The analysis of sub-national or regional and metropolitan economies encompassing their distinctive processes and problems of economic growth, employment, and income determination, and intra-urban land use patterns. Policies addressing urban problems in the areas of job creation, housing, public infrastructure, education and welfare are included among the topical areas examined.

An analysis of the reallocative and redistributive functions of government — federal, state, and local — with emphasis given to examining the efficiency and equity implications of various tax and expenditure programs. Attention also is given to the issues of public borrowing, debt management, public enterprises, and the impact of these public sector activities on private capital markets. Spring.

The course deals with a variety of economic and social issues of the United States and the world. Its scope includes the gender, educational, and cultural characteristics of poverty and inequality in different countries; the ways whereby people obtain income; and the factors affecting job turnover and social mobility. The course examines the changing economic roles of women and men in the labor market and in the family. Various methodological issues in the study of poverty and inequality also are examined as well as the relationship between income distribution and overall macroeconomic performance. Fall.

An overview of the institutions and processes affecting the development, allocation, and utilization of human resources, as well as the level and structure of wages and other forms of compensation. Topics include the impacts of legislation, collective bargaining, discrimination and education on labor markets, along with the design of public policies to address market imperfections or to provide assistance to those not currently in the workforce.

An historical and theoretical analysis of international economic relations in both public and private spheres. Using the principles of economic analysis, models of international trade and factor prices, commercial policy, economic integration, balance of payments adjustment and foreign exchange markets are set forth and become a basis for examining policy issues.

This course examines the monetary side of international economics and globalization, including the current and historical structure of international finance institutions. Topics include exchange rate theories, monetary regimes, interest rates, asset pricing, and risk diversification, the balance of payments, currency crises, and open-economy aspects of fiscal and monetary policies. Emphasis is given to the use of theories in understanding current events and policy issues.

An examination of how economic concepts and modeling can be applied to help determine the justification for, and the effects of, various types of laws and contractual arrangements. The problems posed by externalities and other market failure arising in resource, labor, and product markets are discussed, and the legal framework and regulatory environment for addressing these issues is surveyed in order that alternative approaches might be evaluated.

Econometrics is a set of tools researchers use to estimate relationships between variables, test theories, and make forecasts, all using real-world data. Econometric analysis supports decision making in public policy, business, the court system, and academia. This course provides a rigorous introduction to econometrics, with a particular emphasis on multiple regression analysis. Topics include: formulation good research questions; estimating regression models using cross-section, time-series, and panel data; conducting hypothesis tests; and interpreting and critically evaluating published regression results.

Placement for a term and relevant learning experiences in business, nonprofit organizations, or government. Enrollment is restricted to economics majors; this course may not be used to fulfill upper-division economic electives. Graded P/F.

Building upon prior analysis of international trade and finance, this course offers students an advanced study of the interaction of the economic and political processes in the world arena. Topics may include, but are not limited to, economic and political integration, theories of direct foreign investment and international production, economic development, the political economy of the global environment and international governance. Spring.

Serving as a capstone for the international political economy major, the seminar goes beyond disciplinary lines in an attempt to further integrate diverse and often competing perspectives, methodologies, and values. A research thesis, on a topic of individual student's choice made in consultation with an advisor, is required along with an oral presentation to faculty and students involved in the program.

Serving as a capstone for the major, the seminar goes beyond specific fields to consider how the institutions of any society shape, and are shaped by, the ongoing economic process. Inquiries into how economies have evolved in specific historical contexts, and into their accompanying ideologies, are central to the course. A major paper on a topic of individual student choice is required. Spring.