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TECON 100 Understanding Economics (5) I&S, QSR
Examines fundamental concepts of economic analysis with application to contemporary problems. Cannot be taken for credit if credit received for a 200-level TECON or equivalent/higher level economics course.
TECON 150 Quantitative Preparation for Economics and Business (5) NW, QSR
Introduces students to the kinds of quantitative analysis used in economics and business courses. Uses practical examples to build skills in graphical analysis, use of algebra, basic probability, introductory computer use, and quantitative reasoning.
TECON 200 Introduction to Microeconomics (5) I&S, QSR
Analysis of markets: consumer demand, production, exchange, the price system, resource allocation, government intervention. Recommended: TQS 111.
TECON 201 Introduction to Macroeconomics (5) I&S, QSR
Analysis of the aggregate economy: national income, inflation, business fluctuations, unemployment, monetary system, federal budget, international trade and finance.
TECON 312 Economics in Modern Society (5) I&S
Offers a matter-of-fact understanding of the economic system we live in. Covers economic concepts and research on an institution of choice, such as the commercial enterprise, banking, the new economy, the environment and the agricultural sector, and the prison system.
TECON 313 Theories of Economic Development and Social Change (5) I&S
Introduction to the major theories on Third World economic development and social change in the post-World War II period. Examines the historical evolution of these theories and the important debates surrounding them, and critically assesses the theories in light of late 20th-century development experience in both western and non-western contexts. Major theories include liberal, Marxist, modernization, dependency, world systems, and comparative institution-based political economy.
TECON 318 Industrial Policy and U.S. Manufacturing in Transition (5) I&S
Addresses various fundamental causes of the loss of U.S. competitiveness in several manufacturing industries. Analyzes the conditions necessary for effective industrial policies and explores the relevance of industrial policy in the U.S. in promoting international competitiveness, employment, regional and community development.
TECON 320 Gender and Development (5) I&S
Applies economic concepts to examine the role of gender in economic and social change. Examines critical debates surrounding households, particularly decisions about land, labor, resource allocation, bargaining power, and education; and the role of internal organizations, laws, and corporations in women's access to economic opportunity and political power.
TECON 328 Third World Problems and Prospects (5) I&S
Examines contemporary issues and problems faced by the developing world. Considers economic development, resource use, and aspects of neocolonialism. Discusses selected topics relevant to individual Third World regions and presents case studies.
TECON 332 Rise of East Asia (5) I&S
Compares the cultural, economic, and political development of the countries of East Asia. Topics may include political institutions, religion, business, economic development, trade and finance, science and technology, and arts and literature.
TECON 340 International Economics (5) I&S
Examines theory, institutions, and case studies in international economics. Covers theory of international trade and international finance, and analyses of government trade and finance policies. Analyzes role of international institutions. Prerequisite: either TECON 200, TBECON 200, TFIN 220, TECON 201, TBECON 201, or TFIN 221.
TECON 350 Economic History of Europe (5) I&S
Examines the transformation of Europe from an agricultural to an industrial economy. Utilizes a theoretical understanding of the economic processes to explain economic history and economic development. Recommended: either TECON 200, TBECON 200, TECON 201, or TBECON 201.
TECON 360 Poverty in Developing Countries (5) I&S
Examines the economic, social, and political factors that explain extreme poverty around the world. Examines patterns of extreme poverty, the relationship between domestic policies and poverty, and the role international factors play in contributing to and alleviating poverty in developing countries.
TECON 394 Comparative Economic Development (5) I&S
Introduces a variety of issues affecting Third World economies in a framework that emphasizes their particular and varied post-colonial histories. Draws on economic theory, cultural and economic anthropology, literature, and other sources to understand institutions and sources of change in these economies.
TECON 401 Topics in Economic History and Analysis (5, max. 10) I&S
Selected economic studies. Possible topics include history of monopoly and antitrust policy, economic regulation, structural change in the U.S. economy, labor economics, and the Industrial Revolution. Prerequisite: either TECON 200, TBECON 200, TECON 201, or TBECON 201.
TECON 410 Economics of Public Policy (5) I&S
Applies economic analysis to public issues, policies, and programs. Provides a theoretical understanding of markets and government policies to examine existing and alternative public policies. Analyzes case studies of government policies, and evaluates and critiques current public policies and alternatives. Prerequisite: either TECON 200 or TBECON 220.
TECON 416 Current Issues in U.S. Public Policy (5) I&S
Develops student' s analytical and conceptual understanding of current key federal public policy issues and reform proposals. Examines the economic role of the government versus the private sector in the U.S. economy, and analyzes issues surrounding the appropriate size and role of the public sector.
TECON 417 Political Economy of India (5) I&S
Analysis of relationships among processes of economic change, political institutions, and structures of political power in contemporary India. Includes contrasting approaches to Indian economic development, land reform, radical and agrarian political movements, and role of foreign aid. Prerequisite: either TECON 200, TBECON 200, TECON 201, or TBECON 201.
TECON 418 Urban Problems and Policies (5) I&S
Develops and applies economic analyses to an understanding of the dynamics and underlying structure of urban economies and urban problems. Draws examples from the local economy and local problems.
TECON 419 The Robber Barons and the Philosophy of Business (5) I&S
Examines economic life in the United States as shaped since 1870 by the exploits of famous captains of industry and the corporate empires they founded. Studies these business adventures (from railroads to Microsoft) and analyzes the nature and traits (dress, consumption habits, and political appetites) of the modern capitalist spirit.
TECON 420 Economics of Education (5) I&S
Examines topics in the economics of education including how schools re financed and why; what determines the amount and distribution of individual educational obtainment; debate over school vouchers; and the economic returns to education.
TECON 421 Environmental Policy (5) I&S/NW
Examines tradeoffs between the formal economy and the environment, and assesses current environmental policy. Places particular emphasis on examining and understanding local environmental issues. Prerequisite: either TECON 200, TBECON 200, TECON 201, or TBECON 201.
TECON 422 Economics of Sports (5) I&S
Explores sports economics. Uses economic theory and analysis to examine issues central to professional sports such as the determination of salaries and the public subsidization of stadiums.
TECON 423 The Political Economy of Technological Change (5) I&S
Discusses how technological change is conceptualized. Argues that technological change is both radical and incremental and an outcome of economic, socio-political, and cultural conditions. Seeks to show the complex dynamics underlying technological change, including bargaining, technology transfer, "learning-by-doing," and the role of the state in both industrialized and developing societies.
TECON 424 International Business and Development (5) I&S
Explores ways in which interactions between states, local business, multinational enterprises, and political agencies produce uneven levels and rates of development in different countries. Examines whether economic and technological backwardness will be a permanent feature of the modern world.
TECON 425 Contemporary Issues in International Political Economy (5) I&S
Investigates pressing issues confronting both industrialized and underdeveloped societies. Includes topics such as the international debt crisis, the changing international division of labor, poverty and inequality in the world economy, liberation movements, internationalization of production and regional disruptions in the U.S. Prerequisite: either TECON 200, TBECON 220, TECON 201, or TBECON 221.
TECON 426 The Nature of Money (5) I&S
Investigates the nature of money. Historical analysis of paper and metal money, bank credit and financial transactions, from antiquity to the present provides an understanding of the immense power of construction, destruction and influence of this enigmatic "means of payment."
TECON 432 Drugs, Mafias, and the Economics of Crime (5) I&S
Provides a history of the Sicilian Mafia and its socio-economic impact since World War II; a wide survey of the realm of drugs and intoxication; a study of the underground economies, prostitution, the arms trade; analysis of the tangle of interests uniting warfare, drug trafficking, and overall political destabilization.
TECON 440 Global Economic Challenges (5) I&S
Develops the contextual and analytical background necessary to understand and evaluate a number of major economic challenges facing citizens and nations throughout the world. Topics include global financial crises, energy and environmental security, global financial imbalances, global inequality and poverty, and the emergence of new economic powers.
TECON 460 China' s Rise and its Global Economic Implications (5) I&S
Explores and evaluates the implications of China' s growth and management of its economy for both Chinese citizens as well as the global economic system. Develops the analytical background necessary to understand the recent rapid emergence of China. Prerequisite: either TECON 200, TBECON 200, TFIN 220, TECON 201, TBECON 201, or TFIN 221
