Economics

This course introduces the theory and practice of consumer studies. In terms of theory, the course focuses on economic, psychological, sociological, communication, and marketing theories to develop an understanding of consumers. Concepts such as information processing, attitude formation, framing, group norms, conflicts, motivations, emotions, goals, income, wealth, social practices, and culture are studied. In terms of practice, the course reviews four different approaches to consumer studies. All theories can be analyzed with at least four different approaches: marketing, communication, sociology, and economics. During a group assignment students analyze a self-chosen problem concerning a consumer situation with the four approaches to examine how and why consumers behave the way they do, and to provide an answer to the raised research problem.

This is a special studies course involving an internship with a corporate, public, governmental, or private organization, arranged with the Study Center Director of Liaison Officer. Specific internships vary each term and are described on a special study project form for each student. A substantial paper or series of reports is required. Units vary depending on the contact hours and method of assessment. Graded P/NP only.

This course provides a critical analysis of the dynamics of growth and convergence of European economies from 1870 to today, and the contribution of the EEC and EU to monetary integration and macroeconomic stability in Western Europe. 

This course utilizes an inter-disciplinary approach by using different analytical lenses when examining the intersections between different fields. The course begins with examination of key theoretical and ideological underpinnings related to natural resource management, synthesizing different academic fields beyond just economics and politics. This foundation is utilized to examine some of the most pressing contemporary global issues, with country and regional specific examples including from Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe.