HELP 2018-19 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG] Economics Contract All Courses | Print this Page

Taylor 213
541-552-6787
Linda Wilcox Young, Chair

The logical, ordered way of examining problems and issues taught in the economics program benefits individuals in all lines of work. The program draws from history, psychology, mathematics, philosophy, and other disciplines to prepare individuals for responsibilities ranging from household management to business decision making. Economics courses explore how to reduce unemployment, control inflation, analyze tax policies, and confront problems as diverse as productivity and environmental decay.

Studying economics is an ideal way to prepare for work on a master of business administration degree or for entrance into law school.

Private business firms, banks, and other financial institutions employ economists to undertake specialized economic analysis and to evaluate their market positions and profit possibilities, government domestic economic policies and the implications for their business, and international economic events affecting the operation of their institutions.

Firms also employ economics graduates to perform nonspecialized work in sales and management. Economists are involved in community, state, and regional planning and various other jobs in government and nonprofit organizations. Many economists find employment in planning positions in foreign countries, where they work for the State Department, the Department of Commerce, the Treasury Department, the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, and similar agencies. Economists are also employed as professors and administrators in colleges and universities.

Finally, economists engage in private research and act as consultants to individuals, corporations, and government agencies. The logical, encompassing approach of economics leads to a wide range of career opportunities, enabling students to analyze many diverse topics, both in a professional capacity and in their day-to-day lives.

Students may obtain a minor in economics or even a double major (e.g., economics teamed with business, political science, or international studies) with very little extra coursework, particularly if they begin planning early.

Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Program

Economics majors may participate in the Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Program.

Program Requirements

Programs

Major

• •  Economics, BA or BS

Minor

• •  Economics Minor

Certificate

• •  Certificate in Applied Finance and Economics (CAFE)

Courses

Economics

• EC 199 - Special Studies

  ---

  1 to 18 credits
  Credits to be arranged. Repeatable.
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 201 - Principles of Microeconomics

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  4 credits
  Introduces consumer and firm behavior and the market process. Explores the economic analysis of different market structures of perfect competition, imperfect competition, and monopoly, along with the principles of income distribution and resource allocation under a market system. Some sections approach the principles of microeconomics by focusing on a particular topic or issue. Approved for University Studies (Explorations Strand F–Social Science).
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 202 - Principles of Macroeconomics

  ---

  4 credits
  Deals with human behavior and choices as they relate to the entire economy. Covers aggregate demand and aggregate supply of goods and services; the effect of taxes and spending on the economy’s output and employment; and the Federal Reserve’s manipulation of the money supply, inflation, and economic growth. Some sections approach the principles of macroeconomics by focusing on a particular topic or issue. Approved for University Studies (Explorations Strand F–Social Science).
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 232 - Exploratory Data Analysis

  ---

  4 credits
  Explores data and applications to real-world problems. Covers time-series and cross-sectional data, analysis of skewness and outliers, methods of averaging for variables as flows or stocks, and applies nae forecasting techniques to real-world settings. Approved for University Studies (Quantitative Reasoning-Strand D). Prerequisite(s): MTH 95 , Level II
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 310 - The Environment and the Local Economy

  ---

  4 credits
  Explores topics concerning how humans and communities impact nature, how we think of (and “construct”) nature and the environment, how communities and economics affect local policy, and how population growth affects levels of quality of life and sustainability.  In addition, examines from the economic way of thinking how a modest level of economic knowledge can be useful for understanding issues of biodiversity and sustainability, quality of life, and economic development. Helps students understand how an economic perspective can provide important insights into the causes and solutions of various local community problems that governments confront.
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 315 - Environmental Economics

  ---

  4 credits
  Applies economic analysis directly to environmental problems. Explores market failure, Pareto optimality, externalities, consumer surplus, and market solutions. Introduces benefit-cost analysis and addresses local problems. Prerequisite(s): EC 201 .
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 318 - Money, Banking, and Financial Institutions

  ---

  4 credits
  Uses money, credit, and bond market models to explain the determination of interest rates. Develops a forecasting model. Integrates models of Federal Reserve system behavior and analysis of Federal Reserve policies into the forecasting models. Prerequisite(s): EC 201  and EC 202  
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 319 - Public Finance

  ---

  4 credits
  Examines the economic role of the government. Develops models to analyze the effects of different tax policies and the impact of government expenditures. Emphasizes the application of economic principles and improves understanding of current economic events. Prerequisite(s): EC 201  and EC 202  
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 320 - Introduction to the International Economy

  ---

  4 credits
  Explores global economic relations in the historical and political context of current issues. Focuses on the economic interdependence of nations. Prerequisite(s): EC 201  and EC 202   (Cross-listed with IS 320 ).
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 321 - International Trade and Finance

  ---

  4 credits
  Examines the basis for and gains from trade, tariffs, and other barriers to trade; preferential trading agreements; exchange rate determination; and balance of payments. Prerequisite(s): EC 320  or IS 320 .
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 325 - Labor Economics

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  4 credits
  Analyzes labor markets, employment discrimination, unemployment, trade unions, education, and distribution of income. Examines the relation of public policies to the labor market. Approved for University Studies (Integration - Strand I). Prerequisite(s): EC 201  and EC 202  
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 332 - Quantitative Methods and Application

  ---

  4 credits
  Involves quantitative analysis of actual economic phenomena. Emphasizes the essential statistical tools for analyzing and solving practical business and economic problems. Topics include regression analysis of time-series and cross-sectional data, hypothesis testing, demand analysis, and forecasting. Prerequisite(s): EC 201  and EC 202  
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 340 - Gender Issues in Economics

  ---

  4 credits
  Explores how gender influences economic participation and outcomes. Examines the differences between the impact of economic realities on women and men. Integrates theory, data, history, and policy. Topics include the household as an economic unit, women and poverty, labor market discrimination, the economics of divorce, and welfare reform. May be applied to the Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies minor. Approved for University Studies (Integration - Strand I). Prerequisite(s): Completion of all lower division University Studies requirements
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 345 - Healthcare Economics

  ---

  4 credits
  Uses economic tools to understand and evaluate how healthcare is financed and delivered. Explores the determinants of demand for healthcare services, including the important role of health insurance, as well as the determinants of supply. Examines the role of government in, and policy options for, financing and provision of healthcare, including a review of healthcare systems in other countries. Approved for University Studies (Integration - Strand I). Prerequisite(s): EC 201 .
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 351 - Oregon’s Future

  ---

  4 credits
  Presents an interdisciplinary approach to contemporary issues in Oregon, including politics and history; population demographics; educational problems and reforms; budgetary outlook, tax restructuring, and spending issues; the status of prisons and crimes; and environmental issues.
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 358 - Intermediate Microeconomics

  ---

  4 credits
  Offers an advanced analysis of supply and demand, including consumer behavior, theory of the firm, market structure, factor markets, and general equilibrium. Prerequisite(s):
  EC 201
   .
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 364 - Benefit-Cost Analysis in Project Assessment

  ---

  4 credits
  Evaluates both private and public investment projects. Analyzes the different investment criteria used to evaluate commercial and social investment projects, with emphasis on benefit-cost criteria. Includes practical application to local problems. Prerequisite(s): EC 201 .
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 373 - History of Economic Thought

  ---

  4 credits
  Covers the evolution of economic thought from preclassical views to the mainstream classical school, Keynesian, post-Keynesian, and neoclassical thought. Reviews the major alternative schools, including Marxist and institutionalist. Prerequisite(s): EC 201  and EC 202  
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 376 - Intermediate Macroeconomics

  ---

  4 credits
  Develops concepts and models to explain the determinants of aggregate output, interest rates, unemployment, inflation, and other measures of macroeconomic performance. Examines both long-run and short-run considerations and the influences of external forces and policy decisions on macroeconomic outcomes. Prerequisite(s): EC 202 .
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 379 - Economic Development

  ---

  4 credits
  Applies theories of economic growth and development to less-developed countries. Specific consideration is given to the process of development as it applies to agriculture, industrial policy, trade, structural adjustment, and women. Prerequisite(s): EC 201  and EC 202  
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 387 - American Economic History

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  4 credits
  Covers the economic development of the U.S. and the evolution of American economic institutions from colonial times to the present. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above.
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 389 - America in the Global Economy

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  4 credits
  Examines the transformation of the American economy since World War II and its growing interdependence with and integration into the world economy. Emphasizes current problems such as budget and trade deficits, international debt, world competitiveness, protectionism, and economic cooperation with other countries.  Approved for University Studies (Integration - Strand J). Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above.
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 399 - Special Studies

  ---

  1 to 18 credits
  Credits to be arranged. Repeatable.
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 401 - Research

  ---

  1 to 6 credits
  Credits to be arranged. Repeatable. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above.
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 403 - Thesis

  ---

  1 to 9 credits
  Credits to be arranged. Repeatable. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above.
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 405 - Reading and Conference

  ---

  1 to 6 credits
  Credits to be arranged. Repeatable. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above.
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 407 - Seminar

  ---

  1 to 4 credits
  Credits to be arranged. Repeatable. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above.
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 408 - Workshop

  ---

  1 to 4 credits
  Credits to be arranged. Repeatable. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above.
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 409 - Practicum

  ---

  1 to 4 credits
  Credits to be arranged. No more than 4 credits per term, repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above.
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 478 - Business Cycles and Macroeconomic Forecasting

  ---

  4 credits
  Applies knowledge of macroeconomic theory, analysis of current economic conditions, and judgments of likely external and policy influences to construct and present a forecast for the United States economy. Prerequisite(s): EC 376 .
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 482 - Labor Relations

  ---

  4 credits
  Examines the laws governing employer/employee relationships, including common law, federal and state labor acts, administrative agencies, and union contracts. This legal relationship is studied within the broader context of historical trends, political policies, social expectations, and economic influences. Considers legal problems such as discrimination in employment, public employment, industrial health and safety, and minimum wages. BA 374  or EC 325  recommended. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above.
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 494 - Capstone Experience

  ---

  4 credits
  A culminating learning experience that applies the principles, theories, and skills of the economics major in a small class environment to challenging and sophisticated economic issues and topics. Allows students to develop critical thinking skills and to perform extensive writing. Prerequisite(s): Senior Standing or above; Economics major.
  Graded (A-F) only
• EC 496 - Economics for Teachers

  ---

  4 credits
  Applies the principles of micro- and macroeconomics to the social sciences. Examines the importance of fundamental economic principles in individual, business, and bureaucratic decision making. Addresses strategies and methods for integrating economics into the K-12 social studies curriculum. Designed for secondary and elementary teachers. Also suitable for undergraduates interested in entering the elementary or secondary social studies program at SOU. Not recommended for economics majors unless they are contemplating a teaching career. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above.
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 501 - Research

  ---

  1 to 6 credits
  Credits to be arranged. Repeatable.
  Graded (A-F) only.
• EC 503 - Thesis

  ---

  1 to 9 credits
  Credits to be arranged.  Repeatable.
  Graded (A-F) only.
• EC 505 - Reading and Conference

  ---

  1 to 6 credits
  Credits to be arranged.  Repeatable.
  Graded (A-F) only.
• EC 507 - Seminar

  ---

  1 to 4 credits
  Credits to be arranged. Repeatable.
  Graded (A-F) only.
• EC 508 - Workshop

  ---

  1 to 4 credits
  Credits to be arranged.  Repeatable.
  Graded (A-F) only.
• EC 509 - Practicum

  ---

  1 to 16 credits
  Credits to be arranged. No more than 4 credits per term. Repeatable for a maximum of 16 credits.
  Grade mode designated on a CRN basis each term. Students should consult current term schedule.
• EC 578 - Business Cycles and Macroeconomic Forecasting

  ---

  4 credits
  Applies knowledge of macroeconomic theory, analysis of current economic conditions, and judgments of likely external and policy influences to construct and present a forecast for the United States economy. Prerequisite(s): EC 376 .
  Graded (A-F) only.
• EC 582 - Labor Relations

  ---

  4 credits
  Examines the laws governing employer/employee relationships, including common law, federal and state labor acts, administrative agencies, and union contracts. This legal relationship is studied within the broader context of historical trends, political policies, social expectations, and economic influences. Considers legal problems such as discrimination in employment, public employment, industrial health and safety, and minimum wages. BA 374  or EC 325  recommended.
  Graded (A-F) only.
• EC 596 - Economics for Teachers

  ---

  4 credits
  Applies the principles of micro- and macroeconomics to the social sciences. Examines the importance of fundamental economic principles in individual, business, and bureaucratic decision making. Addresses strategies and methods for integrating economics into the K-12 social studies curriculum. Designed for secondary and elementary teachers. Also suitable for undergraduates interested in entering the elementary or secondary social studies program at SOU. Not recommended for economics majors unless they are contemplating a teaching career.
  Graded (A-F) only.

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