Felipe Carrera
Industrial organization, applied microeconomics, economic history.
Kimberly A. Clausing
International economics, public sector economics. On leave spring 2021.
Denise Hare
Economics of development, labor economics, economics of transition, China’s economy.
Zhe (Jasmine) Jiang
International trade, international macroeconomics, labor economics, time series.
Noelwah R. Netusil
Environmental and natural resource economics, public sector economics, law and economics.
Tristan Nighswander
Macroeconomics, economic inequality, behavioral economics, computational economics. On sabbatical and leave 2020–21.
Jeffrey A. Parker
Macroeconomic theory, monetary and fiscal policy, growth and technology, economics of higher education.
Jonathan C. Rork
State and local public finance, urban and regional economics, microeconomic theory. On sabbatical 2020–21.
Nicholas L. Wilson
Behavioral economics, health economics, economics of development, economics of education. On leave fall 2020.
Economics is a study of the choices that individuals and societies make about how to allocate their scarce human, natural, and capital resources among competing uses. It is a social science, applying scientific methods of analysis to problems of human interaction.
Economics courses at Reed blend presentation of classical and modern economic theories with discussion of empirical tests and policy implications of the theoretical models. The objectives of the department are to equip prospective professional economists with basic analytical techniques and to provide nonspecialists with the understanding necessary to explain economic phenomena and to evaluate economic policy alternatives.
The introductory course (Economics 201) covers microeconomic theory with substantial and varied applications including student participation experiments, group projects, policy discussions, and problem-solving. Topical courses in economics, most of which have no more than Economics 201 as a prerequisite, allow students to explore further the application of economic theories and methods to a wide variety of subject areas. Although a textbook is sometimes used as the foundation for these courses, it is supplemented by reading from journal articles, conference papers, and other timely reports in order to provide students with a more critical appraisal of the field’s main findings and its newest developments.
A nonmajor taking economics to fulfill distribution or divisional requirements typically would take Economics 201 (open to all students without prerequisite) and one additional course chosen according to their interests. Students considering a major in economics are advised to take Economics 201 during their first year, though many students successfully complete the major starting their economics coursework as sophomores. Economics majors take core coursework in economic theory (Economics 313 and either 304 or 314) and statistics and econometrics (Economics 311 or 312), as well as a selection of elective courses. Economics 311 and 312 are alternative econometrics courses, not a consecutive sequence. Because there is considerable overlap between them, students should not plan to take both. Economics 304 and 314 are alternative courses in macroeconomics, not a consecutive sequence. Because there is considerable overlap between them, students should not plan to take both. Although there is no formal mathematics requirement, the methods of modern economic analysis require a working understanding of calculus, which is a prerequisite for the required courses in microeconomic and macroeconomic theory. Students considering graduate study in economics should take additional courses in mathematics as suggested below. A concentration in quantitative economics is offered for students desiring a stronger emphasis on quantitative analysis.
Economics majors are well prepared for a variety of postgraduate alternatives, including academic, public policy, law, business, or nonprofit career paths.
Requirements for the Economics Major
- Economics 201.
- Economics 311 or 312.
- Economics 313.
- Economics 304 or 314.
- Economics 470.
- Four additional units in economics (at least three of which are from Economics 315–469, excluding Economics 402), to make a total of 10 units of economics coursework.
Although there is no formal mathematics requirement, Mathematics 111 or equivalent background in differential calculus is a prerequisite for Economics 313 and 314. Students intending to do graduate work in economics should take Economics 312 and as much mathematics as possible. Mathematics 111, 112, 141, 201, 202, and 322 are especially useful. Such students may wish to consider the major with concentration in quantitative economics.
Requirements for the Economics Majorwith Concentration in Quantitative Economics
- Economics 201, 312, 313, 314.
- Mathematics 111, 112, 141, 201, 202.
- Four additional units in economics (at least three of which are from Economics 315–469, excluding Economics 402), to make a total of 8 units of economics coursework.
- Economics 470.
A Minor in Economics
The goal of the economics minor is to acquaint students with the primary analytical frameworks and methods of the discipline, as well as providing opportunities to explore their applications to topical issues.
Requirements for the Minor
All students will complete at least five units of economics courses, which must include:
- Economics 201.
- Two units, one unit each from two of the following three groups:
- Economics 313;
- Economics 304 or 314;
- Economics 311 or 312.
- Two additional units in economics, at least one of which is from Economics 315—469, excluding Economics 402.
Economics 201 - Introduction to Economic Analysis
Full course for one semester. This course will introduce students to the analytical approaches and tools of the economics discipline, and how these are used to examine current issues and problems that arise in the functioning of economic systems. Microeconomic theories of consumption, production, and exchange provide much of the analytical framework that will be utilized, although we will also explore some relevant applications to the macroeconomy. A central feature of this course is the examination of markets and how they determine what is produced and how it is allocated. We also devote some attention to evaluating market outcomes, to thinking about remedies to resource allocation problems that markets cannot solve, and to thinking about the factors that determine long-run productive capacity and income potential. Lecture-conference.
Economics 260 - The Economics and Politics of 2020
Full course for one semester. This course will study the economics and politics behind the 2020 election. The first third of the course will include an overview of the 2016 election, considering the economic factors—such as inequality and wage stagnation—that contributed to the rise of populist candidates, as well as an institutional analysis of the electoral landscape that precipitated the 2016 nominations. In this section of the course, we will also consider the consequences of the 2016 election in several concrete policy realms including environmental policy, tax policy, international economic policy, and education policy. The second third of the course will focus on the public policy issues that are salient to the 2020 race; likely topics will include wealth taxation, immigration, climate change, and health policy. We will also consider the strategic elements, the role of focusing events, and issue dynamics involved in campaigns for presidential election. The final third of the course will evaluate the outcome of the election, relating it to the predictions of the election models, prediction markets, and polls. Outcomes will be studied in the context of the underlying policy debates, and we will consider prospects for policy change in the coming administration. Prerequisite: Economics 201 or Political Science 260. Conference. Cross-listed as Political Science 360.
Economics 304 - Intermediate Macroeconomics
Full course for one semester. A survey of basic theories of economic growth and business cycles using graphical and algebraic methods. Studies the relationships among aggregate economic variables such as GDP, inflation, interest rates, unemployment, and exchange rates. Analysis of macroeconomic policy issues. Prerequisite: Economics 201 or consent of instructor. Lecture-conference.
Economics 311 - Survey of Econometric Methods
Full course for one semester. An introduction to applications of empirical methods in economics. Students are introduced to the nature and sources of economic data and basic concepts of statistics and econometrics. Topics include the estimation of econometric models, hypothesis testing, and forecasting. Emphasis is placed on the use of these techniques in empirical economic literature. Prerequisite: Economics 201. Lecture-conference.
Economics 312 - Theory and Practice of Econometrics
Full course for one semester. An introduction to the statistical methods commonly used in economic research. Classroom development of theoretical material is combined with extensive hands-on practice of econometric techniques. Statistical methods discussed include estimation and inference in simple and multiple linear regression models, detection and correction of autocorrelation and heteroskedasticity, time-series models and distributed lags, and estimation of systems of simultaneous equations. Considerable emphasis is placed on learning to specify, implement, and evaluate tests of economic hypotheses. Prerequisites: Economics 201 and Mathematics 141 or similar introduction to statistics, or consent of the instructor. Lecture-conference.
Economics 313 - Microeconomic Theory
Full course for one semester. This course provides a thorough exposition of neoclassical theories of producer and consumer behavior. Considerable attention is devoted to understanding the economic concept of efficiency and demonstrating the efficiency of competitive equilibrium in a general equilibrium framework. The efficiency of market outcomes under alternative assumptions is also examined, and some time is devoted to discussing social choice theory and the limits of the market. Prerequisites: Economics 201 and Mathematics 111, or consent of the instructor. Lecture-conference.
Economics 314 - Macroeconomic Theory
Full course for one semester. A detailed introduction to modern theories of economic growth and business cycles. Emphasizes the derivation of relationships among aggregate variables from assumptions about the behavior of households and firms. Examines empirical evidence for and against macroeconomic theories. Prerequisites: Economics 201 and Mathematics 111, or consent of the instructor. Lecture-conference.
Economics 315 - Game Theory
Full course for one semester. Game theory is the study of strategy. This course introduces students to game theory and its application in a wide range of situations. We study various classes of games, including static and dynamic games as well as those of complete and incomplete information. We also consider various solution concepts, including iterated elimination of dominant strategies and Nash equilibrium. Numerous refinements of the Nash equilibrium concept, including subgame perfect Nash equilibrium, Bayesian Nash equilibrium, and perfect Bayesian equilibrium, are also considered. We apply game theory to the study of competition, the commons, bargaining, auctions, conventions, institutions, and political decision-making. Prerequisite: Economics 201 and Mathematics 111, or the equivalent. Lecture-conference.
Not offered 2020–21.
Economics 323 - American Economic History
Full course for one semester. This course introduces the student to the economic history of the United States from colonial times to the present. Emphasis is placed on understanding the sources of economic growth and key developments in the historical economy. Topics to be covered include colonial markets for labor and land, the economics of slavery, and the Great Depression. Prerequisite: Economics 201. Economics 311 or 312 recommended. Lecture-conference.
Economics 341 - Monetary and Fiscal Policy
Full course for one semester. A study of classical and contemporary monetary theory, the structure and operation of private and public monetary and financial institutions, and the techniques and objectives of monetary and fiscal policy. Contemporary policy problems emphasized include maintenance of full employment and economic growth, prevention of inflation, and economic stabilization. Prerequisite: Economics 201. Conference.
Not offered 2020–21.
Economics 342 - International Macroeconomics
Full course for one semester. This course examines the macroeconomic linkages between countries. The core of macroeconomic theory is extended to the open economy. In this context, a number of issues are addressed, including current account imbalances, the role of fiscal and monetary policy in an open economy, and the choice of an exchange rate regime. Illustrations come from the adoption and abandonment of the gold standard, the European monetary union, and financial crises both past and present. Prerequisite: Economics 201. Conference.
Not offered 2020–21.
Economics 343 - Behavioral Finance
Full course for one semester. This course will provide an introductory overview of the structure and operations of financial markets, basic theories of portfolio management, and how recent contributions from behavioral economics have improved our understanding of human decision-making within a social and highly interactive context. Students will learn about the basic functioning of financial markets in terms of trading, arbitraging, hedging, leveraging, etc.; their major products, like commodities, bonds, stock, options; and the basic theories of portfolio management and price formation. We will discuss how original theories have evolved to include contributions from behavioral economics about decision-making under risk and uncertainty, including behavioral biases. A discussion of price equilibria and the efficient market hypothesis will be combined with criticisms from behavioral finance on the existence of market bubbles and price anomalies, like the equity puzzle, herding, over-under reaction to new information, etc. The course will be mostly theoretical, but it will include occasional practical exercises in which students will gather actual financial data and perform simple corporate stock valuations. Prerequisite: Economics 201. Conference.
Not offered 2020–21.
Economics 344 - International Monetary Systems
Full course for one semester. This course explores the history and functioning of international monetary arrangements and economic relations from the nineteenth century to the present day. Topics include the operation of the gold standard, the Bretton Woods exchange rate regime, the collapse of this regime and the advent of flexible exchange rates, the implementation of the European monetary union, and recent exchange rate and financial crises experienced in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Prerequisite: Economics 201. Conference.
Economics 348 - Economics of the Public Sector
Full course for one semester. This course considers the role of government in the economy. We examine the theoretical rationale for government intervention in the economy and the economic consequences of such government intervention, with examples coming primarily from the United States. In addition, the course studies how taxation affects economic efficiency, income distribution, capital formation, and microeconomic incentives. Major topics include environmental regulation, publicly funded education, welfare, social security, health care, tax reform, and international public finance. Prerequisite: Economics 201. Conference.
Not offered 2020–21.
Economics 351 - Environmental Economics
Full course for one semester. This course presents an economic analysis of environmental issues and policies. We will examine the impact of the economy on the environment, the importance of the environment to the economy, and how policies such as transferable permits, subsidies, taxes, and regulations affect the environment and economy. Concepts covered in this course include static efficiency, equity, property rights, discounting, cost-benefit analysis, risk and uncertainty, market failure, nonmarket valuation techniques, and sustainability. Prerequisite: Economics 201. Conference.
Economics 352 - Natural Resource Economics
Full course for one semester. This course presents an economic analysis of renewable and nonrenewable natural resources. Concepts introduced include static and dynamic efficiency, equity, property rights, discounting, market failure, nonmarket valuation, and sustainability. The course will cover current and proposed policies for resource management such as transferable quotas, taxes, subsidies, regulations, and public versus private ownership. Prerequisite: Economics 201 and Mathematics 111 or consent of instructor. Conference.
Not offered 2020–21.
Economics 354 - Economics of Science and Technology
Full course for one semester. An introduction to the economics of growth, innovation, and technological change in industrialized market economies. The neoclassical growth model is used as a theoretical basis for exploring empirical studies measuring the causes of economic growth. The causes and nature of innovative activity, as well as its effect on technological progress, are explored. Issues of appropriability and diffusion of technology are addressed. Industry and country studies are used to gauge the effect of technological change on economic performance. Prerequisite: Economics 201. Conference.
Economics 362 - Industrial Organization
Full course for one semester. In a market economy, firms decide what and how much is produced. This course introduces the student to the study of firm behavior, providing a solid foundation on the core theory that explains firms’ incentives and market structures. We also explore real-world application of these concepts with an emphasis on the modern U.S. economy. Topics to be covered include perfect competition, monopoly, dynamic oligopoly and collusion, antitrust and mergers, and vertical relationships. Prerequisite: Economics 201 and Mathematics 111, or the equivalent. Lecture-conference.
Economics 364 - Economics of Population, Gender, and Race
Full course for one semester. This course will consider race and gender as they influence and are reflected in decisions about schooling, work, and family. Using microeconomic models of marriage, fertility, migration, labor supply, and human capital investment, we will analyze and try to explain observed trends. Drawing on well-established literatures in the fields of labor economics and economic demography to provide frameworks for our discussions, we will consider the theoretical and empirical findings in light of their potential contributions to policy. Prerequisite: Economics 201. Conference.
Not offered 2020–21.
Economics 366 - Jobs, Technology, and Trade
Full course for one semester. Investigation of the causes and consequences of changing patterns of labor demand. We will seek to understand how technological innovation and a rising volume of trade influence the structure of labor demand and the organization of the workplace. Effects on wage levels, wage inequality, and patterns of employment will be examined. The role of worker representation, in various forms, will be considered along with an analysis of factors that contribute to labor organizing efforts and outcomes. We will focus our attention on the U.S. labor market although comparative analysis with the experiences of other industrialized countries will enhance our understanding. Prerequisite: Economics 201. Conference.
Economics 369 - Growth and Inequality
Full course for one semester. This course will examine the historical evolution of modeling economic growth and development. We will first survey theories of economic growth and the associated empirical evidence in order to understand inequality across countries. We will then examine policies, at both the macroeconomic and microeconomic level, aimed at alleviating poverty and improving the lives of individuals in developing economies. This course will conclude with a brief examination of inequality in developed countries, focusing on the sources and evolution of inequality in the United States. Prerequisite: Economics 201. Conference.
Not offered 2020–21.
Economics 371 - Law and Economics
Full course for one semester. Applications of microeconomic theory focused on common law and the legal system. Topics include the effect of the legal system on resource allocation, the establishment and scope of property rights, allocation of risk and efficient investments in precaution, product liability, and an economic analysis of criminal behavior and punishment. Prerequisite: Economics 201. Conference.
Not offered 2020–21.
Economics 382 - Market Development in Poor Countries
Full course for one semester. The economic problems and policies of poor countries will be examined, with emphasis on agriculture and the rural sector because this is where much of the population and economic activity is located, and where poverty is often most severe. We consider households, and the decisions they face, in the context of both their market and nonmarket environments, including their access to land, credit, insurance, and labor employment opportunities. Market failures, and potential strategies for their resolution, are a recurring theme. Additional topics include population growth, inequality and poverty, structural change, and globalization and trade. Prerequisite: Economics 201. Conference.
Economics 383 - International Trade
Full course for one semester. This course analyzes the causes and consequences of international trade. The theory of international trade and the effects of trade policy tools are developed in both perfect and imperfect competition, with reference to the empirical evidence. This framework serves as a context for a discussion of several important issues: the effect of trade on income inequality, the relationship between trade and the environment, the importance of the World Trade Organization, strategic trade policy, the role of trade in developing countries, and the effects of free trade agreements. Prerequisite: Economics 201. Conference.
Not offered 2020–21.
Economics 385 - Asian Economies in Transition
Full course for one semester. This course will compare and contrast plan-to-market transition processes across several Asian countries noted for their economic size and significance, including China, Japan, and India. We will take a sectoral approach, noting variation in policy objective, design, implementation, and outcome. Among the sectors we will consider are agriculture, industry, banking and finance, foreign trade and investment, and the public sector. Our focus will be contemporary rather than historical, although the roles of initial conditions and historical legacies also are relevant to our discussions. Prerequisite: Economics 201. Conference.
Not offered 2020–21.
Economics 391 - Health Economics
Full course for one semester. This course is a survey of major topics in health economics with a focus on the United States and other developed countries. We will examine health behaviors, health services, and health outcomes through the lens of microeconomic theory. Much of the course will examine market failures in health and public policies designed to address them. Substantive topics include Medicaid, Medicare, obesity, smoking, alcohol, early life health conditions, domestic violence, and pollution. Prerequisite: Economics 201. Conference.
Not offered 2020–21.
Economics 392 - Health in Poor Countries
Full course for one semester. Poor health is one of the biggest problems facing poor people in poor countries. Diarrhea, HIV/AIDS, intestinal helminthes, iodine deficiency, malaria, sleeping sickness, tuberculosis, vitamin A deficiency, and yellow fever are common problems in much of the developing world. These health problems reduce happiness directly, as well as indirectly through decreased cognitive and physical ability in productive activities. This course uses microeconomic and econometric tools to examine the causes and consequences of a few of these sources of poor health. Unlike a medical or public health approach to these topics, we will focus on behavioral aspects of these problems. Some of the questions we will explore include: How responsive is demand for health inputs to changes in the price of health inputs? How does economic activity affect health behavior? How does information affect health behavior? Prerequisite: Economics 201. Conference.
Economics 470 - Thesis
Full course for one year.
Economics 481 - Independent Reading
One-half or full course for one semester. Credit in proportion to work done. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.