Economics Courses

Economics (ECON)

ECON-099 Occupational Work Experience

1-4 Units: 18-72 hours of work experience, per term, LR, DG, CSU

Prerequisite: Employment in career-related field.

For more information on this course, refer to Cooperative Education. Units are determined by number of hours worked.

This course offers on-the-job learning experiences for employed students, whether paid or volunteer, in cooperation with their employers. If students’ career goals are directly related to their work experience, they can earn up to four units per term. Students must be enrolled in at least seven units, including their cooperative education units (proportionately fewer in summer session). Petition to repeat for a maximum of 16 units.

ECON-100 Topics in Economics

.5-4 Units: 9-72 hours of lecture and/or 27-216 hours of laboratory, per term, SC, DG

This course covers topics in economics. Topics will be chosen to supplement and serve as additions to current offerings in the area, and will be announced each term in the current schedule of classes.

ECON-220 Introduction to Macroeconomic Principles

3 Units: 54 hours of lecture, per term, SC, DG, CSU, UC (C-ID: ECON 202)

Prerequisite: MATH-120

This course is about the study of how societies provide the material requisites for well-being. Macroeconomics studies the health of the economy as a whole and its ability or potential to provide for the well-being of individuals. The health of the economy is affected by both long run trends of economic growth and development and short run business cycle fluctuations. This course introduces some of the causes and consequences of these trends and fluctuations as well as the key economic indicators used to measure them. In the United States, as in most countries, both the federal government (Congress and the President) and the central bank (Federal Reserve) can and do make decisions which affect macroeconomic activity and the health of our economy. The federal government can change taxes and spending, referred to as fiscal policy, while the central bank can change the money supply and interest rates, referred to as monetary policy. Both fiscal and monetary policies are thoroughly examined in the course. In addition, all governments make decisions regarding foreign trade. The arguments for and against free trade and the methods for restricting foreign trade are also analyzed. All topics in this course are discussed in terms of the fundamental macroeconomic theories and models with references to current and historic examples.

ECON-221 Introduction to Microeconomics Principles

3 Units: 54 hours of lecture, per term, LR, DG, CSU, UC (C-ID: ECON 201)

Prerequisite: MATH-120

Advisory: ECON-221 may be taken before ECON-220

This course is about the study of how societies provide and distribute the material requisites for well-being. In microeconomics, the focus is on individual markets and the economic interactions between buyers and sellers of a particular product. Markets are studied in order to understand the factors that influence price and to determine if the material requisites are efficiently and equitably provided. The supply and demand model is used to study market interactions and will be thoroughly covered in this class. This includes investigating a variety of factors that can influence the decisions of buyers and sellers; identifying special characteristics of the market or the product; and determining whether or not producing or using the product causes others to suffer or benefit. In cases in which the market fails to be efficient or equitable, governments frequently intervene. Actions the government can take and the arguments for and against government intervention are also covered. All topics in the course are discussed in terms of the fundamental microeconomic theories and models with references to current and historic examples.

ECON-298 Independent Study

.2-4 Units: 3.6-72 hours of independent study, per term, SC, DG

Prerequisite: Educational contract of study signed by an instructor, department chair and vice president. Topics must extend beyond regular course offerings.

This course is designed for selected students to pursue independent study in economics under the direction of an instructor.

ECON-300 Field Studies

.1-4 Units: 1.8-72 hours of lecture and/or 5.4-216 hours of laboratory, per term, SC, DG

This course provides the opportunity for students to participate in field experience in various disciplines. In all cases, field classes will be oriented toward direct involvement by the student in some outside activity which should supplement the classroom experience. Petition to repeat for maximum units.