DESIGNATION: Level I elective (Fall, Winter)
GOALS: To allow students to explore the concept of how the marketplace helps consumers be as well off as possible while allowing producers to maximize profits all because of scarce economic resources.
MATERIAL COVERED:
•The fall term of Economics 1 provides an introduction to microeconomic theory and policy through a foundational discussion of supply and demand principles. Students will gain a valuable understanding of price determination in product, and factor markets by studying the behavior of individuals and firms in relation to cost structures. Students will then apply this knowledge to an exploration of economic efficiency in various market structures, including both
perfect and imperfect competition. A culminating research project will challenge students to integrate content from the entire course as they prepare a business plan for a startup company of their choosing and present it to a panel of investors.
•The winter term of Economics 2 provides an introduction to macroeconomic theory and policy through an underlying discussion of economic growth. Students will study the aggregate economy by studying historical economic instabilities within the United States, and their impact on inflation, GDP, unemployment, and national income. Students will then examine the role of government agencies in addressing that instability through both fiscal and monetary policies, before engaging in a large-scale research project in which they develop their own policy on the future of economic growth in the United States.
TEXT: Economics – 17th edition, McConnell
PREREQUISITE: U.S. History
-----------------------------------------------------
COURSE: Globalization
DESIGNATION: Level I elective (Fall, Winter, Spring)
GOALS: This course is an upper-level elective where students will study the consequences of globalization, both positive and negative. They will begin to see how globalization effects not only natural environments, but also environments as defined by politics, religion, and culture. Students will be expected to think critically, evaluate sources, ask questions and develop their writing and literacy skills.
MATERIAL COVERED: Students will learn about the colonial roots of multinational debt, privatization of natural resources, the IMF and World Bank, the distribution of wealth, environmental history, civic democracy, child labor, genetically modified food, and hunger.
TEXT: Fall: Let the Mountain Talk, Let the Rivers Run, David Brower; Winter: Savages, Joe Kane,; Spring: Foodfight: The Citizen's Guide to the Food and Farm Bill, Imhoff & Pollan
PREREQUISITE: U.S. History