Basic functions of the United States economy viewed as a whole; policies designed to affect its performance. Economic scarcity, supply and demand, the causes of unemployment and inflation, the nature of money and monetary policy, the impact of government taxation and spending, the federal debt, and international money matters. ECON 401A emphasizes applications to the international economy. ECON 401H is open to students in the Honors Program.

This course is the introductory course to the education programs. The purpose is to examine the theoretical foundations of education in the United States. Historical, political, and social influences on the development of the education system are examined. Students develop their own educational philosophy and compare it to the philosophies which have shaped American education. A twenty-hour practicum is required.

This course addresses how to optimize children's learning through play and daily routines. Using theories of child development, participants analyze how the physical arrangement of the classroom and outdoor area can maximize development. Students plan an environment that meets safety and health needs, that allows for child directed choices and activities, and supports the child's physical, cognitive, language, social, and creative growth. Students apply practices to environments that are both developmentally and culturally inclusive.

This course provides in-depth study of the development of children's language and communication skills from birth through age eight. Students identify the various developmental levels exhibited by children, and choose and create diverse materials to enhance language and literacy development. The course focuses on analyzing and creating language-rich programs designed to foster listening, oral and written language, and pre-reading and reading skills at the appropriate developmental level. Students formulate developmentally appropriate questions and responses to enrich the child's experience. The course addresses how everyday experiences can present opportunities for creating meaningful communication between children, their peers, and adults.