Bio

Professor of Economics Director Regional Economics Institute

Teaching: Principles of Macroeconomics (ECON 204), Labor Economics (Econ 410), Regional Economics (ECON 563)

Research: Regional economic growth, growth and inequality

Current Classes

• ECON 204 (Honors) Principles of Macroeconomics – download syllabus
  This is an introductory course in macroeconomics. In general, we will learn about important concepts related to how an economy over all functions and the role of public policy in shaping national economic performance. We will investigate several important and timely concepts that we often hear about in the media, including inflation, unemployment, economic growth and international trade. We will spend a substantial amount of time talking about the role of the Federal Reserve Board (Fed)–which conducts monetary policy—to influence the economy. We will also talk about what roles the federal government plays in the economy with fiscal policy.
• ECON 563 Regional Economics – download syllabus
  Theoretical and empirical regional development models will serve as the course’s base. We will examine how a region’s growth is affected by local characteristics, such as its endowment of natural resources and human and physical capital. We will also look at how regional growth is affected by technological change, the spatial concentration of economic activity, and national trends. Recognizing that non-economic factors can influence growth, we will carefully study the effect of public policy, institutions, law, geography, and culture.