This course will cover the area of economics commonly defined as microeconomics which is concerned with the individual parts of the economy such as individual businesses or industries, individual consumers, and individual products. It will provide an introduction to the economic principles which govern production, exchange, the pricing of goods, services and resources. Analysis of demand, supply, and market equilibrium will help us to understand prices and the level of trade in markets, production and cost, competitive market dynamics, effects of monopoly power on prices and production, markets for resource, including capital, labor, and natural resources. Our goal is to study whether the economy uses our limited resources to obtain the maximum satisfaction possible for society. The organization, structure, and functions of state governments and local governments of the United States is examined.
Emphasis is placed on problems face by state and local governments.
This course provides an examination of the process of generating criteria for making ethical judgments. The application of criteria to political situations as depicted in selected case studies will be an emphasis. A review of ethical principles and their application, misleading assumptions, and false distinctions that may obstruct effective ethical decision-making about political actions will provide the context for the case studies. An analytical survey of policy formulation and implementation in the United States, together with an examination of the impact of policy upon individuals and groups in American society. Students will examine current public policy issues.