Economics Courses
The Introduction to Economics course, ECO 110, is the foundation for course work in the program. The course introduces topics in both macro- and micro-economic theory, as well as topics in economic institutions and policy analysis. A second tier of required major courses covers intermediate macro- and micro-economic theory (ECO 210, ECO 220) and basic statistics and the mathematics of change (MAT 130, MAT 140). It is recommended that the second tier be completed by the end of the sophomore year.
Upper-level requirements involve a minimum of seven junior- and senior-year courses. These courses include a senior seminar (ECO 500) and an econometrics course (ECO 390). Economics majors may earn a B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) or B.S. (Bachelor of Science) degree. Students pursuing the B.S. degree enhance their studies with courses in empirical analysis (ECO 395) and mathematical modeling (MAT 350).
The program encourages economics majors to consider course work or minors in the social sciences, mathematics, modern foreign languages, history, and philosophy. Elective courses in economics can be selected to satisfy the requirements for a minor in political economy. It is strongly recommended that students who are interested in international economics participate in Centre's off-campus programs.
ECO 110 Introduction to Economics
An introduction to economic theory with attention to the construction of simple economic models dealing with
consumer behavior, production, pricing, distribution, monetary theory, and national income determination.
ECO 150 Contemporary Public Policy Issues
A critical analysis of leading "liberal" and "conservative" approaches to such current economic problems as tax
policy, budgetary deficits, monetary policy, social security, productivity, wage and price controls, and business
regulation. A debate format is used with emphasis upon independent student preparation and participation.
ECO 210 Macroeconomic Analysis
An investigation of the economic factors determining the level of national income, prices, unemployment, and the
rate of economic growth utilizing a number of different theoretical perspectives. Consumption, investment, and
monetary and fiscal theories are studied in detail. Prerequisite: ECO 110 and MAT 160 or equivalent.
ECO 220 Microeconomic Analysis
An investigation of the economic factors determining consumer behavior, production, pricing, and market structures
in a partial equilibrium framework. Theories of distribution, welfare criteria, and general equilibrium are
examined. Prerequisite: ECO 110 and MAT 160 or equivalent.
ECO 260 Managerial Accounting Systems-I
A study of accounting fundamentals leading to an analysis of the creation and use of accounting data. The latter is
a conceptual study of financial information flows within the firm using contemporary systems analysis techniques.
ECO 270 Managerial Accounting Systems-II
An extension of the study of basic accounting functions to more complex financial entities followed by an
introduction to specialized analytical accounting statements and financial decision-making techniques.
Prerequisite: ECO 260.
ECO 310 Comparative Economic Systems
Comparative study of various economic systems from market-directed to planned economies. Emphasis upon current
functioning of different forms of economically advanced countries. Prerequisite: ECO 110.
ECO 320 Urban Economic Policy Analysis
Analysis of urban and regional economics with focus on existing and alternative private and public policies to deal
with socioeconomic problems. Topics include local government finance; housing; transportation; pollution; and
factors determining the size, form, and location of cities. Prerequisite: ECO 110.
ECO 330 Theory of Investment
Valuation of investment opportunities considering risk and return. Focus is on equity and fixed income
securities, portfolio construction, and investment planning. Prerequisite: ECO
110 and ECO 260 or permission of the instructor.
ECO 345 Law and Economics
An introduction to the analysis
of legal issues and legal reasoning. Case studies in tort law, product
liability, and the value of life. Other topics include dispute resolution,
contracts, property, affirmative action, civil procedure, and the economics of
criminal behavior. Prerequisite: ECO 110.
ECO 350 Dispute Resolution
A study of past, present, and future methods of resolving disputes over facts, rights, and decisions. The economist’s
tools of theoretical and empirical analysis are applied to prospective dispute resolution techniques to determine
their viability. The procedures discussed facilitate negotiations over everything from wages and prices to where to
go for dinner. Prerequisite: ECO 110.
ECO 353 Corporate Finance
This course deals with the foundations of finance, both in theory and in practice. Special emphasis is reserved for
the two most important decisions taken by every firm: 1) the capital budgeting decision and 2) the financing
decision. Risk measurement, evaluation, and management are integral parts of the course of study. Prerequisite:
ECO 110 and ECO 260.
ECO 354 The Legal Environment of Business
A study of the legal, ethical, and global environment of business. Topics include the sources of American law,
the workings of our judicial system, business ethics and social responsibility, product liability, deceptive trade
practices, international law, and environmental regulation. Prerequisite: ECO 110 and ECO 220 or permission of the instructor.
ECO 355 Environmental
Economics
This course applies economic theory to the major environmental issues of our
time. Topics include the evaluation of environmental policy, the management of
natural resources, determinants of resource depletion, sustainable development,
and the optimal level of biodiversity. We will use the tools of economics to
identify weighty problems and find the most efficient solutions. Prerequisite:
ECO 110.
ECO 360 Economic Development
Cross-cultural study of poverty in low-income societies relative to material affluence in high-income
societies. Emphasis given to Third World rural communities with comparisons to Western individualist material cultures
and values. Western economic-development thought critiqued via readings in anthropology and globalist
perspectives. Prerequisite: ECO 110.
ECO 365 Sustainability
Sustainable development serves
present generations without impairing future generations. It is a natural
offshoot of economics, which by definition is the science of allocating scarce
resources among competing ends. Living in an eco-village, students in this
course will learn about sustainable architecture, permanent agriculture,
alternative energy, urban environmental strategies, river restoration, and the
design of ecological communities.
ECO 370 History of Economic Thought
Study of the economic world views of major economists. Special emphasis is given to "classical" economic
thought. The various theories are critically evaluated in order to focus attention on the strengths and weaknesses of
modern economic thought. Prerequisite: ECO 110.
ECO 380 American Economic History
Applies economic analysis to an examination of the institutions, resources, and events which have shaped the
economic development of the United States. Prerequisite: ECO 110.
ECO 385 Health
Economics
Health Economics examines the behavior of providers (physicians, hospitals,
clinics), insurance companies, customers, and government agencies in the health
care sector. Sub-topics include the pharmaceutical industry, health systems
reform, reasons for burgeoning healthcare costs, managed care, markets for human
organs, and medical ethics. Prerequisite: ECO 110.
ECO 390 Econometrics
A study of the regression and correlation methods that are used to test economic hypotheses using empirical
observations. Bivariate and multivariate single equation models are discussed. Special topics include
multicollinearity, serial correlation, specification error, and heteroskedasticity. An introduction to simultaneous
equation systems is included. Prerequisite: ECO 210, 220, and MAT 130 or permission of the instructor.
ECO 395 Empirical Analysis in Economics and Finance
A course designed to give students working knowledge of the statistical tools routinely used in economics
and finance. With computer-based projects, the course is taught in a laboratory setting. Topics covered include the
use of spreadsheet programs for elementary statistical analysis and report writing, the applications of database
software, and the use of state-of-the-art econometric programs for more sophisticated analysis. Prerequisite: ECO 390.
ECO 400 Individual Study
ECO 405 Labor Economics
Economic and social forces determining the character and utilization of human resources in a market
economy. Topics include labor supply, labor demand, collective bargaining, mobility, human capital,
unemployment, technological changes, and wage rates. Prerequisite: ECO 110.
ECO 406 Applied Micro Theory: The Case of Sports
Through a study of the extensive literature on the economics of college and professional sports, various topics in
macroeconomic theory, such as monopoly and cartels, racial discrimination, and the relationship between earnings
and productivity are examined. The class emphasizes the mastery of the tools of economic analysis as well as the
historical and institutional factors peculiar to sports. Prerequisite: ECO 220.
ECO 410 Economic Journalism
Application of micro- and macroeconomic theory to the description and analysis of local, national, and world
issues. Through a series of assignments made as if the student were the economics reporter for a large newspaper,
the course fosters a capacity for rigorous economic reasoning and clear, precise writing. Prerequisite: ECO 210, 220.
ECO 415 Political Economy of Economic Democracy
An ethical, political, and economic appraisal of worker ownership and control of the production process.
Both comparative and noncomparative approaches are used in an attempt to establish the possibilities of
workplace democracy. Prerequisite: ECO 110.
ECO 420 International Trade
A study of the pure theory of international trade and finance and the operation of international economic
institutions within their relevant contexts. Topics include analysis of tariffs, common markets, exchange rate
policies, the significance of balance of payments, and the coordination of international and domestic policy by
national governments. Prerequisite: ECO 110, 220. ECO 210 is recommended.
ECO 430 Money and Banking
A study of the behavior of financial institutions including commercial banks, savings and loans, the Federal
Reserve, and the U.S. Treasury, and the role of money in macroeconomic stabilization theory and policy.
Prerequisite: ECO 110, 210.
ECO 440 Public Finance
A study of the efficiency and equity aspects of government finance and public expenditures and revenues,
stressing various taxes at the federal, state, and local levels. Prerequisite: ECO 110, 220.
ECO 445 Managerial Finance
A study of how firms efficiently manage their financial resources and maximize the value of their owner’s
investment. Capital budgeting, capital structure, and working capital management are the three fundamental
management decisions discussed. Specific topics include financial statement analysis, long- and short-term
financial planning, valuation, risk and return, cost of capital, mergers and acquisitions, international finance
and options. Prerequisite: ECO 260 or permission of the instructor.
ECO 460 International Finance
A survey of characteristics of international finance with particular attention to international mediums of
exchange and exchange rates in a global economy. Topics include fixed and flexible exchange rates, balance of payments,
interest-rate parity, purchasing-power parity, exchange risk management, capital flows, and Eurocurrency
banking. Prerequisite: ECO 210 and MAT 130.
ECO 470 Managerial Economics
Development and practical application of tools of supply, demand, cost, capital, and profit analysis to
organizational decision-making. Additionally, a study of the problems of economic measurement and
forecasting methods, business planning, and product strategy. Prerequisite: ECO 220 and 390.
ECO 480 Industrial Organization
A theoretical and empirical analysis of the structure of industrial markets and the behavior of business firms.
Topics include strategic behavior, mergers, product differentiation, pricing, entry, and advertising.
Prerequisite: ECO 220 or permission of the instructor.
ECO 500 Senior Seminar
Special Topics Offered 1998-2001
ECO 150, 350 International Economic Development and Poverty
A study of the leading issues in international economic development, with an emphasis on the distribution of
poverty across countries. Students become familiar with the various indicators of economic development and
national well-being, as well as the extent of poverty in different parts of the world, the reasons that poverty
persists, and the various means of alleviating it.
ECO 150, 350 Economics of Tourism and Sustainable Development
Study of resources allocation, income distribution, natural environment capital, and socioeconomic
consequences of tourism activities. Course topics focus on site observations and case studies of major tourist destinations
included in Centre College's foreign study program based in the Yucatan.
ECO 150 Justice Department vs. Microsoft: An Economic Analysis
An economic interpretation of the Microsoft monopoly dispute. Analysis deals with the economics of
antitrust legislation and the economic impact of a possible Microsoft break-up.
ECO 350 Economies in Transition: Russia and China
A study of the ramifications of once-command type economies evolving into market-oriented enterprises.
Examples include the Russian federation and China’s movement into the WTO. Prerequisite: ECO 210 and ECO
220.
ECO 350 Paradoxes and Anomalies in Economic Life
A study of facts and observations from laboratory experiments and every day economic life that contradict
the predictions of major economic theories. This class familiarizes students with primitive economic issues, such as
the formation of preferences, to more sophisticated topics, such as game theory. Prerequisite: ECO
110.
ECO 350 Theory of Investment and Asset Valuation
An exploration of the economic and financial principles required to estimate the asset value of an enterprise
for acquisitions/mergers, credit evaluation, and personal investing. Topics include "free cash flows," the
unleveraged value of an enterprise, the capital asset pricing models, bonds, the Black-Scholes option pricing model,
portfolio selection, and efficient portfolio frontiers. Students use standard financial software when analyzing the
issues considered. Prerequisite: ECO 110. ECO 260 is recommended.