Course code:

HS1046

Level:

I - Introductory

Class size limit:

20

Meets the following requirements:

  • QR - Quantitative Reasoning
  • HS - Human Studies

Typically offered:

Yearly

This course provides students with an introduction to both economic theory and the historical and institutional background needed to understand the context, functioning, and trajectory of 21st Century economies.

On the theoretical side, students will be introduced to explanations of the economic behavior of individuals and firms (microeconomics) and the workings of national economies and money (macroeconomics), including economic development and international topics such as trade and exchange rates. In addition to the standard neoclassical approaches to these topics, we will also introduce behavioral, feminist, Marxist, and ecological economics perspectives.

Complementing these theoretical approaches will be a rich immersion in historical and institutional themes such as the history of capitalism, the rise of corporations, the institutional background of markets for stocks, bonds, and derivatives, inequality and poverty, state-led capitalism (e.g. as seen in China and Brazil), and the events that led up to recent financial crises in the United States and Europe.

Evaluation will be based on bi-weekly problem sets, a final exam, and various forms of classroom participation. Learning will be facilitated by a weekly lab session that will be scheduled the first week of the term.

Prerequisites:

None.

Always visit the Registrar's Office for the official course catalog and schedules.