Economics 105 - Intro/Political Economy
Spring
2026
01
4.00
Hans Despain
TU TH 2:30PM 3:20PM
UMass Amherst
77567
Bartlett Hall room 65
hdespain@umass.edu
Introduction to economic analysis for majors and nonmajors. Facts and concepts basic to understanding the U.S. economy today. Topics may include:
unemployment, economic development, inequality, technology, social wealth, environment, government economic policy, economic alternatives, race and gender, and discrimination. Contrasting theoretical perspectives. (Gen.Ed. SB, DU)
Econ 105 is open first to freshmen and sophomores until after freshmen enroll, then open to all.
This course is cross-listed with SPP 105, which has an enrollment capacity of 25.
Multiple required components--lab and/or discussion section. To register, submit requests for all components simultaneously.