and permission of instructor. Work with Academic Programs. Every semester. (4 Credits)

  
  • ECON 641 - Honors Independent


    Independent research, writing, or other preparation leading to the culmination of the senior honors project. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair. Offered every semester. (1 Credits)

  
  • ECON 642 - Honors Independent


    Independent research, writing, or other preparation leading to the culmination of the senior honors project. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair. Offered every semester. (2 Credits)

  
  • ECON 643 - Honors Independent


    Independent research, writing, or other preparation leading to the culmination of the senior honors project. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair. Offered every semester. (3 Credits)

  
  • ECON 644 - Honors Independent


    Independent research, writing, or other preparation leading to the culmination of the senior honors project. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor and department chair. Offered every semester. (4 Credits)


Educational Studies

  
  • EDUC 194 - Topics Course


    Varies by semester. Consult the department or class schedule for current listing. (4 Credits)

  
  • EDUC 200 - Experiences in Education


    This course provides opportunities to explore, reflect upon and contribute to life in contemporary urban classrooms. Weekly internships will be arranged allowing students to work closely with teachers, educational support staff and diverse young people of varied ages (kindergarten, elementary, or secondary levels). A weekly seminar session, readings, reflective writing, and individual and small group projects complement the experiential aspects of the course. This course is offered as S/N grading only. (2 Credits)

  
  • EDUC 220 - Educational Psychology

    Cross-Listed as PSYC 220 
    An introduction to theory and research in educational psychology. Topics include learning theory, learner characteristics, intelligence, creativity, motivation, measurement and evaluation, and models of teaching appropriate for diverse learners from early childhood through young adulthood. Students are required to complete observations in classroom settings. Every semester. (4 Credits)

 

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