Economics

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Note of interest:
On Wednesday, October, 1, 2008, four Econonmics Professors, Dave Colander, Peter Matthews, Scott Pardee and Bob Prasch, presented a panel discussion on the Financial Crisis.

For those who were unable to attend, we are pleased to provide the following link to a videotape of that discussion.
http://muskrat.middlebury.edu/administration/lis/Accordant/DLA/EconomicCrisis101008/index.html

The study of economics is useful in providing insights into how the world works. It teaches students a way of thinking, which when combined with training in qualitative and quantitative reasoning, and good judgment, provides an excellent foundation for just about anything that students may do after college. It offers an introduction into issues such as inflation, unemployment, poverty, environmental degradation, overpopulation, gender and race discrimination, international relations, and other concerns of public and private life. The Department of Economics provides a varied selection of courses to study these issues in depth.

The major in economics is designed so that students take six core courses in three year-long sequences and four electives. The two-course introductory sequence emphasizes the use of basic economic analysis. A year-long quantitative sequence in economic statistics and regression analysis helps students to understand and apply empirical techniques. The year-long sequence in microeconomic and macroeconomic theory provides a solid foundation in economics as a discipline. In addition, majors must take four electives in various topical areas on contemporary issues and local, national, and international problems. Two of the four electives are senior seminars in which students do substantial research and writing. Motivated seniors can also enroll in a rigorous two-term thesis program in which they pursue an independent research project to qualify for departmental honors. Students also collaborate frequently with faculty on research projects leading to scholarly publications.

Economics at Middlebury College is one of the core areas in the social sciences division and contributes actively to other interdisciplinary programs, such as International Politics and Economics, Environmental Studies, Russian and East European Studies, and East Asian Studies. The economics major thus provides the student with an excellent background for graduate work and employment in various fields, including economics, business, law, government, education, and international finance.