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College of Arts
and Sciences (College)
2000-2002
Academic Bulletin

College Programs  
College of Arts and Sciences (College) 
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Economics

Faculty
Introduction
Major in Economics
Minor in Economics
Interdepartmental Major in Economics and Mathematics
Interdepartmental Major in Economics and Political Science
Minor in Economics and Political Science
Honors Program in Economics
Course Descriptions

Faculty

Chairperson
Professor Robert A. Becker

Rudy Professor of Economics
George von Furstenberg

Chancellors' Professor
Roy Gardner

Professors
Michael Alexeev, William Becker, Edward Buffie, Pravin Trivedi, James Walker, Arlington Williams

Associate Professors
Fwu-Ranq Chang, Michael Kaganovich, Eric Leeper, Elyce Rotella, Willard Witte

Assistant Professors
Tong Li, Peter Pedroni, Horst Raff, David Schmidt

Lecturer
Peter Olson

Academic Advising
Wylie Hall 105, (812) 855-1021

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Introduction

The Department of Economics (ECON) deals with problems of social and individual choice in situations of scarcity. It has a coherent body of theory for analyzing such situations which has been applied to many current economic and social problems. It has also been extensively tested against empirical evidence. Courses in economics provide students with an understanding of economic theory and its application in a variety of areas.

Note: Throughout the listing of major requirements, minor requirements, and course prerequisites, any course may be replaced by the honors equivalent. Also, students in the Liberal Arts and Management Program may substitute approved sections of L316 (LAMP Junior Seminar) for E370.

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Major in Economics

Purpose
The economics major provides students with the basic theoretical understanding and statistical tools necessary to understand society's role in economic decision making. The major prepares students for graduate or professional schools or the general job market.

Major Requirements

  1. Mathematics: M118 and M119 or M211
  2. Statistics: E370
  3. Introductory economics E201 and E202
  4. Intermediate economic theory: E321 and E322
  5. Three additional economics courses numbered above E322. E370, E496 and Y398 cannot be used to meet this requirement.
  6. A total of at least 27 credit hours of economics, including at least 18 credit hours in courses at the 300-400 level. Approved sections of L316 can be included in this total. Y398 cannot be included in this total.
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Minor in Economics

Requirements

  1. Mathematics: M119 or M211
  2. Introductory economics: E201 and E202
  3. Intermediate economic theory: E321
  4. At least one elective course numbered above E321, excluding E370.
  5. A total of at least 15 credit hours of economics, of which at least 9 credit hours must be taken in residence on the Bloomington campus. Approved sections of L316 may be included in this total.
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Interdepartmental Major in Economics and Mathematics

Purpose
The interdepartmental major in economics and mathematics is designed to enable students to model economic questions mathematically, and to analyze and solve those models.

Requirements
Students must meet the following course requirements. Any course may be replaced by the honors equivalent.

  1. 1. Economics: E201, E202, E321, E322 and at least three courses from the following list: E327, E423, E424, E427, E471, E472, and approved sections of E390 and E490. With approval of the Department of Economics, E499 may replace one of these three courses.
  2. 2. Mathematics: M211-M212 or M213, M301 or M303, M311 and at least two courses, including one at the 400 level, from one of the following mathematics areas: analysis (M312, M413, M414, M415, M420); differential equations (M343, M344, M441, M442); applied mathematics (M371, M447, M448, M471, M472); or probability and statistics (M366*, M463, M464, M465, M466, M467, M468).

  3. *Note: M366 has a prerequisite of M360; see requirement 3 below. For students who qualify for honors, Mathematics S499 may replace the second course in a mathematical area with approval of the Department of Mathematics.
  4. 3. Statistics: The sequence Mathematics M360-M366, or Economics E370, or Mathematics M365.
Special Considerations
  1. No more than 3 credit hours of Honors Thesis (Economics E499 or Mathematics S499) may be counted toward the major.
  2. It is recommended that students planning to pursue a Ph.D. in economics consult with the Department of Economics concerning classes in the areas of analysis, econometrics, and statistics.
  3. It is recommended that students in actuarial studies take Mathematics M360, M366, M371, M463, M464, and one course from M466, M467, or Economics E471. It is recommended that these students also consult with the Department of Economics concerning relevant seminar courses. Students should consult the actuarial studies section in mathematics.
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Interdepartmental Major in Economics and Political Science

Purpose
The interdepartmental major in economics and political science explores important issues arising in both the public and private sectors and provides students with the basic theoretical tools necessary to investigate these issues.

Requirements
Students must meet the following course requirements for a total of 42 credit hours:

  1. Math requirements: Finite Math M118 and Calculus M119 or M211. (These courses do not count toward the 42 credit hours required for the major.)
  2. Economics E201, E202 and E321. Either E308 or E361 and E362. At least 6 credit hours in economics courses in pre-approved sections of E309 or courses numbered above E321, with at least 3 of these 6 credit hours from a course numbered above E321, excluding E370. A list of pre-approved sections of E309 is available each semester in the Departments of Economics and Political Science.
  3. Political Science Y204, Y303, Y391, or Y394, and at least 9 credit hours in political science in any of the following courses: Y302, Y343, Y346, Y350, Y376, Y481, Y499, or pre-approved sections of Y200, Y396, or Y401. A list of pre-approved sections of Y200, Y396 and Y401 is available each semester in the Departments of Economics and Political Science.
  4. Statistics requirement: ECON E370 or POLS Y395.
Special Considerations
  1. Students meeting requirements 1-4 (above) with a total of 39 credit hours will be allowed to use 3 credit hours toward the major from pre-approved sections of College of Arts and Sciences E104 (TOPICS) courses. A list of pre-approved sections of College of Arts and Sciences E104 (TOPICS) is available each semester in the Departments of Economics and Political Science.
  2. No more than 6 credit hours of honors thesis credit (3 credit hours from Economics E499, and 3 credit hours from Political Science Y499) may be counted toward the major.
  3. A maximum of 3 credit hours of Political Science Y481 (for teaching interns only) may be counted toward the major. No other Y481 credit may count toward the major.

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Minor in Economics and Political Science

Purpose
The interdepartmental minor in economics and political science introduces students to important issues in both the public and private sectors.

Requirements
Students must meet the following course requirements for a total of 18 credit hours.

  1. Economics E201, E202, and 3 credit hours from selected sections of TOPICS E104, or E308, or from pre-approved sections of E309. A list of pre-approved sections is on file each semester in the Departments of Economics and Political Science.
  2. Political Science Y204, Y391, and 3 credit hours from Y302, Y343, Y346, Y350, Y376, or pre-approved sections of COAS E104 (TOPICS), Y200, Y396 or Y401. A list of pre-approved sections is on file each semester in the Departments of Economics and Political Science.
Note: This minor is not available to students choosing a major in economics or political science.

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Honors Program in Economics

Students with records of distinction may be eligible for the degree of B.A. with honors in economics. The honors program in economics recognizes those students with marked potential to excel in the study of economics and who desire more intensive contact with faculty than is available in the classroom and who desire some discretion to pursue topics that interest them.

Students who have completed E201, E202, E370, E321, E322, and have earned a GPA of 3.3 or better may be admitted to the honors program. Requirements for a B.A. with honors in economics are:

  1. A GPA of 3.5 or better in economics courses upon graduation.
  2. At least 6 credits in economics courses numbered E390 through E490. Credit in E391 Undergraduate Readings in Economics must be approved in advance by the honors director.
  3. Presentation of an undergraduate honors project approved by the honors director. Three to 6 hours of credit may be earned for preparation of the honors project (with permission of the honors director) by registering for E499.
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Course Descriptions

E201 Introduction to Microeconomics (3 cr.) SHSI Scarcity, opportunity cost, competitive and non-competitive market pricing, and interdependence as an analytical core. Individual sections apply this core to a variety of current economic policy problems, such as poverty, pollution, excise taxes, rent controls, and farm subsidies. I Sem., II Sem., SS.
E202 Introduction to Macroeconomics (3 cr.) SHSI P: E201. Measuring and explaining aggregate economic performance, money, monetary policy, and fiscal policy as an analytical core. Individual sections apply this core to a variety of current economic policy problems, such as inflation, unemployment, and economic growth. I Sem., II Sem., SS.
S201 Introduction to Microeconomics: Honors (3 cr.) SHSI Designed for students of superior ability. Covers same core materials as E201 and substitutes for E201 as a prerequisite for other courses. I Sem.
S202 Introduction to Macroeconomics: Honors (3 cr.) SHSI Designed for students of superior ability. Covers same core material as E202 and substitutes for E202 as a prerequisite for other courses. II Sem.
E303 Survey of International Economics (3 cr.) SHSI P: E201-E202. Basis for and effects of international trade, commercial policy and effects of trade restrictions, balance of payments and exchange rate adjustment, international monetary systems, and fixed vs. flexible exchange rates. Students who have taken E333 may not enroll in E303 for credit. Only 6 credit hours from E303, E331, and E332 may be counted toward a major in economics.
E304 Survey of Labor Economics (3 cr.) SHSI P: E201 and E202. Economic problems of the wage earner in modern society; structure, policies, and problems of labor organizations; employer and governmental labor relations. Credit given for only one of E304 and E340.
E305 Money and Banking (3 cr.) SHSI P: E201-E202. Monetary and banking system of the U.S. The supply and control of money. The impact of money on the U.S. economy. Topics in the application of Federal Reserve monetary policy. Analytical treatment of the Federal Reserve system and the commercial banking industry. Credit given for only one of E305 and E350.
E308 Survey of Public Finance (3 cr.) SHSI P: E201 and E202. Major elements of taxation and public expenditures. Not recommended for economics majors. Only 6 credit hours from E308, E361, and E362 may be counted toward a major in economics.
E309 Topics in Economics (3 cr.) SHSI P: E201 and E202. Examination and analysis of a topic area in economics. Topics will vary. Intended primarily for non-majors wanting exposure to economics beyond the introductory level. May be repeated twice for credit with different topics.
E321 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory (3 cr.) SHSI P: E201 and MATH M119 or M211. The economics of consumer choice. The economics of production, cost minimization, and profit maximization for business firms in the short run and long run under various market structures. Competition and adjustment to market equilibrium. Introduction to game theory, strategic interaction, and noncooperative equilibria. Credit given for only one of E321, S321, E421, or BUS G300.
S321 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory: Honors (3 cr.) SHSI P: E201 and MATH M119 or M211. Designed for students of superior ability. Covers same core material as E321 and substitutes for E321 as a prerequisite for other courses. Credit given for only one of the following: E321, S321, E421, or BUS G300.
E322 Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory (3 cr.) SHSI P: E202 and E321. National income accounting; theory of income, employment, and price level. Countercyclical and other public policy measures.
S322 Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory: Honors (3 cr.) SHSI P: E202 and E321. Designed for students of superior ability. Covers same core material as E322 and substitutes for E322 as a prerequisite for other courses. Credit given for only one of the following: E322, S322, E422, BUS G301 or G409.
E327 Games and Experimental Methods I: Game Theory (3 cr.) SHSI P: E321. Mathematical analysis of strategic interaction. Noncooperative games played once or repeatedly, with perfect or imperfect information. Necessary condition for a solution (equilibrium) as well as sufficient conditions (refinements). Cooperative games, such as bargaining and market games. Numerous applications, including experimental games.
E331 International Trade (3 cr.) P: E321. Theories of trade pattern, positive and normative aspects of trade and trade related policies in competitive and non-competitive markets; effects of trade liberalization and economic integration; trade policies by developed and developing nations; international factor movements. Only 6 credit hours from E303, E331, and E332 may be counted toward a major in economics.
E332 International Monetary Economics (3 cr.) P: E322. Theory of exchange rate and balance of payments adjustment, macroeconomic policy in open economies, history and comparison of international monetary systems, and proposals for reform. Credit given for only one of E332 and E433. Only 6 credit hours from E303, E331, and E332 may be counted toward a major in economics.
E337 Economic Development (3 cr.) P: E321. Characteristics of economically underdeveloped countries. Obstacles to sustained growth; planning and other policies for stimulating growth; examination of development problems and experience in particular countries. Credit given for only one of E337 and E495.
E341 Economics of Labor Market (3 cr.) P: E370 or S370, and E321. Analysis of the functioning of labor markets with theoretical, empirical, and policy applications in determination of employment and wages in the U.S. economy. Credit given for only one of E341 and E441.
E347 Women and the Economy (3 cr.) P: E321. Description and analysis of the position of women in the U.S. economy. Emphasis is placed on using microeconomic theories to explain women's labor force behavior; sex differentials in earnings and occupations; discrimination; economic issues related to marriage, divorce, fertility, and mortality; institutional and governmental policies that affect women's economic behavior.
E359 Economic History of the U.S. (3 cr.) SHHS P: E321. Economic development and institutional change in the U.S. from colonial times to the present. Timing, pace, and sources of economic growth; structural change; economic activity; industrialization; government intervention; and income distribution. Credit given for only one of E359 and E409.
E361 Public Finance: Government Spending (3 cr.) P: E321. Theory of public goods and externalities. Cost benefit analysis. Public choice theory. Analysis of specific expenditure, transfer, and regulatory programs. Only 6 credit hours from E308, E361, and E362 may be counted toward a major in economics.
E362 Public Finance: Taxation (3 cr.) P: E321. U.S. tax structure, income redistribution effects, and efficiency in resource allocation. Use of welfare theory and microeconomic models to evaluate particular issues. Only 6 credit hours from E308, E361, and E362 may be counted toward a major in economics.
E364 Environment and Resource Economics (3 cr.) SHSI P: E321. Basic theory of common property resources applied to environment and resource conservation problems. Topics include economic efficiency, equity, measurement problems, and policy formulation. Credit given for only one of E364 and E463.
E370 Statistical Analysis for Business and Economics (3 cr.) NMMC P: MATH M118 or similar course emphasizing probability concepts. P or C: ECON E201 or E202 and MATH M119. Lectures emphasize the use of basic probability concepts and statistical theory in the estimation and testing of single parameter and multivariate relationships. In computer labs, using Microsoft Excel, each student calculates descriptive statistics, probabilities, and least squares regression coefficients in situations based on current business and economic events. E270, S270, I Sem., II Sem., SS. Credit given for only one of the following: ECON E270, S270, E370, S370, CJUS K300, MATH/PSY K300, K310; SOC S371; or SPEA K300. I Sem., II Sem., SS.
S370 Statistical Analysis for Business and Economics: Honors (3 cr.) NMMC P: MATH M118 or similar course emphasizing probability concepts. P or C: ECON E201 or E202 and MATH M119. Designed for students of superior ability. Covers same core material as E370 and substitutes for E370 as a prerequisite for other courses. Credit given for only one of S270, E270, E370, and S370.
E385 Economics of Industry (3 cr.) P: E321. Empirical analysis of market structure and behavior. Location, technology, economies of scale, vertical integration, conglomerates, barriers to entry, and competitive practices. Economic assessment of product performance and environmental impact.
E386 Soviet-Type Economies in Transition (3 cr.) P: E321. Economic institutions, resource allocation mechanisms, incentives and decision-making in a Soviet-type economy; economics of transition to a market-oriented system. Particular attention is paid to price liberalization, development of the financial system, privatization of state-owned assets, opening to the world economy, and the role of private sector. Credit given for only one of E386 and E497.
E390 Undergraduate Seminar in Economics (3 cr.) P: E321. Discussion and analysis of contemporary economic problems. Different topics offered each semester. May be repeated twice for credit. Papers and written assignments ordinarily required. I Sem.
E391 Undergraduate Readings in Economics (1-6 cr.) P: E321, or consent of instructor. Individual readings and research. Maximum of 6 credit hours count toward degree. Restricted to majors in economics.
E425 Financial Economics (3 cr.) P: E321 and E370 strongly recommended. Modern financial markets; theories and empirical evidence. Present value, modern portfolio theory, risk and return, the capital asset pricing model, arbitrage pricing theory, the efficient markets hypothesis, bubbles, noise and market anomalies, options and derivative securities, and the economic function of derivatives.
E427 Seminar in Experimental Economics (3 cr.) P: E321 and E370 or consent of instructor. Focuses on the use of laboratory experimental methods in applied microeconomics. Specific application areas will include the analysis of resource allocation mechanisms for both private and public goods and individual choice under uncertainty using both human and nonhuman subjects.
E471 Econometric Theory and Practice I (3 cr.) P: E370 or consent of instructor. Emphasis is on the classical linear regression model and that probability and statistical theory play in its formulation and use. Special topics include point and interval estimation, hypothesis testing, extensions of multiple regression, and computer calculation of least squares estimators and test statistics. Credit given for only one of E372 and E471.
E472 Econometric Theory and Practice II (3 cr.) P: E471. Emphasis is on the matrix formulation and computer estimation methods for single and multiple equation classical regression models using economic and business data. Attention is given to the assumptions required for testing a single coefficient, sets of coefficients, and the complete regression model. Special topics include heteroscedasticity, multicollinearity, errors in variables, autocorrelation, and system identification.
E490 Advanced Undergraduate Seminar in Economics (3 cr.) Open to juniors and seniors by special permission; preference given to honors students. Discussion of contemporary economic problems. Tutorial sections limited to twenty students each.
E496 Foreign Study in Economics (3-8 cr.; once only) SHSI P: consent of chairperson. Course involves planning of research project during year preceding summer abroad. Time spent in research abroad must amount to at least one week for each credit hour granted. Research must be presented by end of semester following foreign study.
E499 Reading and Research for Honors (3-6 cr.) P: approval of departmental honors advisor. Research and preparation of senior honors project. Maximum of 6 credit hours count toward degree.
Y398 Internship in Professional Practice (1-6 cr.) P: junior standing; approval of major department. Students receive credit for selected, career-related, full-time work. Evaluation by employer and faculty sponsor. Credit may not be included in 27 credit hours required for major. Maximum of 6 credit hours count toward degree.

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