Economics

Economics

Economics studies individuals' values, choices, and behaviors connected to the production, distribution, and consumptions of goods and services. The field is composed of microeconomics (a branch that studies how individuals, households, and businesses allocate scarce resources) and macroeconomics (a branch that studies whole economic systems). 

Additional economics courses expand upon these ideas. International economics provides an introductory survey of globalization's economic, political, social, and cultural dimensions. Political economy covers various micro and macro topics related to the United States economy from a systems and institutional perspective.

Economics is a great choice for students seeking an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer or Business-Associate of Science Oregon Transfer to meet the state of Oregon transfer degree requirements.

See the Economics page for program and contact information.

Programs

Transfer

Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer

Courses

EC 199 Selected Topics: Economics (4 Credits)

This course is in development.

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EC 201 Microeconomics (4 Credits)

Recommended preparation: WR 121Z or minimum placement WR/Comm Level 9 and MTH 111Z or MTH 112Z or MTH 251 (or higher) or minimum placement Math Level 20.

Introduces microeconomics, the study of how individuals and firms make choices in the face of scarcity. Builds economic intuition about the consequences of consumption and production decisions. Examines personal decision making as well as economic history to help facilitate critical thinking and analysis. Considers how goods and services are allocated and how market forces such as technology, market power and government intervention shape the setting in which these decisions are made. Examples from both personal and corporate finance link this course to practical real-world applications. Need not be taken in sequence.

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EC 202 Macroeconomics (4 Credits)

Recommended preparation: WR 121Z or minimum placement WR/Comm Level 9 and MTH 111Z or MTH 112Z or MTH 251 (or higher) or minimum placement Math Level 20.

Introduces macroeconomics, a branch of economics that focuses on the behavior and collective decision-making of an economy as a whole and studies the role of government in determining the pace of economic growth, maximum sustainable employment, and stable inflation. Examines how the governments use taxes, spending, laws and policies to influence important domestic issues such as levels of employment, healthcare, education, debt, wealth, poverty and inequality. Examines concepts like inflation, unemployment, interest rates and the behavior of governments and central banks during boom and bust cycles. Provides tools to understand individual behaviors such as saving, spending, investing and voting. Explores various theories, models and applications relating to business cycles, productivity, technological advancement, and globalization. Need not be taken in sequence.

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EC 230 Contemporary World Economic Issues: International Economics (4 Credits)

Prerequisites: EC 201 or EC 202.

Recommended preparation: MTH 095 and WR 121Z.

Provides an introductory survey of economic, political, social, and cultural dimensions of globalization. Covers issues and problems related to international economics and international economic institutions. Includes trade and the balance of payments; trade competition between the U.S. and other nations; reform and restructure of global economies; economic development and problems of developing nations.

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EC 280 Co-op Work Experience Economics (1-4 Credits)

Prerequisites: Instructor approval.

Provides experience in which students apply previous classroom learning in an occupational setting. Credits depend on the number of hours worked. P/NP grading.

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EC 285 Introduction to Political Economy (4 Credits)

Prerequisites: EC 201 or EC 202.

Recommended preparation: MTH 095 and WR 121Z.

Covers specific topics related to the United States economy from a systems/institutional perspective. Includes key institutions that make up the U.S. economy such as, corporations, government, the market system, labor unions, monetary and financial institutions, and others. Examines three problem areas: environmental degradation and resource depletion; social and political inequality; and economic instability. Introduces possible solutions based on institutional change and develops viable economic alternatives based on principles of environmental sustainability, equity and economic stability.

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EC 298 Independent Study: Economics (1-4 Credits)

Prerequisites: instructor approval.

Recommended preparation: prior coursework in the discipline.

Individualized, advanced study in economics to focus on outcomes not addressed in existing courses or of special interest to a student. P/NP grading.

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EC 299 Selected Topics: Economics (4 Credits)

Provides a learning experience in economics not currently available; this course is in development to be proposed as a permanent course.

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