Economics
School of Business and Technology
Dean: Mink Stavenga, DBA
Department Chair: Elisabeth Shapiro, Esq., J.D., M.A.L.D
Office: 35-119, (619) 482-6582
School/Department Location: www.swccd.edu/cvlocation
General Description
Economics is a social science that examines the functions of various markets, the determination of prices, the distribution of income, the rates of unemployment, income, and inflation. The study of economics deals with social problems and issues such as racism, sexism, war, and poverty. The focus of learning is on principles of economic analysis, fiscal and monetary policy, macro and micro theories, consumer protection, international trade, American economic history, monetary systems, and governmental regulations.
Career Options
Below is a sample of the career options available for the economics major. A few of these require an associate degree, most require a bachelor’s degree, and some require a graduate-level degree: economist, general manager, budget analyst, industrial relations specialist, high school or college instructor, research technician, market analyst, labor relations arbitrator, business conditions forecaster, investment analyst, economic commentator, manpower economist, natural resource economist, commodity economist, energy economist, international economist, and commodity price forecaster.
| Degree/Certificate Options | Major Code |
|---|---|
| Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) | |
| Economics (SB1440) | 01195 |
| Associate in Arts Degree: Transfer Preparation | |
| Economics | 01190 |
Consult with a counselor to develop a Student Education Plan (SEP), which lists the courses necessary to achieve your academic goal.
ECON 100
CONTEMPORARY ECONOMIC PROBLEMS
3 UNITS
Pass/No Pass or Grade is Allowed
Recommended Preparation: RDG 158 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes.
Lecture 3 hours
Offered: ALL
Presents a nontechnical introduction to the basic concepts of economics. Investigates economic basis of such real-world problems as inflation, unemployment, economic power, and international trade deficits. (Does not fulfill the lower-division economics requirements for business or economics majors transferring to four-year institutions.) [D; CSU; UC]
ECON 101
PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS I
3 UNITS
Grade Only
Recommended Preparation: MATH 119 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes; MATH 120 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes; RDG 158 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes.
Prerequisite: MATH 60 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes (Completion of MATH 100 without prior MATH 60 or equivalent does not satisfy this requisite).
Lecture 3 hours
Offered: ALL
Introduces students to the basic tools necessary to analyze a nation's economy from the macroeconomic perspective. Emphasizes understanding of core topics including: market systems, aggregate measures of economic activity, macroeconomic equilibrium, money and financial institutions, monetary and fiscal policy, international economics, and economic growth. [D; CSU; UC; C-ID ECON 202]
ECON 102
PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS II
3 UNITS
Grade Only
Recommended Preparation: ECON 101 or equivalent; RDG 158 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes; MATH 119 and MATH 120 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes.
Prerequisite: MATH 60 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes.
Lecture 3 hours
Offered: ALL
Introduces the basic analytic tools necessary to understand an economy from the microeconomic perspective. Emphasizes core topics including: choices of individual economic decision-makers, scarcity and its effects, specialization and trade, market equilibrium, elasticity, production and cost theory, market structures, factor markets, and market failure. [D; CSU; UC; C-ID ECON 201]
ECON 299
INDEPENDENT STUDY
1-3 UNITS
Pass/No Pass or Grade is Allowed
Limitation on Enrollment: Eligibility for independent study.
Lecture 3 hours
Offered: ALL
Individual study of research in some area of economics of particular interest to the student and not included in regular courses of the college. [D; CSU; **UC] (**UC Limitation: credit for variable topics courses is given only after a review of the scope and content of the courses by the enrolling UC campus.)