Economics

Division: Social Sciences

Economics is the science that studies the interactions of human behavior, sociology, finance and business at the micro and macro-scale.  Students completing a degree in this field will have an introductory foundation for the field of Economics through the study of scarcity, comparative advantage, markets, cost theory, monetary system and economic growth. Students will acquire skills and abilities in numeracy, analysis, problem-solving, and both verbal and written communication.

Career opportunities with a baccalaureate degree may include jobs in business, law, medicine, government, non-profits, international relations, and education.

Transfer requirements in Economics are available in the Counseling Department. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for specific transfer requirements.

Contact Information

Economics Faculty Contact

Christian Anderson | christiana@cos.edu

Lucy Malakar | lucym@cos.edu

Social Sciences Division Chair

Marla Prochnow | (559) 730-3723 | marlap@cos.edu 
Kern: 730D | Visalia Campus

Dean of Business, Social Science, and Consumer Family Studies

Jesse Wilcoxson, Ed.D. | (559) 737-6281 | jessew@cos.edu 
Kern: 716 | Visalia Campus

Associate Degree

For a complete list of courses and descriptions visit: COURSES

ECON 025 Introduction to Economics 3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
A broad survey of the development of economic ideas and theories in the context of economic history (including major economic thinkers). Both microeconomic and macroeconomic topics are covered including supply and demand, market structures, inflation, unemployment, fiscal policy, monetary policy, and international trade.
Advisory on Recommended Preparation: ENGL 001 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
ECON 040 Principles of Microeconomics 3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
This is an introductory course focusing on choices of individual economic decision-makers. Topics include: scarcity, comparative advantage, market equilibrium, elasticity, cost theory, market structures, factor markets and market failure. (C-ID ECON201)
Prerequisites: MATH 230 and ENGL 261 or equivalent college courses with a minimum grade of C or eligibility based on COS placement procedures.
ECON 050 Principles of Macroeconomics 3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
An 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 ECON202)
Prerequisites: (ECON 040 or AGMT 001) and MATH 230 and ENGL 261 or equivalent college courses with a minimum grade of C or eligibility based on COS placement procedures.

Economics

Anderson, Christian
B.A., University Of California, Santa Barbara
M.A., University Of California, Santa Barbara
M.S., Walden University, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Malakar, Lucy
B.A., Ohio University, Athens
M.A., Ohio University, Athens