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Department of Economics
Bryn Mawr College
Dalton Hall 114
101 N. Merion Ave.
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
610-526-5030/-5331
Fax: 610-526-5655
economics@brynmawr.edu

Courses

This page displays the schedule of Bryn Mawr courses for this academic year. It also displays descriptions of courses offered by the department during the last four academic years.

For information about courses offered by other Bryn Mawr departments and programs or about courses offered by Haverford and Swarthmore Colleges, please consult the Tri-College Course Guide.

For information about the Academic Calendar, including the dates of first and second quarter courses, please visit the College's master calendar

Spring 2012

COURSE	TITLE	SCHEDULE/ UNITS	MEETING TYPE TIMES/DAYS	LOCATION	INSTRUCTOR(S)
ECON B105-001	Introduction to Economics	Semester / 1	Lecture: 2:15 PM- 3:45 PM TTH	Carpenter Library 21	Weinberg,M.
ECON B105-002	Introduction to Economics	Semester / 1	Lecture: 4:00 PM- 5:30 PM TTH	Dalton Hall 119	Weinberg,M.
ECON B202-001	Intermediate Macroeconomics	Semester / 1	Lecture: 9:45 AM-11:15 AM TTH	Thomas Hall 224	Ceglowski,J.
ECON B203-001	Statistical Methods in Economics	Semester / 1	Lecture: 11:30 AM- 1:00 PM MW	Taylor Hall G	Lanning,J.
ECON B208-001	Labor Economics	Semester / 1	Lecture: 2:30 PM- 4:00 PM MW	Taylor Hall D	Lanning,J.
ECON B234-001	Environmental Economics	Semester / 1	Lecture: 11:15 AM-12:45 PM TTH	Dalton Hall 2	Rock,M.
ECON B243-001	Economic Inequality and Government Policy Choices	Semester / 1	Lecture: 9:45 AM-11:15 AM TTH	Dalton Hall 1	Vartanian,T.
ECON B285-001	Democracy and Development	Semester / 1	Lecture: 1:30 PM- 4:00 PM W	Dalton Hall 212A	Rock,M., Ross,M.
ECON B304-001	Introduction to Econometrics	Semester / 1	Lecture: 9:45 AM-11:15 AM TTH	Dalton Hall 25	Weinberg,M.
ECON B313-001	Industrial Organization and Public Policy	Semester / 1	Lecture: 10:00 AM-11:30 AM MW	Dalton Hall 212E	Ross,D.
ECON B316-001	International Macroeconomics	Semester / 1	Lecture: 12:45 PM- 2:15 PM TTH	Dalton Hall 1	Ceglowski,J.
ECON B393-001	Research Seminar in Industrial and Environmental Regulation	Semester / 1
ECON B396-001	Research Seminar: International Economics	Semester / 1	Lecture: 12:00 PM- 2:00 PM W	Dalton Hall 212E	Ceglowski,J.
ECON B403-001	Supervised Work	Semester / 1			Dept. staff, TBA

Fall 2012

(Class schedules for this semester will be posted at a later date.)

Spring 2013

(Class schedules for this semester will be posted at a later date.)

ECON B105 Introduction to Economics Fall 2011, Spring 2012 An introduction to micro- and macroeconomics: opportunity cost, supply and demand; consumer choice, the firm and output decisions; market structures; efficiency and market failure; the determination of national income, including government spending, money and interest rates; unemployment, inflation and public policy. (Division I) (Weinberg,M., Clarke,M., Lanning,J., Stahnke,R. -- Division I: Social Science)

ECON B136 Working with Economic Data Not offered 2011-12 Applies selected principles of economics to the quantitative analysis of economic data; uses spreadsheets and other tools to collect and judge the reliability of economic data. Topics may include measures of income inequality and poverty; unemployment, national income and other measures of economic well-being; cost-benefit of public and private investments; construction of price indices and other government statistics; evaluating economic forecasts; and the economics of personal finance. (Ross,D. -- Division I or Quantitative) Cross-listed as CITY B136

ECON B140 Self Interest and Social Behavior Not offered 2011-12 Introduces students to an interdisciplinary, decision and game theoretic model of social behavior where self interest may be sought by rational choice, biological or cultural evolution. Applications include voting, market behavior, public policy formation, mate choice, the development of ethics and structuring environments to enhance cooperation. Designed for students interested in an interdisciplinary approach to social behavior, this course may be used toward the economics major only with the permission of the instructor. Prerequisite: MATH B101 (or equivalent) or consent of the instructor. (Alger,D. -- Division I: Social Science)

ECON B200 Intermediate Microeconomics Fall 2011 Systematic development of the analytical framework economists use to explain the behavior of consumers and firms. Determination of price; partial and general equilibria; welfare economics. Application to current economic problems. Prerequisites: ECON 105, MATH 101 (or equivalent), one 200-level applied microeconomics elective. (Ross, Division I) (Ross,D. -- Division I: Social Science)

ECON B202 Intermediate Macroeconomics Spring 2012 The goal of this course is to provide a thorough understanding of the behavior of the aggregate economy and the likely effects of government stabilization policies. Models of output, inflation, unemployment and interest rates are developed, along with theories of consumption, investment, economic growth, exchange rates and the trade balance. These models are used to analyze the likely macroeconomic effects of fiscal and monetary policies and to explore current macroeconomic issues and problems. Prerequisites: ECON B105, or H101 and H102, MATH B101 or equivalent, and sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. (Ceglowski, Division 1) (Ceglowski,J. -- Division I: Social Science)

ECON B203 Statistical Methods in Economics Spring 2012 An introduction to econometric terminology and reasoning. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability, and statistical inference. Particular emphasis is placed on regression analysis and on the use of data to address economic issues. The required computational techniques are developed as part of the course. Prerequisites: ECON B105, or H101 and H102, and a 200-level elective. (Lanning, Quantitative Skills; cross-listed as CITY B206) (Lanning,J. -- Quantitative) Cross-listed as CITY B206

ECON B207 Money and Banking Not offered 2011-12 Analysis of the development and present organization of the financial system of the United States, focusing on the monetary and payment systems, financial markets, and financial intermediaries. Prerequisites: ECON B105, or H101 and H102. (Stahnke,R. -- Division I: Social Science)

ECON B208 Labor Economics Spring 2012 Analysis of labor markets. Focuses on the economic forces and public policies that determine wage rates, and unemployment. Specific topics include: human capital, family decision marking, discrimination, immigration, technological change, compensating differentials, and signaling. Prerequisite: ECON 105. (Lanning, Division I) (Lanning,J. -- Division I: Social Science)

ECON B213 Taming the Modern Corporation Not offered 2011-12 Introduction to the economics of industrial organization and regulation, focusing on policy options for ensuring that corporations enhance economic welfare and the quality of life. Topics include firm behavior in imperfectly competitive markets; theoretical bases of antitrust laws; regulation of product and occupational safety; environmental pollution; and truth in advertising. Prerequisite: ECON H101 or B105. (Ross,D. -- Division I: Social Science) Cross-listed as CITY B213

ECON B214 Public Finance Fall 2011 Analysis of government's role in resource allocation, emphasizing effects of tax and expenditure programs on income distribution and economic efficiency. Topics include sources of inefficiency in markets and possible government responses; federal budget composition; social insurance and antipoverty programs; U.S. tax structure and incidence. Prerequisites: ECON B105 or H101. (Weinberg, Division I) (Weinberg,M. -- Division I: Social Science) Cross-listed as CITY B214

ECON B215 Urban Economics Not offered 2011-12 Micro- and macroeconomic theory applied to urban economic behavior. Topics include housing and land use; transportation; urban labor markets; urbanization; and demand for and financing of urban services. Prerequisite: ECON 105, or 101 and 102. (Stahnke,R. -- Division I: Social Science) Cross-listed as CITY B215

ECON B225 Economic Development Fall 2011 Examination of the issues related to and the policies designed to promote economic development in the developing economies of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Focus is on why some developing economies grow faster than others and why some growth paths are more equitable, poverty reducing, and environmentally sustainable than others. Includes consideration of the impact of international trade and investment policy, macroeconomic policies (exchange rate, monetary and fiscal policy) and sector policies (industry, agriculture, education, population, and environment) on development outcomes in a wide range of political and institutional contexts. Prerequisite: ECON B105, or H101 and H102. (Rock, Division I; cross-listed as CITY B225) (Rock,M. -- Division I: Social Science) Cross-listed as CITY B225

ECON B234 Environmental Economics Spring 2012 Introduction to the use of economic analysis explain the underlying behavioral causes of environmental and natural resource problems and to evaluate policy responses to them. Topics may include air and water pollution; the economic theory of externalities, public goods and the depletion of resources; cost-benefit analysis; valuing non-market benefits and costs; economic justice; and sustainable development. Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: ECON B105, or H101 and H102. (Rock, Division I; cross-listed as CITY B234) (Rock,M. -- Division I: Social Science) Cross-listed as CITY B234

ECON B236 The Economics of Globalization Not offered 2011-12 An introduction to international economics through theory, policy issues, and problems. The course surveys international trade and finance, as well as topics in international economics. It investigates why and what a nation trades, the consequences of such trade, the role of trade policy, the behavior and effects of exchange rates, and the macroeconomic implications of trade and capital flows. Topics may include the economics of free trade areas, world financial crises, outsourcing, immigration, and foreign investment. Prerequisites: ECON B105, or H101 and H102. The course is not open to students who have taken ECON 316 or 348. (Ceglowski,J. -- Division I: Social Science) Cross-listed as CITY B238

ECON B242 Economics of Local Environmental Programs Fall 2011 Considers the determinants of human impact on the environment at the neighborhood or community level and policy responses available to local government. How can economics help solve and learn from the problems facing rural and suburban communities? The instructor was a local township supervisor who will share the day-to-day challenges of coping with land use planning, waste disposal, dispute resolution, and the provision of basis services. Prerequisite: ECON 105 (Ross, Division I) (Ross,D. -- Division I: Social Science) Cross-listed as CITY B204

ECON B243 Economic Inequality and Government Policy Choices Spring 2012 This course will examine the U.S. economy and the effects of government policy choices. The class will focus on the potential trade-offs between economic efficiency and greater economic equality. Some of the issues that will be explored include tax, education, and health care policies. Different perspectives on issues will be examined. Prerequisite: ECON B105, or H101 and H102. (Vartanian, Division I) (Vartanian,T. -- Division I: Social Science)

ECON B285 Democracy and Development Spring 2012 From 1974 to the late 1990's the number of democracies grew from 39 to 117. This "third wave," the collapse of communism and developmental successes in East Asia have led some to argue the triumph of democracy and markets. Since the late 1990's, democracy's third wave has stalled, and some fear a reverse wave and democratic breakdowns. We will question this phenomenon through the disciplines of economics, history, political science and sociology drawing from theoretical, case study and classical literature. Prerequisite: one year of study in political science or economics. (Rock, M. Ross, Division I; cross-listed as POLS B385) (Ross,M., Rock,M. -- Division I: Social Science) Cross-listed as POLS B385

ECON B304 Introduction to Econometrics Spring 2012 The econometric theory presented in ECON 203 is further developed and its most important empirical applications are considered. Each student does an empirical research project using multiple regression and other statistical techniques. Prerequisites: ECON 203 or 204; B200 or both B202 and MATH 201. (Weinberg, Division I) (Weinberg,M. -- Division I: Social Science)

ECON B311 Game Theory and Applications Not offered 2011-12 Teaches students to develop, use and assess the game theoretic models of imperfect competition, political economy, biological and cultural evolution. Considers how environments may be structured to enhance cooperation. Prerequisite: ECON B200 or equivalent. (Alger,D.)

ECON B313 Industrial Organization and Public Policy Spring 2012 The study of the interaction of buyers, sellers and government in imperfectly competitive markets. Prerequisites: ECON 203 or 204; B200. (Ross, Division I) (Ross,D. -- Division I: Social Science)

ECON B314 The Economics of Social Policy Fall 2011 Introduces students to the economic rationale behind government programs and the evaluation of government programs. Topics include health insurance, social security, unemployment and disability insurance, and education. Additionally, the instructor and students will jointly select topics of special interest to the class. Emphasis will be placed on the use of statistics to evaluate social policy. Prerequisites: ECON 200 and 203. (Weinberg, Division I) (Weinberg,M. -- Division I: Social Science) Cross-listed as CITY B314

ECON B315 Economics of Information and Uncertainty Not offered 2011-12 A study of economic behavior under conditions of incomplete information and uncertainty. Topics include problems of moral hazard and adverse selection in agency theory and signaling model, sequential games of incomplete information, bilateral bargaining and reputation. Applications include optimal insurance contracts, financial bubbles, credit rationing, and the value of information. Prerequisite: ECON B200. (Stahnke,R. -- Division I: Social Science)

ECON B316 International Macroeconomics Spring 2012 Examines the theory of, and current issues in, international macroeconomics and international finance. Considers the role of international factors in macroeconomic performance; policy-making in an open economy; exchange rate systems and exchange rate behavior; international financial integration; and international financial crises. Prerequisites: ECON B202 and ECON B203. (Ceglowski, Division I) (Ceglowski,J. -- Division I: Social Science)

ECON B324 The Economics of Discrimination and Inequality Fall 2011 Explores the causes and consequences of discrimination and inequality in economic markets. Topics include economic theories of discrimination and inequality, evidence of contemporary race- and gender-based inequality, detecting discrimination, and identifying sources of racial and gender inequality. Additionally, the instructor and students will jointly select supplementary topics of specific interest to the class. Possible topics include: discrimination in historical markets, disparity in legal treatments, issues of family structure, and education gaps. Prerequisites: At least one 200-level applied microeconomics elective, Economics 203 or 204, and Economics 200 or 202. (Lanning, Division I) (Lanning,J. -- Division I: Social Science) Cross-listed as CITY B334

ECON B348 International Trade Not offered 2011-12 Study of the major theories offered to explain international trade. Includes analyses of the effects of trade barriers (tariffs, quotas, nontariff barriers), trade liberalization, and foreign investment by multinational corporations on growth, poverty, inequality, and the environment. Prerequisite: ECON B200. (Stahnke,R. -- Division I: Social Science)

ECON B350 Policy Analysis and Economic Advocacy Not offered 2011-12 The goal of this seminar is mastering the ability to translate the fruits of academic research and applied economic analysis for audiences outside of the academy. Participants will collaborate with faculty colleagues in the production of publishable advocacy papers in the context of two topical policy modules. Prerequisites: ECON B203, B200, B202 and at least one 200-level elective. (Ross,D., Alger,D.)

ECON B393 Research Seminar in Industrial and Environmental Regulation Spring 2012 Thesis seminar. Each student does a semester-long research project on a relevant topic of interest. Research topics include the interaction of buyers, sellers, and government in imperfectly competitive markets. Prerequisite: ECON B200; B203; B213 or B234 or B313. (Ross, Division I) (Ross,D. -- Division I: Social Science)

ECON B395 Research Seminar in Economic Development Fall 2011 Thesis seminar. Each student is expected to engage in a semester long research project on a relevant topic in economic development. The major work product for the seminar is a senior research paper of refereed journal article length. Students are expected to participate in all group meetings and all one-on-one meetings with the professor. Prerequisites: ECON 225 and either ECON B200 or B202. (Rock, Division I) (Rock,M., Stahnke,R.)

ECON B396 Research Seminar: International Economics Spring 2012 Thesis seminar. Each student does a semester-long research project on a relevant topic of interest. Research topics in international trade or trade policy, international finance, international macroeconomics, and international economic integration are appropriate. Prerequisites: ECON 316 or 348, or permission of instructor. (Ceglowski, Division I) (Ceglowski,J. -- Division I: Social Science)

ECON B403 Supervised Work An economics major may elect to do individual research. A semester-long research paper is required; it satisfies the 300-level research paper requirement. Students who register for 403 must submit an application form before the beginning of the semester (the form is available from the department chair). The permission of both the supervising faculty member and department chair is required.