ECON 350US Financial Sys-Mkts & Insts

Catalog

Prerequisites: Grades of C or better in ECON 160 and 162. Study of the role of financial systems in the U.S. economy, including the banking system, credit unions, foreign exchange, the bond market and interest rates, the Federal Reserve, and debt and equity markets. Exploration of the ways in which capital is distributed throughout the economy and how it affects community development and the distribution of income. Topics include the role and history of money and banking, the financial system and the determination of interest rates, the role of capital in society, banking management and regulation, monetary policy and theory and the role of the Fed, and community development financial institutions. Focuses on the issues of predatory lending, the credit crisis, Covid pandemic and recession, and the political economy of financial reform. Format: Grading is based on midterm and final examinations, three group projects and class presentations, four short assignments, and participation. Attendance and class discussion are vital to your success in the class.