Econ 1A - Principles of Macroeconomics: Principles of Macroeconomics: Examines the forces affecting the overall economy in terms of employment, inflation and economic growth. Topics covered include the determination of national income and output, and the causes and impacts of inflation. The role of government is analyzed in terms of its spending and tax policies, as well as its management of the money supply in the economy. In addition, current issues surrounding trade in world markets and the value of the collar are covered. Econ 1B - Principles of Microeconomics: Studies the day-to-day decision-making of individual consumers, business firms and government in the economy. The effectiveness of the price system is examined, and various market structures are analyzed in terms of their efficiency in allocation resources. The course evaluates current topics including monopoly power of big business, the impact of unions, government regulations to protect the environment and/or the consumer, and energy issues. Econ 45 - Introduction to Finance: Examines the financial markets and financial instruments including the stock market, bond market, mutual funds, hedge funds, options, futures, and derivatives. The course will study each of these in detail and will discuss the theories behind valuing each of these financial assets. Emphasis will be on both the theory and practice of analyzing and using financial assets. Both Econ 1A and Econ 1B are 3 unit courses, and are UC/CSU transferable. Both can be taken on a credit/no credit option. It is not necessary to take Econ 1A before Econ 1B. spacer spacer spacer

Median annual earnings of economists was $72,780 in 2004 with starting salaries ranging up to $54,000. Moreover, job opportunities for persons with an economics background is expected to be strong in the years ahead. Economists working for corporations may be involved with forecasting sales of the firm’s products or analyzing growth and market share of the firm’s competitors. Other economists working in the private sector may assist their firm with monitoring environmental and/or labor laws and assessing their impacts on the business. Firms with operations overseas employ economists to observe and assess the economic situations in countries where they do business. The government also employs many economists to collect and analyze data on production, distribution and consumption of goods and services in the U.S. economy. Economists are also used to assess economic conditions, evaluate the economic impacts of specific laws and/or changes in public policy, and advise policymakers on issues such as telecommunication deregulation, Social Security reform, and tax cuts. Not-for-profit organizations also have economists at work to collect and analyze socio-economic data and trends that impact their constituents. Economists also assist nonprofit groups that focus on community development and/or raising the standard of living with assessing the value of different projects and grants.