Comparative Economic Systems. Critical study of capitalism, socialism and corporatism. Analysis of contemporary systems with case studies of Japan, France, China, the former Soviet Union, central and eastern European countries, the Baltic nations, and other selected countries. Study of issues, theories and policy alternatives in economic growth and development of less developed countries, poverty and income distribution, demographic factors, major theories of growth, resource limitations, development policies and agencies. History of planning in the public sector, cost-benefit analysis, program budgeting, efficiency criteria and discounting analyzed and specific cases reviewed.
Class reports on projects undertaken by local planning agencies.
Money and Banking. A study of the functions of money in economic society and of the impact of monetary policy on national income, prices, employment and interest rates. The role of banking in the money supply process is examined. Introduction to investment theory, securities markets, risk and returns, mechanics of investment and security analysis. Examines the nature and significance of threats to the environment, the history of environmental protection in the United States and the forces shaping public policy.