Introduces the analysis of cultural diversity, including concepts, methods, and purposes in interpreting social, economic, political, and belief systems found in human societies.

Introduces the analysis of cultural diversity, including concepts, methods, and purposes in interpreting social, economic, political, and belief systems found in human societies.

This course covers the economic theory, policies, and history of immigration. The theoretical component covers neoclassical models, models from other schools of thought, demand side models of immigration, and contributions from other social science fields. Immigration policy will be analyzed through economic models as well as from a political economy perspective. Various contemporary arguments for and against immigration will be detailed and analyzed.

Study of the historical development of economics by reading the original works of the 'great masters': Smith, Ricardo, Marx, Marshall, and Keynes. Also examines the influence of the social context in which these theories were developed. Provides a historical perspective on modern microeconomics and macroeconomics - how these modern theories are similar to and different from earlier theories.

We analyze the challenges and opportunities of globalization for the prospects of economic development in latecomers. We study the debates among orthodox and heterodox economists about the development impact of international trade, foreign direct investment and the globalization of production chains, financial capital flows, and the structure of global governance in these areas. We explore how the rise of China impacts other developing countries. We include case studies, debates and simulations.

This course provides an overview of the ways in which government policies on taxation and spending affect outcomes for individuals (e.g., poverty, health, income) and for society (e.g., inequality, social mobility, economic growth). Topics will include the theory of taxation, public goods, and externalities. Students will apply these theories to current policy debates. Possible applications include healthcare, education, TANF, unemployment insurance, and Social Security.

This course looks at the scientific content and intellectual context of Darwin's theory of evolution - his facts, metaphors, hypotheses, and philosophical assumptions. Readings from Darwin and his sources, and examination of the organisms he studied. A background in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century history or whole organism biology is recommended.

Analysis of theoretical models and empirical studies on the economic performance of industries. Approaches studied include transaction cost economics, game theory, and pricing models. Topics include advertising, research and development, and relationships between government and business such as regulation and antitrust laws.

The course will illustrate and analyze the strategies used in making interrelated decisions. We will develop game theoretical tools and apply them to examples from economics, business, politics, and even sports. Topics include the prisoner's dilemma, signaling, coordination, voting, and competition. We analyze games in static and dynamic environments with perfect and imperfect information.