This is an archived copy of the 2020-2021 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.sierracollege.edu.

Contact Information

Contact Information
Division
Liberal Arts
Dean
Anne Fleischmann
Associate Deans
Patrick Marasso, Lynn Medeiros
Location
Division Office
W 107, Rocklin Campus

Overview

Economics is the academic discipline that deals with the way societies produce and consume goods and services. As a descriptive discipline, it is concerned with accurate portrayals of national economies, as well as those of regions, firms and individuals. As an analytical discipline its tools are used to order, modify and describe economic activity.

TRANSFER MAJOR REQUIREMENTS in Economics are available in the Counseling Center. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for specific transfer requirements. Positions for which four-year graduates in Economics are qualified are found in government service, banking and industry.

Faculty

Stan C. Spencer

Professor, Economics

A.A., Sierra College
A.S., Sierra College
B.A., California State University, Sacramento
M.A., California State University, Sacramento

Degrees/Certificates

Economics for Transfer

AA-T Degree

The Associate in Arts in Economics for Transfer degree (AA-T) program provides students with a strong foundation in Economics. Upon completion of the program, students will use critical thinking to demonstrate an understanding of major Economics concepts, including solving quantitative problems with such issues as opportunity costs, markets and profit maximization; analyze the basic principles underlying the economic way of thinking; list and distinguish basic economic terms; and analyze the supply and demand model.

The Associate in Arts in Economics for Transfer degree (AA-T) prepares students to transfer into the CSU system to complete a bachelor’s degree in Economics or a major deemed similar by a CSU campus. Students earning an associate degree for transfer and meeting the CSU minimum transfer admission requirements are guaranteed admission with junior standing to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Upon transfer, students will be required to complete no more than 60 additional prescribed units to earn a bachelor’s degree.

To earn the Associate in Arts in Economics for Transfer degree, students must complete 60 CSU-transferable semester units with a minimum grade point average of 2.0, including both of the following:

The exact wording of the law pertaining to associate degrees for transfer may be found in Education Code Section 66746.

It is highly recommended that, prior to transferring, students complete courses that satisfy the CSU United States History, Constitution and American Ideals graduation requirement. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

RESTRICTION: International coursework from non-United States regionally accredited institutions cannot be applied to associate degrees for transfer.

Required Courses
ECON 0001APrinciples of Macroeconomics3
ECON 0001BPrinciples of Microeconomics3
MATH 0013Elementary Statistics4
MATH 0042Business Calculus (OR)4
or MATH 0030 Analytical Geometry and Calculus I
Select 3-6 units from the following:3-6
Financial Accounting I
and Financial Accounting II
Managerial Accounting
Business Communications
Business Law
Business Information Systems
Introduction to Computing
Visual Basic .NET Programming I
Calculus for Social and Life Sciences
Calculus for Social and Life Sciences
Analytical Geometry and Calculus II
Select 3-4 units from the following or unused course(s) from the preceding area:3-4
Analytical Geometry and Calculus III
Total Units20-24

Courses

Understanding course descriptions

ECON 0001A. Principles of Macroeconomics

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of two years of high school algebra or MATH D with grade of "C" or better, or placement by matriculation assessment process
Hours: 54 lecture
Introductory course focusing on aggregate economic analysis. Topics include: market systems, aggregate measures of economic activity, macroeconomic equilibrium, money and financial institutions, monetary and fiscal policy, international economics, and economic growth. (C-ID ECON 202) (CSU, UC)

ECON 0001B. Principles of Microeconomics

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of two years of high school algebra or MATH D with grade of "C" or better, or placement by matriculation assessment process
Hours: 54 lecture
Introductory course focusing on choices of individual economic decision-makers. Topics include scarcity, specialization and trade, market equilibrium, elasticity, production and cost theory, market structures, factor markets, and market failure. (C-ID ECON 201) (CSU, UC)

ECON 0028. Independent Study

Units: 1-3
Designed for students interested in furthering their knowledge at an independent study level in an area where no specific curriculum offering is currently available. Independent study might include, but is not limited to, research papers, special subject area projects, and research projects. See Independent Study page in catalog. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)

Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)

  • Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate the credibility of economic theories, concepts, and research.
  • List and distinguish basic economic terms.
  • Analyze the basic principles underlying the economic way of thinking.
  • Analyze the supply and demand model.