Economics

Classes

ECON 130: Principles of Microeconomics

Discipline
Economics
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3
Designation
DS

Examination of the decision-making process of both households and firms. Analysis of the functioning of a competitive market system, using supply and demand models and the role of government in cases of market failure.

Course Outcomes
  • Translate important microeconomic terms and theories into various forms. Skills needed to achieve this outcome: Writing ability, ability to translate economic terms into their own words and mathematical ability, ability to translate and interpret economic theories in a two dimensional graphical space.
  • Explain the basic underpinnings of consumer and producer behavior. Skills needed to achieve this outcome: Research skills, Writing skills, Ability to formulate a hypothesis, and Ability to use the scientific method.

ECON 131: Principles of Macroeconomics

Discipline
Economics
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3
Designation
DS
Examination of the forces determining levels of and changes in national income, employment and the price level, including the role of government through its fiscal and monetary policies.
Course Outcomes
  • Translate important macroeconomic terms and theories into various forms. Skills needed to achieve this outcome: Writing ability, ability to translate economic terms into their own words. Mathematical ability, ability to translate and interpret economic theories in a two dimensional graphical space.
  • Identify, explore and analyze macroeconomic concepts using economic analysis and research skills. Skills needed to achieve this outcome: Research skills, Writing skills, Ability to formulate a thesis statement, Ability to backup arguments using published research and to cite that research appropriately.

ECON 220: Introduction to Environmental Economics

Discipline
Economics
Credits 3 Lecture Hours 3
Designation
DS
Environmental Economics uses the basic tools of economic analysis to focus on issues that pertain to the natural environment and its resources. The central theme is that there are competing demands for our limited natural resources necessitating that difficult choices be made regarding how those resources are used. Topics include global warming, Hawai‘i’s environment and other current environmental issues as time permits.
Recommended Preparation

Credit for Economics 130 or 131 and a course in Environmental Science, or instructor consent.

Course Outcomes
  • Explain how prices allocate resources in a free market economy, especially as related to the environment.
  • Evaluate the benefits and costs of environmental clean-up
  • Contrast free market solutions to environmental clean-up vs. competing views.
  • Evaluate outcomes and government policy responses in markets with negative externalities.