Economics

Microeconomics An introduction to economics as a social science for students with essentially no background in economics, this course presents basic concepts from both traditional and nontraditional perspectives and critically evaluates their relevance to our understanding of the economic aspects of society. The course starts with the evolution of societies in human history and the development of modern economic thought. It then covers the basics of microeconomics, international economics, economic growth, and the problem of energy and the environment.

Macroeconomics This course is a study of economic activity in relation to the level and growth potential of national income. The emphasis is on a conceptual understanding of topics such as income determination, inflation, unemployment, economic development, and the monetary system.

History of Economic Thought This course familiarizes students with the background of modern economics and introduces some basic and analytical principles in historical and critical contexts. It traces the evolution of economic thought since the rise of classical political economy. The intellectual systems examined are the classical (Smith, Ricardo, and Malthus), Marxian, neoclassical (Marshall, the Austrian School, and Wicksell), and Keynesian. No prior study of economics is required.

Intermediate Political Economy This course offers an introduction to theories of political economy, including radical economics, which offer alternatives to the neoclassical view of the modern capitalist economy. Political economy views the economy as a set of social relationships and processes which construct us, our economy, and our society, and radical economics extends this to focus on the ways in which these processes contribute to producing exploitation and inequality. Rooted in the theories of Karl Marx and Thorstein Veblen, these approaches describe a diverse and often contested terrain of theories and interpretations of the modern social landscape. In the century or so since Marx’s death, radical theories and ideas have emanated across the globe, crossing not only geographical, but intellectual, cultural, and political boundaries, as well. Today, political economy would more aptly describe this diversity of perspectives, including the critique of class dynamics, as well as the anti-racist, anti-colonial, and feminist movements. This course will examine these evolving ideas during the course of the semester. Prerequisites: Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, or permission of instructor (prior coursework in politics is recommended).

Economics Tutorial Under these course numbers, juniors and seniors design tutorials to meet their particular interests and programmatic needs. A students should see the prospective tutor to define an area of mutual interest to pursue either individually or in a small group. A student may register for no more than one tutorial in any semester.