Table of Contents - Hartwick College

the value of the dollar and other currencies. Prerequisite: Two different
numbered courses from Econ 250-259, Topics in Economics (SBA)
303 Econometrics (4 credits) The method by which real world data is
used to test economic theory and/or to make predictions about future
economic events. Presents regression analysis as a tool with which the
statistical relationship between economic variables may be rejected or
validated. Equal time is devoted to understanding econometric theory and
to the direct application of that theory to analysis. The course culminates
with students preparing an analytical research paper on a specific
question of personal interest. Prerequisite: Math 108, Math 121 or a Math
course at the 200 level. (SBA)
311 Economic History (3 credits) Explores economic causes and
consequences pertaining to the development of markets in a research
seminar setting. Recent topics for investigation have included: the origins
of plantations, the emergence of multinational corporations from 1850 to
1900, and 19 th and 20 th century labor history. Common readings are
initially discussed and then each student undertakes a substantial project
to investigate a specialized theme. (SBA)
313 Classical Political Economy (3 credits) Contemplates the
economic, political and philosophical “visions” in Adam Smith’s Wealth of
Nations, Karl Marx’s Capital, and John Maynard Keynes’ General Theory.
The development of the liberal ideal of unrestrained individual freedom is
traced through the ways these economists interpreted the social reality of
their time. The evolution of neoclassical economics is also considered, and
the contemporary relevance of these works is discussed throughout the
course. (SBA)
314 Development and Transition (3 credits) Considers various
explanations for the disparate levels of economic well-being among
nations, both historically and currently. Issues include the potential tradeoff
between economic growth and societal equity, miracles and failures,
the sustainability of certain development plans, the feasibility of “trickle
down” development, and innovative development techniques at both the
grassroots and macro levels. The course culminates with students creating
and defending development plans for a nation of their choice.
Prerequisite: One course from Econ 250-259. (SBA)
315 Government Policy (3 credits) A critical look at contemporary
domestic policy issues using the tools of theoretical and empirical
economic analysis, institutional analysis and the history of social policy.
Potential topics include crime, child care, education, medical care, social
security and long term care for the elderly. A significant portion of the
course will be devoted to independent student assessment of current
policy initiatives-specifically their costs and benefits-and the design of
policy reform initiatives. Prerequisite: One course from Econ 250-259.
(SBA)
316 Race and Gender (3 credits) Utilizes economic analysis to shed
light on the social issues of race and gender in contemporary United
States society. Potential topics include labor and credit market
discrimination, employment and housing segregation, the male-female
and black-white wage gap, labor market participation, divorce and
domestic violence. While neo-classical economic theory will serve as a
point of departure for each issue, the assumptions behind the theory will
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