Economics

This course explores the origins of modern economic growth through major themes such as life, love, death, place, and inheritance. The focus is on the world's first breakthrough in Britain during the Industrial Revolution. Students are exposed to frontier debates in economic history. Widespread use is made of intuitive econometrics, interdisciplinary insights, and historical context.

Europe encompasses the world’s largest and most complicated market. Recent events, particularly those following the ongoing economic crisis on the continent, raise profound questions about the future of Europe. This course focuses on present and future business issues facing the entire continent. Under this focus, the course examines the following questions: Should a “European” management style be developed instead of the national practices that frequently characterize companies originating in different European nations? How and under what circumstances should the European Union expand to Turkey, Ukraine, and other countries in the East? What has been the impact of the Treaty of Lisbon, in effect since 2009, on European economic, political, and social issues? In order to provide essential background and context for these issues, the course also reviews key events in modern European History. The course utilizes a variety of approaches, including small-group study, lectures, and case-study analysis, to develop a comprehensive understanding of European business. On virtual excursions to different districts of Berlin, the course studies how European and German history have influenced the economic development of this magnificent international capital and the course investigates the impact Berlin has in turn had on European business management. The course also features guest speakers on different topics in business and society in the European context.

This course provides students with an introduction to the basic concepts, methods, and practices of good accounting. Beginning with a consideration of accounting as an information system, students explore the structure of the double-entry bookkeeping system, the periodic measurement of profit by businesses, and the preparation of the statement of financial position. Students also tackle important topics like the problem of accounting for groups of companies and basic techniques for preparing group accounts. Students engage with the preparation of the three most important financial statements: the income statement, balance sheet, and the statement of cash flow. Through the active application of the content and the use of real-world examples, students understand how investors and others use financial statements and market information to assess a company’s investment potential.

This course covers global wine economics and the economy of sparkling wines and champagne. Topics include production potential, shipments and sales, strategies and economic models, marketing strategy and packaging, and the future of the industry.

This course studies the allocation of human resources through the labor market and the utilization of human resources inside the firm. The course explores issues related to investment in human capital, wage determination, labor force participation, worker mobility, hiring decisions and other personnel practices. Text: R. Ehrenberg and R. Smith, MODERN LABOR ECONOMICS: THEORY AND PUBLIC POLICY.