Economics 228 - Introduction to Financial Economics

This is an introduction to financial markets and the economic fundamentals of investment decisions. The overarching course goal is to increase financial literacy and awareness of how financial and investment decisions are made. Students will gain an integrated perspective on how time, risk, return, and uncertainty are interconnected. Topics will include a general overview of the financial system and capital markets, the time value of money, the practical application of valuation models to personal finance, risk and return analysis, and the essentials of investment portfolio management. After the course, students should fain a working knowledge of digital tools for financial analysis and understand the fundamental theories, concepts, and formulas related to financial decisions, the effects of financial markets and financial intermediaries on businesses and individuals, the essentials of corporate financial statements, and models for common stock and bond valuation.

Requisite: ECON 111/111E. Limited to 30 students. Fall and Spring semesters. Professor Bychkova. 

How to handle overenrollment: Some preference will be given to a) students who have taken fewer 200-level economics classes and b) economics majors. The class will be selected to achieve a group with diverse academic backgrounds and interests.

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Readings, independent research, group work, exams, exercises, and quantitative work