This course is a study of the theories of growth and development of children, from prenatal development through adolescence; looks at basic considerations of theoretical application to the educative process and child study. Involves directed observation in a variety of child-care and educational settings. Enrollment limited to 55.

A study of the American secondary and middle school as a changing social institution. Provides an analysis of the history and sociology of this institution, modern school reform, curriculum development and contemporary problems of secondary education. This course includes a weekly service learning commitment. Enrollment limited to 35.

Knowledge of linguistics is a valuable tool for educators. Understanding the linguistic underpinnings of language, variation between spoken and written language, and sociolinguistic variation that exists in the classroom is beneficial in teaching reading and writing to all students and in understanding classroom discourse. Knowing how language works allows educators to recognize the linguistic issues they may encounter, including delays in reading; the effects of multilingualism on writing, speaking, and reading; and differences due to dialectical variation.

This course explores how the challenges facing schools in America’s cities are entwined with social, economic and political conditions present within the urban environment. Our essential question: How have urban educators and policy makers attempted to provide a quality educational experience for youth when issues associated with their social environment often present significant obstacles to teaching and learning?

What role do central banks play in the management of short-run economic fluctuations? What has driven the recent global trend towards more powerful and independent central-banking institutions? This course explores the theoretical foundations that link central bank policy to real economic activity. Building on this theoretical background, the monetary policy frameworks and operating procedures of key central banks are then examined. Much of the analysis focuses on the current practices of the U.S.

Brain implants, embryo selection, self-driving cars, nanotechnology, robot nurses, virtual teachers, cognitive enhancing drugs and artificial general intelligences are among the technologies that might have a large impact on our economy over the next few decades. This seminar uses the tools of microeconomics to explore the potential effects of these and other possible technologies and to explain how economic incentives shape the types of technologies businesses develop. Prerequisite: ECO 250.

It is hotly debated whether and to what extent observable outcome differentials in various markets can be attributed to the effects of discrimination. This course will critically explore various discrimination topics, paying special attention to the evidence in the economics literature that potentially proves or disproves the presence of discrimination. A critical skill essential to the economic analysis of discrimination is the use of econometrics in analyzing discriminatory practices.

An introduction to the research workflow in economics. Drawing on examples from a variety of economic fields, students will learn how to search, read, and write about the economic literature and to generate reproducible economic data analysis using statistical software like R and Stata. The course focuses on the practical skills needed to apply the tools from economic theory and econometric methods to real economic research questions. Prerequisite: one of ECO 220, ECO 240, MTH/SDS 220, or MTH/SDS 291 and one of ECO 250 or ECO 253. (E)

An investigation of the economic foundations for investment, financing and related decisions in the business corporation. Basic concerns and responsibilities of the financial manager, and the methods of analysis employed by them are emphasized. This course offers a balanced discussion of practical as well as theoretical developments in the field of financial economics. Prerequisites: ECO 250, ECO 220 and MTH 111.