College Bulletin 2022-2023 
    
    Apr 30, 2024  
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College Bulletin 2022-2023 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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Dance - Technique and Repertory Course
  

  • DANC 045. Yoga

    This course is meant to provide students with a consistent opportunity to develop a more conscious connection with their minds, bodies and spirits through the ancient, traditional Vedic practice of Hatha Yoga.  This ancient methodology is designed to balance the polarity in all aspects of the human experience creating a deep sense of inner peace and presence. 

    Each class includes a short lesson on yogic philosophy to provide students with a deeper understanding of what yoga is; including its aims, practices, and the results of regular practice.  Following that there is a physical practice which includes asana (Yogic postures), pranayama (yogic breathing techniques) and meditation (mindfulness focus and concentration).  Students will acquire a practical knowledge of body alignment, experience the regenerative effect of the physical and mental relaxation that hatha yoga practices produce and a deep understanding of ancient philosophy which underpins all yogic practices.  These teaching provide a foundational and practical approach for a healthy lifestyle that can reach well beyond the college experience and can play a significant role in coping with the challenges of life. 

    If taken for academic credit, three short papers are required.  
    Students are required to supply their own yoga mats.
    Graded CR/NC.
    0.5 credit or P.E.
    Fall 2022. Shiva Das.
    Spring 2023. Shiva Das.
    Fall 2023. Shiva Das.
    Spring 2024. Shiva Das.
    Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/dance-program


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • DANC 046. Kathak

    We will engage in a practice-oriented approach to Kathak dance, a classical/concert dance form from the north and east India. The dance form is a confluence of musicality and embodied expressivity that uses gestures and movements within precise metrics of time cycles.  Our focus will be on learning rhythmic patterns and vocalization with live tabla (percussion), breath, and fluid arm movements.  We will explore simple footwork and gait or a style of walking in Kathak called “gat” and learn about the melody-rhythmic cycles of “sam”.  It will also include expressing ideas through emotional intent (or “bhava-rasa”).  We will explore how improvisation works within the Kathak form making it adaptable to various modalities of fusion and hybridity, a prime example of this hybrid modality stemming from Kathak is the Bollywood freestyle.
    Open to all students. No prior dance experience is required.
    Graded CR/NC.
    0.5 credit or P.E.
    Eligible for ISLM, ASIA
    Fall 2023. Chakravorty.
    Fall 2024. Chakravorty.
    Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/dance-program


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • DANC 047. Kalbeliya (Indian Dance).

    This course provides a critical introduction to the study and practice of Kalbeliya dance, presently recognized as a form of Indian “folk” dance and as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. This dance form was conceptualized and developed by women from the Kalbeliya community of Rajasthan, India, from the 1980s onwards. We will begin with footwork and hand movements and proceed to chakris (turns). In tandem, we will learn about the community’s music practices and ask questions about the dance’s aesthetics and history.  
    0.5 credit or P.E.
    Fall 2022. Agarwal.
    Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/dance-program


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  
  
  

  • DANC 049A. Repertory/Ensemble: Contemporary Modern Dance

    Contemporary Modern Repertory is a performance course that investigates ideas in contemporary modern dance. Students will take part in a creative process, generating original material through guided improvisation and composition exercises. The work will be presented at the end of the semester in the Swarthmore Fall Dance Concert.

    A dance technique course taken concurrently is highly recommended.
    Graded CR/NC.
    Prerequisite: DANC 060  or instructor permission
    0.5 credit or P.E.
    Fall 2022. Bender.
    Fall 2023. Zhao.
    Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/dance-program


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • DANC 049B. Repertory/Ensemble: Tap

    Open to students with some tap experience, this class draws on the tradition of rhythm tap known as “hoofin’.” A new dance is made each semester, working with the varying levels of skill present in the student ensemble. Students will be expected to attend additional ensemble rehearsals.
    A dance technique course taken concurrently is highly recommended.
    Graded CR/NC.
    0.5 credit or P.E.
    Fall 2022. Davis.
    Fall 2023. Williams.
    Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/dance-program


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • DANC 049D. Repertory/Ensemble: Taiko

    Taiko is an energetic neo-folk drumming art stemming from Japan and its postwar diaspora.  Emphasizing choreographic, embodied approaches to Taiko, as an ensemble we learn contemporary and folk-based repertory from Japan and the international Taiko community, culminating in end-of-semester performances. Through Taiko, we hone intense physicality and musicianship, perseverance, mindfulness, cooperation, responsibility, creativity, and an appreciation for Japanese and Asian American cultures.

    Pre/Co-Requisite: DANC 057 Taiko I taken prior or concurrently (with instructor approval).

    A dance technique course outside of Taiko I, taken concurrently, is highly encouraged but not necessary.

    Pre-registration is not guaranteed acceptance into the course; auditions may be run at the first scheduled class.

    For students in Classes of 2024, 2025, 2026: Only for those who have already taken DANC049D, Taiko I is encouraged but not considered a pre-requisite.

     

    Video viewings, readings, and performance participation.

    2 PE or 0.5 academic credit (1~2 short papers)
    Graded CR/NC.
     
    0.5 credit or P.E.
    Eligible for ASIA
    Fall 2022. Small.
    Spring 2023. Small.
    Fall 2023. Evans.
    Spring 2024. Small.
    Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/dance-program


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • DANC 049E. Repertory/Ensemble: Ballet

    This class will offer students experience with learning and performing contemporary ballet, while also being part of the creative process of new choreography. Choreography will be performed in Spring Dance Concert. Auditions will be held at the first class. 
    A dance technique course taken concurrently is highly recommended.
    For Spring 2023 only: Registration is by permission for students participating in the College Dance Collective Residency and requires early return in January. 
    For students who otherwise meet the pre- and co-requisites and would like to participate but are not part of the CDC-Cooper Residency, please register as an auditor in section 01. You will attend class from 4:30-5:15pm from the beginning of the semester; Beginning March 14, auditing students should plan to attend class for the whole block or by agreement with the instructor. 

     

     
    Graded CR/NC.
    Prerequisite: DANC 061   or instructor permission.
    0.5 credit or P.E.
    Spring 2023. Moss-Thorne.
    Spring 2024. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/dance-program


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • DANC 049F. Repertory/Ensemble: Kathak

    This is a moderate level technique course on Kathak. We will work on teen tala or metrical scale of sixteen beats to learn complex rhythmical structures called bols. The various patterns of bols such as tukra, tehai and paran will also be explored. The two aspects of Kathak technique nrtta (abstract movement) and nritya (expressive gestures) will be used for a final composition.
    ​The final composition will be presented in a scheduled student dance concert.
    A dance technique course taken concurrently is highly recommended.
    Graded CR/NC.
    Prerequisite: DANC 046   or prior knowledge of any classical Indian dance forms.
    0.5 credit or P.E.
    Eligible for ASIA
    Spring 2024. Chakravorty.
    Spring 2025. Chakravorty.
    Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/dance-program


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  
  

  • DANC 049K. Repertory/Ensemble: Hip-Hop

    We will delve into the art of storytelling, an African tradition and staple in Hip Hop Culture, using multiple dance forms under the Hip Hop Dance umbrella. Together, we will explore our range of artistry using codified techniques and freedoms of self-expression. Together, we will trailblaze what it means to make Street Dance Theater!
    GRADED CR/NC
    0.5 credit.
    Spring 2023. Clark.
    Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance  
    Department website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/dance


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • DANC 050. Contemporary Modern II

    Maggie Zhao’s CHI modern class focuses on bodily dualistic investigation and practice: physical and spiritual, somatic and performative, inside out and outside in, and the relationship of internal and external energy, time and space. The concept of maintaining the dualities while dancing is inspired by Maggie’s cross-cultural life and spiritual experiences and pedagogical research, the West and East. In particular, the class intertwines with the traditional Eastern essential movement practice method CHI (the different uses of breath and energy) in martial arts, Tai Chi, Chinese Classical dance, etc. and the Western Release Technique and Cunningham Technique. The class instruction flows with the progression from simplicity to sophistication by cultivating and inviting dancers to embody Buddhist and Taoist philosophies throughout their practice. If taken for academic credit, two short papers are required.
    Graded CR/NC.
    Prerequisite:  DANC 040  or permission from instructor.
    0.5 credit or P.E.
    Fall 2022. Zhao.
    Spring 2023. Zhao.
    Fall 2023. Zhao.
    Spring 2024. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/dance-program


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • DANC 051. Ballet II

    Intermediate-level course building on skills developed in Ballet I. Additional vocabulary and increased center work will be introduced with a focus on building stamina, increasing technical proficiency, and refining performance quality. If taken for academic credit, concert attendance, two short papers, and a vocabulary test are required.
    Graded CR/NC.
    Prerequisite: DANC 041 or permission from instructor.
    0.5 credit or P.E.
    Fall 2022. Moss-Thorne.
    Spring 2023. Moss-Thorne.
    Fall 2023. Rainey.
    Spring 2024. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/dance-program


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • DANC 053. African Diasporic Traditions II

    African dance II encourages experienced students to expand their understanding and technical execution of African dance forms. The course will use the Umfundalai technique along with other neo-traditional African Dance vocabularies to enhance students’ visceral and intellectual understanding of African dance. Students who take African Dance II for academic credit should be prepared to explore and access their own choreographic voice through movement studies. 
    Graded CR/NC.
    Prerequisite: DANC 043 or permission from instructor.
    0.5 credit or P.E.
    Eligible for BLST
    Fall 2023. Osayande.
    Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/dance-program


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • DANC 054. Hip Hop I

    This course is an introduction to Hip Hop and street dance culture. There will be a strong focus on the movement technique, foundation and aesthetic of each style including: Hip Hop Social, House, and Locking. It’s origins and it’s contributions to the culture at large. Students will be encouraged to find their personal artistic voice within the technique to develop basic improvisational skills within each style. The goal of this course is to understand Hip Hop dance and culture more clearly as it relates to their body and individual journey. If taken for academic credit, three short papers are required.  
    Graded CR/NC
    0.5 credit or P.E.
    Fall 2022. Clark.
    Spring 2023. Clark.
    Fall 2023. Clark.
    Spring 2024. Clark.
    Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance  
    Department website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/dance-program


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • DANC 056. Tabla:The Drums of North India and Pakistan

    This course is a study of tabla history and playing techniques. Students will be introduced to the basic syllables/language of the drums and hand placement followed by complex phrases and compositions. The course contains an introduction to basic rhythms and compositions such as Paishkar, Kaida, Reala, Gat tora, and Tukra.
    Students enrolled for academic credit are required to write two short papers.
    Graded CR/NC.
    0.5 credit or P.E.
    Spring 2023. Bhatti.
    Spring 2024. Bhatti.
    Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance  
    Department website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/dance


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • DANC 057. Taiko I

    Taiko I introduces us to Taiko drumming, an energetic neo-folk art stemming from Japan and its postwar diaspora. Taiko emphasizes drumming as choreographic and embodied. Through games, drills, and repertory excerpts focused on kata/form and upper-lower body coordination, we will simultaneously cultivate physical and musical skills grounded in Japanese and international Taiko culture and history.

    Possible video viewing and performance attendance. 
      
    2 PE or .5 academic credit (2 short papers)
    Graded CR/NC.

    Recommendations: Students already enrolled in DANC 049D. Swarthmore Taiko Ensemble (also known as Dance Repertory: Taiko) are highly encouraged wherein possible to take this course concurrently, or, as a means of maintaining proficiency if intending to re-enroll in the ensemble course in a later semester.

     
    0.5 credit or P.E.
    Eligible for ASIA
    Fall 2022. Small.
    Spring 2023. Small.
    Fall 2023. Evans.
    Spring 2024. Small.
    Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance  
    Department website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/dance-program


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • DANC 060. Contemporary Modern III

    Bethany Formica Bender uses her multi-company performance experience and eclectic skill base in a class designed to build up ideas and break down contemporary/modern dance technique. One need not be afraid to sweat, laugh, or fall over. This class is accessible and aerobic; humor and high energy are important. This advanced level contemporary dance course builds on skills developed in Modern I & II. Additional vocabulary and increased floor work including inversions will be introduced with a focus on building stamina, increasing technical proficiency, and beginning to work on performance quality. We will also be viewing a variety of contemporary dance artists to deepen and discuss our relationship with dance. If taken for academic credit, concert attendance and two short reflection papers are required.
    Graded CR/NC.
    Prerequisite: DANC 050  or permission from instructor.
    0.5 credit or P.E.
    Fall 2022. Formica Bender.
    Spring 2023. Formica Bender.
    Fall 2023. Formica Bender
    Spring 2024. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/dance-program


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • DANC 061. Ballet III

    Advanced-level course building on skills developed in Ballet II and requiring a strong background in ballet technique. Challenges students to grasp advanced movement sequences with a high level of technical proficiency and performance quality. If taken for academic credit, concert attendance and two short papers are required.
    Graded CR/NC.
    Prerequisite: DANC 051 or DANC 051A or permission from instructor.
    0.5 credit or P.E.
    Fall 2022. Chipman-Bloom.
    Spring 2023. Chipman-Bloom.
    Fall 2023. Moss-Thorne.
    Spring 2024. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/dance-program


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  
  

  • DANC 070. Pointe and Partnering

    Course introducing or developing ballet pointe technique and partnering skills, and improving overall strength and conditioning. Class includes barre work, center work, pointe technique, and basic partnering with a focus on artistry, musicality, strength, and stamina. Possible performance opportunity in the end of semester dance concert. If taken for academic credit, a short paper is required.
    Graded CR/NC.
    Prerequisite: Previous pointe work or instructor permission required.
    Corequisite: Students must be concurrently enrolled in a ballet class.

     
    0.5 credit or P.E.
    Fall 2022. Moss-Thorne.
    Spring 2023. Chipman-Bloom.
    Fall 2023. Rainey..
    Spring 2024. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/dance-program


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • DANC 077B. Anthropology of Performance

    (Cross-listed as ANTH 077B)
    This course will introduce various approaches to the study of visual anthropology as it relates to movement, body, culture, and power. It will examine theoretical approaches ranging from semiotics of the body, communication theory, and phenomenology to the more recent approaches drawing on performance, postcolonial, post-structural, and feminist theories. It will also examine how anthropological issues in dance or performance are closely tied to issues of modernity, regional and national identity, gender, and politics. Various ethnographies and literature from dance studies, media and film studies, and feminist studies will be included in the course material. It will also require students to view videos to engage in visual analysis.
    Humanities.
    Writing course.
    1 credit.
    Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/dance-program


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • DANC 078. Repertory/Ensemble: African Dance and Drum

    A repertory class in which students will learn, rehearse and perform traditional Ghanaian dances and drumming, and a contemporary movement/rhythm piece consisting of both ‘found’ percussion ‘discovered’ movement. Participants will be encouraged to both play the rhythms and learn the dance/movement. Students will be expected to attend additional ensemble rehearsals.
    Performance: LPAC main stage, first week of December as part of the fall student dance concert. 
    0.5 credit or P.E.
    Eligible for BLST
    Spring 2023. Staff.
    Spring 2024. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/dance-program


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.

Dance
  
  

  • DANC 013. Dance Lab III: Making Dance

    The third course in the Dance Lab series focuses on facilitating creative inquiry and research-based approaches to movement-based performance work. Whether students are focused on creating work for the proscenium stage, site-specific or community-based work, or screendance, they will work intensively toward a large-scale choreography project in this course, alongside other preparatory work or movement studies.

     
    Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Dance Lab II
    Corequisite: Corequisite: Course in dance studio practice.
    Humanities.
    0.5 credit.
    Spring 2024. Small.
    Spring 2025. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance  https://www.swarthmore.edu/dance
    Department website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/dance

     


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • DANC 049L. Repertory/Ensemble: Kalbeliyia (Indian dance)

    Kalbeliya dance is now recognized as a form of Indian “folk” dance and as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. This dance form was conceptualized and developed by women from the Kalbeliya community of Rajasthan, India, from the 1980s onwards. We will build on movement fundamentals (including footwork, hand movements, and chakris/turns), develop our skills of improvisation, and start engaging with moderate level aspects of the technique (such as jhukna/arching). We will play with two modes of composition used in Rajasthani dance-making: abstract rhythmic movements, and lyrical gestures. The collectively created composition will be performed at a scheduled student dance concert.
    A dance technique course taken concurrently is highly recommended.
    Graded CR/NC.
    0.5 credit or P.E.
    Spring 2023. Agarwal.
    Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance  
    Department website: Dance Program


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • DANC 092. Independent Study

    Available on an individual or group basis, this course offers students an opportunity to do special work with performance or compositional emphasis in areas not covered by the regular curriculum. Students will meet with supervising faculty on a weekly basis and present performances and/or written reports to the faculty supervisor, as appropriate. 

    Interested students must submit a short written proposal to the Program’s Administrative Coordinator prior to the preregistration period. This proposal will be presented to the Program Chair and faculty for approval and permission to register.
    Students with whom the student choreographer works and who commit to 3 hours rehearsal time weekly, may receive PE credit under DANC 011A  Dance Production Practicum. The project culminates in a public performance.
    0.5 - 1 credit.
    Fall 2022. Staff.
    Spring 2023. Staff.
    Fall 2023. Staff.
    Spring 2024. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/dance-program


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • DANC 093. Directed Reading

    Available on an individual or group basis, this course offers students an opportunity to do special work with theoretical or historical emphasis in areas not covered by the regular curriculum. Students will meet with a faculty supervisor weekly and present written reports to the faculty supervisor. 

    Interested students must submit a short written proposal to the Program’s Administrative Coordinator prior to the preregistration period. This proposal will be presented to the Program Chair and faculty for approval and permission to register.
    1 credit.
    Fall 2022. Staff.
    Spring 2023. Staff.
    Fall 2023. Staff.
    Spring 2024. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/dance-program


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • DANC 094. Senior Project

    Intended for seniors pursuing the special major or the major in course or honors, this project is designed by the student in consultation with a dance faculty adviser. The major part of the semester is spent conducting independent rehearsals in conjunction with weekly meetings under an adviser’s supervision. The project culminates in a public presentation and the student’s written documentation of the process and the result. An oral response to the performance and to the documentation follows in which the student, the adviser, and several other members of the faculty participate. In the case of honors majors, this also involves external examiners. Proposals for such projects must be submitted to the dance faculty for approval during the semester preceding enrollment.
    Students with whom the choreographer works and who commit to 3 hours weekly, may receive PE credit under DANC 011A . Dance Production Practicum.
    Prerequisite: Previous or concurrent enrollment in an advanced-level technique course or demonstration of advanced-level technique.
    1 credit.
    Spring 2023. Staff.
    Spring 2024. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/dance-program


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • DANC 095. Senior Thesis

    Intended for senior majors or minors, the thesis is designed by the student in consultation with a dance faculty adviser. The major part of the semester is spent conducting independent research in conjunction with weekly tutorial meetings under an adviser’s supervision. The final paper is read by a committee of faculty members or, in the case of honors majors, by external examiners who then meet with the student for evaluation of its contents. Proposals for a thesis must be submitted to the dance faculty for approval during the semester preceding enrollment.
    1 credits.
    Fall 2022. Staff.
    Spring 2023. Staff.
    Fall 2023. Staff.
    Spring 2024. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/dance-program


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • DANC 096. Senior Thesis

    Intended for senior majors or minors, the thesis is designed by the student in consultation with a dance faculty adviser. The major part of the semester is spent conducting independent research in conjunction with weekly tutorial meetings under an adviser’s supervision. The final paper is read by a committee of faculty members or, in the case of honors majors, by external examiners who then meet with the student for evaluation of its contents. Proposals for a thesis must be submitted to the dance faculty for approval during the semester preceding enrollment.
    1 credits.
    Catalog chapter: Music and Dance: Dance  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/dance-program


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.

Economics
  

  • ECON 001. Introduction to Economics

    Covers the fundamentals of microeconomics and macroeconomics: supply and demand, market structures, income distribution, fiscal and monetary policy in relation to unemployment and inflation, economic growth, and international economic relations. Focuses on the functioning of markets as well as on the rationale for and the design of public policy.

    * ECON 001 Enrollment Policy: ECON 001 sections are capped at 30 and enrollment takes place in two stages. In the first stage, online enrollment is capped at 25, and these spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. In the second stage, all Add/Drop requests are handled by the department’s Administrative Assistant, Megan Salladino.  During Add/Drop, students can enroll in the least enrolled section that fits their academic schedule, up to the cap of 30 students per section.
    Prerequisite for all further work in economics, with the exception of first-year seminars and ECON 003.
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Fall 2022. Staff.
    Spring 2023. Staff.
    Fall 2023. Staff.
    Spring 2024. Staff.
    Fall 2024. Staff.
    Spring 2025. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • ECON 002. First-Year Seminar: Greed

    In 1776, Adam Smith wrote in The Wealth of Nations: “It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker, that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest…Every individual… neither intends to promote the public interest, nor knows how much is is promoting it…he intends only his own gain, and he is in this, as in many other cases, led by an invisible hand to promote an end which was no part of his intention. Nor is it always worse for the society that it was no part of it. By pursuing his own interest he frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it.”
    This seminar investigates the degree to which self-interest should be the organizing principle of economic and social organization.
    This course counts as 1 of the 8 economics credits needed to fulfill an economics major, but it does not take the place of ECON 001 . It, therefore, cannot be used to fulfill the ECON 001  prerequisite for further work in the Economics Department.
    Social sciences.
    Writing course.
    1 credit.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • ECON 002A. First-Year Seminar: Emerging Market Economies: The BRICS 1900-2020

    Will Brazil, Russia, India, and China be the most dominant economies in the world by 2050? Why is South Africa (S) in the group? We study the economic trajectories of these countries from roughly 1900, emphasizing the roles of domestic reforms and global markets in spurring human capital accumulation, industrial development, and economic growth. We ask how international organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Trade Organization (WTO) are accommodating the emergence of these countries, and what influence the BRICS are likely to exert on the global governance of trade, aid, finance, and the environment.
    This course counts as 1 of the 8 economics credits needed to fulfill an economics major, but it does not take the place of ECON 001 . It, therefore, cannot be used to fulfill the ECON 001  prerequisite for further work in the Economics Department.
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • ECON 003. Behavioral Public Policy in the City

    Recent years have seen growth in the policy influence of behavioral science, a term covering behavioral economics, social psychology, and related fields. In this course, students will be exposed to both the core concepts underlying behavioral science, and to the nuts and bolts of one high-level policy effort to integrate behavioral science into city government - The Philadelphia Behavioral Science Initiative, or PBSI, an academia-policy collaboration under the umbrella of GovLabPHL, a multi-agency team led by the Mayor’s Policy Office. The course will be a mix of lectures, guest lectures from city and agency officials, field visits, and group exercises.
    Taught in Philadelphia as part of the Tri-Co Philly program.
    Cannot receive credit for both ECON 003 and ECON 055.
    Prerequisite: Admission to the Tri-Co Philly Program or permission of instructor.
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Eligible for ESCH
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • ECON 008. Topics in Economic History

    This course is a survey of topics in economic history. We will cover topics that help us understand a classic and important question in economics and economic history “what determines the wealth of nations”? Topics and papers were chosen to give a broad perspective on growth and development in economic history. It will thus be thematic instead of chronological and not limited to one area. We will read papers and use positive economic tools in our coverage of topics. We will cover research primarily by economic historians on topics such as the causes of the British Industrial Revolution, colonialism, slavery in the United States, infrastructure and public health, and human capital formation.
    Prerequisite: ECON 001.
    Social Sciences.
    Writing course.
    1 credit.
    Spring 2023. Dimitruk.
    Catalog chapter: Economics
    Department website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • ECON 009. Creativity and Economics

    The creation of new products, from movies and paintings to computers and the human genome has become increasingly central to the US economy. In this course, we seek to deepen our understanding of the creative act, its economic causes and consequences, and of economic theory as it has changed in reaction to the increased economic importance of creativity. Students write a short paper about a specific new product or line of products, using the economic ideas developed in the class.
    Prerequisite: ECON 001
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 011. Intermediate Microeconomics

    Provides a thorough grounding in intermediate-level microeconomics. The standard topics are covered: behavior of consumers and firms, structure and performance of markets, income distribution, general equilibrium, and welfare analysis. Students do extensive problem solving both to facilitate learning microeconomic theory and its applications.
    Prerequisite: ECON 001  and MATH 015 .
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Fall 2022. Staff.
    Fall 2023. Staff.
    Fall 2024. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • ECON 012. Game Theory and Strategic Behavior

    How should one bargain for a used car or mediate a contentious dispute? This course is an introduction to the study of strategic behavior and the field of game theory. We analyze situations of interactive decision making in which the participants attempt to predict and to influence the actions of others. We use examples from economics, business, biology, politics, sports, and everyday life.
    Prerequisite: ECON 001  
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Eligible for PEAC.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 013. Economic Efficiency, Markets and Distributive Justice

    This course investigates how we should organize economic activity in a free society. First, we will study different concepts of freedom. What is the relationship between these different concepts of freedom and organizing economic activity through markets? Do these differing concepts imply that some things should not be for sale? Second, how should we judge social outcomes? What place does cost-benefit analysis have? What concepts of distributive justice should we use? What place does economic efficiency have in all these considerations? Finally, if you believe that the market outcome is not just, how should you change it? What kinds of tax and transfer systems should you use? What are their tradeoffs in terms of economic efficiency and distributive justice?”
    Prerequisite: ECON 001  
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Fall 2022. Kuperberg.
    Fall 2023. Kuperberg.
    Fall 2024. Kuperberg.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 015. Economic Poverty and Inequality

    This course examines the causes and consequences of poverty and (income and wealth) inequality. Topics covered include measurement, mobility, and the impact of globalization, technical change, taxation, and aid. Micro interventions and macro initiatives are contrasted. Public policies and programs aimed at prevention, alleviation, and redistribution are analyzed and evaluated. The developed and developing country contexts are considered.
    Prerequisite: ECON 001 .
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Eligible for GLBL-Core
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 021. Intermediate Macroeconomics

    The goal of this course is to give the student a thorough understanding of the actual behavior of the macroeconomy and the likely effects of government stabilization policy. Models are developed of the determination of output, interest rates, prices, inflation, and other aggregate variables such as fiscal and trade surpluses and deficits. Students analyze conflicting views of business cycles, stabilization policy, and inflation/unemployment trade-offs.
    Freshmen may not enroll.
    Prerequisite: ECON 001  and MATH 015 .
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Spring 2023. Staff.
    Spring 2024. Staff.
    Spring 2025. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 022. Financial Economics

    This course analyzes the ways that firms finance their operations. It discusses the organization and regulation of financial markets and institutions. It examines theories explaining asset prices and returns, and it discusses the function and pricing of options and futures contracts.
    Prerequisite: ECON 001  and ECON 031  or its equivalent.
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Fall 2022. Staff.
    Fall 2023. Caskey.
    Fall 2024. Caskey.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 031. Introduction to Econometrics

    This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of applied quantitative analysis in economics. Following a brief discussion of probability, statistics, and hypothesis testing, this course emphasizes using regression analysis to understand economic relationships and to test their statistical significance. Computer exercises provide practical experience in using these quantitative methods.
    Prerequisite: ECON 001 .
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Fall 2022. Staff.
    Spring 2023. Staff.
    Fall 2023. Staff.
    Spring 2024. Staff.
    Fall 2024. Staff.
    Spring 2025. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 033. Financial Accounting

    This course is designed to provide students with an intermediate level study of corporate accounting theory and practice as it falls within the framework of United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). A major focus of the course is how accounting provides information to various user groups so that they can make more informed decisions. In particular, students will learn the steps in the accounting cycle leading up to the preparation and analysis of corporate financial statements. Students are also exposed to some of the fundamental differences between federal tax rules and external financial reporting requirements and are made aware of the organizations that influence and contribute to the body of knowledge in financial accounting. Finally, ethical issues that may be confronted by the accountant are also discussed throughout the course.
    Prerequisite: ECON 001 .
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Fall 2022. Hargadon.
    Spring 2023. Hargadon.
    Fall 2023. Hargadon.
    Spring 2024. Hargadon.
    Fall 2024. Hargadon.
    Spring 2025. Hargadon.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 035. Econometrics

    Economists increasingly rely on empirical data and statistical techniques to study important questions in the field. In this course, we study the quantitative methods used to assess causal linkages between variables and put economic theories to the test, including simple and multiple regression, difference-in-differences techniques, logit/probit models, instrumental variables, regression discontinuity designs, randomized experiments, and others. In doing so, we explore the theory behind the statistical techniques economists lean on, but also focus on practical applications and examples using real data. In the course, students will also gain experience in the use of Stata, the primary statistical package used by economists. The aim of the course is therefore not only to inform students about the theory behind the techniques used by economists to explore data, but also to empower students with the skills needed to analyze data on their own. 
    Prerequisite: ECON 001 and ECON 031 or STAT 021
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Fall 2022. Staff.
    Fall 2023. Staff.
    Fall 2024. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 041. Public Economics

    This course focuses on government expenditure, tax, and debt policy. A major part of the course is devoted to an analysis of current policy issues in their institutional and theoretical contexts. The course will be of most interest to students having a concern for economic policy and its interaction with politics.
    Prerequisite: ECON 001 . Recommended: ECON 011 .
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Spring 2024. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 042. Law and Economics

    The purpose of this course is to explore the premises behind the use of utilitarian constructs in the analysis of public policy issues. In particular, the appropriateness of the growing use of economic methodology will be examined through an intensive study of issues in property, tort, contract, and criminal law.
    Prerequisite: ECON 001 . Recommended: ECON 011 .
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Spring 2023. Kuperberg.
    Fall 2023. Kuperberg.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 043. Markets and Morality

    (Cross-listec as POLS 044 )
    The course will investigate the place that markets and market outcomes should have in a free society. Topics covered will include: competing concepts of freedom; the proper sphere of market activity (what should and should not be for sale); theories of fairness and distributive justice; and what should be done to balance freedom and equality in the economic sphere. Co-taught with Jonathan Thakkar under POLS 44. 
    Prerequisite:  ECON 001  and ONE of the following POLS 11, 12, 34, 47, 100, 101 PHIL 11, 21, 41, 101, or 121.
    Social Sciences.
    1 credit.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 044. The American City

    *Formerly known as “Urban Economics”

    The topics covered in this course include the economic decline of central cities, transportation policies, local taxation, theories of urban growth patterns, local economic development initiatives, and the economics of land use and housing.
    Prerequisite: ECON 001 and ECON 031 (or STAT 021 or consent of the instructor). 
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Spring 2024. Staff.
    Spring 2025. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 045. Labor Economics

    This course offers an introduction to labor economics. Students will learn to apply microeconomic principles to topics such as labor supply and demand, unemployment, determinants of earnings, minimum wages, taxes and transfers, immigration, discrimination, education, and labor unions. Students will investigate these topics by evaluating recent economic research and analyzing labor market data. 
    Prerequisite: ECON 011  and ECON 031  
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 046. The Facts and Economics of Education in America

    (Cross-listed as EDUC 069 )
    This course investigates the relationship between issues of resource allocation and educational attainment. It examines the facts about student achievement, educational expenditure in the United States, and the relationship between them. It studies such questions as: Does reducing class size improve student achievement? Does paying teachers more improve teacher quality and student outcomes? The course also investigates the relationship between educational attainment and wages in the labor market. Finally, it analyzes the effects of various market-oriented education reforms such as vouchers and charter schools.
    Prerequisite: ECON 001 and any statistics course (or the consent of the instructor). An education class is encouraged but not required.
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Spring 2023. Kuperberg.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 051. International Trade and Finance

    This course surveys the theory of trade (microeconomics) and of the balance of payments and exchange rates (macroeconomics). The theories are used to analyze topics such as trade patterns, trade barriers, flows of labor and capital, exchange-rate fluctuations, the international monetary system, and macroeconomic interdependence.
    Prerequisite: ECON 011  and ECON 021 .
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Eligible for ASIA ,PEAC, GLBL-core
    Spring 2024. Ko.
    Spring 2025. Ko.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 054. Global Capitalism Since 1920

    This course will study global capitalism over the last century, focusing on the interplay between events, economic theories and policies. The issues to be examined include: financial market booms and busts; business cycles; inequality; the social welfare state; technological change and economic growth; and international trade and financial arrangements. The time period covers: the Roaring Twenties; the Great Depression, the post war Golden Age (1945-1973); the stagflation of the 1970s; the Thatcher-Reagan-Greenspan-Bush era of market liberalization (1980-2007); and the financial crisis and Great Recession of 2007-2010. Economic theories include: the classical laissez-faire view; Schumpeter’s theory of “creative destruction”; Keynes and the “neo-classical synthesis” advocating a mixed economy; Minsky’s theory of financial instability; Friedman, the efficient-markets hypothesis, and the “new classical” critiques of government interventions; and emerging ideas in response to the present crisis. The course will chronicle and compare economic policy and performance of the United States, Europe, Japan, and the developing world (Asia, Latin America, Africa).
    Prerequisite: ECON 001 .
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Eligible for GLBL - Core
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 055. Behavioral Economics

    In the past 50 years, economists have increasingly used insights from psychology to explore the limitations of the standard economic model of rational decision making - a field now known as “behavioral economics.”  This course is an introduction to the central concepts of behavioral economics, touching on related research in psychology and experimental economics.  We will also discuss the public policy implications of this work, and current policy applications of behavioral research around the world.  Topics covered include: self-control, procrastination, fairness, cooperation and reciprocity, reference dependence, and choice under uncertainty.
    Cannot receive credit for both ECON 055 and ECON 003.
    Prerequisite: ECON 001 .
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Eligible for GLBL-Core
    Spring 2024. Staff.
    Spring 2025. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 061. Industrial Organization

    Industrial organization studies how competition between firms affects prices, profits, and consumer welfare.  This course moves beyond basic models of perfect competition and monopoly, and analyzes markets where businesses make strategic choices and anticipate responses from competitors.  We will explore how businesses set prices, choose product attributes, and make entry decisions.  Other topics include antitrust policy, collusion, advertising, and network competition.
    Prerequisite: ECON 001  
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Spring 2023. Remer.
    Spring 2025. Remer.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 073. Race, Ethnicity, and Gender in Economics

    Does difference make a difference in economics? In this course, we use the theoretical and empirical tools of economics to recognize and analyze the diverse economic experiences of individuals and groups and to explore sources of and solutions to persistent inequalities. We also examine the roles of difference and diversity in the development of economic theory and policy.
    Prerequisite: ECON 001  
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Eligible for BLST, GSST
    Fall 2022. Staff.
    Fall 2024. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 074. Economics of the Family

    The family plays a key role in economic systems, as a consumer of goods and services and as a supplier of inputs, particularly labor.   Microeconomics can help us understand a range of topics about the family and household including decisions about fertility, child rearing, household management, marriage and divorce, immigration, and labor supply.  Our focus will be on the contemporary American family, but we will also consider international and historical perspectives and the influence of public policy.
    Prerequisite: ECON 001  
    Social Science.
    1 credit.
    Eligible for GLBL-Paired, GSST
    Spring 2024. Magenheim.
    Spring 2025. Magenheim.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 075. Health Economics

    This course applies microeconomic theory, including models from behavioral economics, to analyze consumers’, producers’, and the government’s behavior with respect to health and health care. Special attention will be paid to the role of socioeconomic and demographic factors in explaining patterns of health and access to health care. Other topics include environmental health, international comparisons of health and health care systems, and ongoing state and federal health care policy reform.
    Prerequisite: ECON 001  
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Eligible for GLBL-Paired
    Spring 2023. Magenheim.
    Spring 2024. Magenheim.
    Spring 2025. Magenheim.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 076. Environmental Economics

    (Cross-listed with ENVS 020 )
    Introduction to the microeconomics of environmental issues with applications to the design of environmental policy. The course will cover the concepts and methods used in the valuation of environmental goods as well as the design of policy instruments and regulations to improve environmental quality. Specific topics include pollution and environmental degradation, the use of renewable and non-renewable resources, and climate change.
    Prerequisite: ECON 001 . Recommended: ECON 011 .
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Eligible for ENVS
    Fall 2023. Peck.
    Fall 2024. Peck.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 079. The Health of Nations

    The United States spends far more per person on health care than comparable countries, but many other countries enjoy better health and longer life expectancy.  This is partly explained by differences in health care systems, but there are other factors that influence population health, including  income, education, employment,  housing, environmental conditions, emotional stress, social support, and access to health care.   We will look at how these factors-coupled with decision making by individuals, firms, and governments-influence population health across countries, in aggregate and by race, ethnicity, gender, and age. 
    Prerequisite: EC 001 
    Social Sciences.
    1 credit.
    Eligible for GLBL-Core.


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  • ECON 081. Economic Development

    A survey covering the principal theories of economic development and the dominant issues of public policy in low-income countries. Topics include the determinants of economic growth and income distribution, the role of the agricultural sector, the acquisition of technological capability, the design of poverty-targeting programs, the choice of exchange rate regime, and the impacts of international trade and capital flows (including foreign aid).
    Prerequisite: ECON 001  
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Eligible for ASIA, BLST, PEAC, GLBL-core
    Fall 2023. O’Connell.
    Spring 2025. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 082. Political Economy of Africa

    A survey of the post-independence development experience of Sub-Saharan Africa. We study policy choices in their political and institutional context, using case-study evidence and the analytical tools of positive political economy. Topics include development from a natural resource base, conflict and nation building, risk management by firms and households, poverty reduction policies, globalization and trade, and the effectiveness of foreign aid.
    Prerequisite: ECON 001  
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Eligible for BLST, PEAC, GLBL-Paired
    Fall 2022. Staff.
    Fall 2024. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 083. East Asian Economies

    This course will provide an overview of the East Asian economy and the economic inter-dependencies that characterize the region. After providing an understanding of the factors that have made East Asia the most dynamic in the world economy, current challenges of the region will be given particular attention. Topics that will be addressed include: economic growth in East Asia; trade and economic growth; the East Asian trade-production network; East Asia’s role in global imbalances; the Asian financial crisis; financial cooperation in East Asia; monetary cooperation in East Asia; East Asia’s role in global economic governance; inequality in East Asia; demographic challenges of East Asian countries; environmental challenges and the move to sustainable economics.
    Prerequisite: ECON 001  
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Eligible for PEAC, ASIA, GLBL-Paired
    Spring 2023. Wang.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 084. Latin American Economies

    A survey of the development experience of Latin American countries. We study policy choices in their political and institutional context.

    Topics include Latin American economic history, informality in labor markets, pension reform, antitrust policy, regional economic integration and trade, debt and currency crises, and the effectiveness of foreign aid.

    Guest speakers from universities across Latin America will present on topics pertinent to their own countries. We plan to visit the World Bank and the Interamerican Development Bank (most likely virtually due to COVID restrictions) to learn about their projects and lending in the LA region.
    Prerequisite: ECON 001  
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Eligible for GLBL-paired, LALS
    Fall 2022. Staff.
    Fall 2023. Staff.
    Fall 2024. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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Economics - Seminars
  

  • ECON 091B. Research Seminar in Economics: Development Economics

    This course provides each student with an opportunity to write an original empirical research paper in development economics. The course emphasizes key steps in the research process, including motivating and posing a research question, adopting a theoretical framework, designing and implementing an empirical strategy, presenting data and findings, and developing policy implications. Students study the research process through the lens of prominent recent papers in development economics, while developing and reporting on their own projects from initiation to conclusion. Student-identified projects may focus on aspects of household or firm behavior; poverty, inequality, and/or economic growth; public service delivery; impact assessment; or economic policy, along with other potential topics in a developing-country context. Student projects will employ observational or experimental data as appropriate, with an emphasis (not exclusive) on publicly available data.
    Prerequisite: ECON 011  and ECON 031  (or its equivalent)
    Social Sciences.
    1 credit.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 091C. Research Seminar in Economics: Public Policy

    Students in this seminar will write a public policy research paper. The course will guide students through the elements of conducting public policy research, including identification of a policy-relevant problem, research design, data collection and analysis, policy analysis, and recommendations. Student projects can analyze existing policy or focus on problems for which policy approaches can be proposed. As background for conducting their own projects, students will read and discuss examples of public policy research across a range of fields.  Students will also present their own work in class throughout the semester, culminating in a presentation of the finished project at the end of the semester. Student research projects can be in any policy-relevant field, subject to data availability. The projects can employ existing data sets (e.g., administrative, survey, or experimental data) or students can collect their own data (e.g., through surveys and interviews).
    Prerequisite: ECON 011 and ECON 031 (or its equivalent)
    1 credit.


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  • ECON 135. Advanced Econometrics

    Quantitative methods used in estimating economic models and testing economic theories are studied. Students learn to use statistical packages to apply these methods to problems in business, economics, and public policy. Students will also evaluate studies applying econometric methods to major economic issues. An individual empirical research project is required.
    Prerequisite: ECON 035  and linear algebra (MATH 027  or MATH 028 ).
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Spring 2023. He.
    Spring 2024. He.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 141. Public Economics

    This seminar focuses on the analysis of government expenditure, tax, and debt policy. A major part of the seminar is devoted to an analysis of current policy issues in their institutional and theoretical contexts. The seminar will be of most interest to students having a concern for economic policy and its interaction with politics.
    Prerequisite: ECON 011  and ECON 031  (or its equivalent)
    Social sciences.
    2 credits.
    Spring 2024. Bronchetti.
    Spring 2025. Bronchetti.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 151. International Economics

    Both microeconomics and macroeconomics are applied to an in-depth analysis of the world economy. Topics include trade patterns, trade barriers, international flows of labor and capital, exchange-rate fluctuations, the international monetary system, financial crises, macroeconomic interdependence, the roles of organizations such as the World Trade Organization and International Monetary Fund, and case studies of selected industrialized, developing, and transition countries.
    Prerequisite: ECON 011  and ECON 021  
    Social sciences.
    2 credits.
    Eligible for ASIA, PEAC, GLBL Core
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 155. Behavioral and Experimental Economics

    The standard model of economic behavior is based on a set of assumptions about individual rationality, willpower, and preferences. Increasingly, researchers are finding that these assumptions can be inconsistent with observed behavior. This seminar focuses on behavioral and experimental economics, subfields of economics that draw from the broader social science literature to explore how individuals actually behave and make decisions, with the goal of improving both economic theory and public policy. The seminar will cover behavioral economics concepts and their applications in the real-world (in both high-income and low-income contexts worldwide), as well as experimental economics research and methods. Students in the seminar will read, critique, and present on the latest and most influential academic papers in behavioral and experimental economics. Topics include: self-control problems in financial behavior, preferences regarding inequality and fairness, cooperative behavior, social preferences, and consumer decision making.
     A student will receive 1 credit for ECON 155 if they’ve received credit for either ECON 055 or ECON 056.
    Prerequisite: ECON 011  and ECON 031 .
    Social sciences.
    2 credits.
    Fall 2023. Bhanot.
    Fall 2024. Bhanot.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 162. Antitrust and Market Regulation

    This seminar studies the regulation of firms operating in imperfectly competitive markets.  The course will have a strong focus on antitrust topics, such as collusion, mergers, and exclusive dealing.  Other forms of regulation, such as net neutrality, FCC wireless spectrum auctions, and energy price controls, will also be studied.  Students will learn to apply economic models and use data to understand the impact of government intervention on the strategic actions of businesses and consumer welfare.  There will be a strong emphasis on learning the realities of policy implementation, the tools government economists use to evaluate regulations, and real-world case studies.
    Prerequisite:  ECON 011  and ECON 031  (or its equivalent).
    Social sciences.
    2 credits.
    Spring 2023. Remer.
    Spring 2024. Remer.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 175. Health Economics

    This seminar applies microeconomic theory, including models from behavioral economics, to analyze consumers’, producers’, and the government’s behavior with respect to health and health care.  Special attention will be paid to the role of socioeconomic and demographic factors in explaining patterns of health and access to health care.  Other topics include environmental health, international comparisons of health and health care systems, and ongoing state and federal health care policy reform.
    Prerequisite:  ECON 011   and ECON 031 .
    Social sciences.
    2 credits.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 176. Environmental Economics

    (Cross-listed as ENVS 120 )
    This seminar examines the microeconomics of environmental issues with applications to the design of environmental policy. The seminar will cover the concepts and methods used in the valuation of environmental goods as well as the design of policy instruments and regulations to improve environmental quality. Specific topics include pollution and environmental degradation, the use of renewable and non-renewable resources, and climate change.
    Prerequisite:  ECON 011  and ECON 031  (or its equivalent), and single-variable calculus (MATH 025 or higher).
    Social sciences.
    2 credits.
    Eligible for ENVS
    Fall 2023. Peck.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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  • ECON 181. Economic Development

    The economics of long-run development in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. We cover the leading theories of growth, structural change, income distribution, and poverty, with particular attention to development strategies and experience since World War II. Topics include land tenure and agricultural development, rural-urban migration, industrialization, human resource development, poverty targeting, trade and technology policy, aid and capital flows, macroeconomic management, and the role of the state. Students write several short papers examining the literature and a longer paper analyzing a particular country’s experience.
    Prerequisite: ECON 011 , ECON 021 , and either ECON 031 , STAT 011 , or  STAT 021  
    Social sciences.
    2 credits.
    Eligible for ASIA, BLST, PEAC
    Spring 2023. O’Connell.
    Spring 2025. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Economics  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/economics


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Educational Studies
  
  

  • EDUC 004. First Year Seminar: Psychology in Schools

    (cross-listed with PSYC 004)
    Schools are excellent settings in which to understand human thinking and behavior. Educational psychology, or the study of human teaching and learning, provides a great applied introduction to psychological concepts. This area of psychology also draws upon different areas of the discipline, including cognitive and developmental psychology.
    In this seminar, we will consider and explore psychology in school settings. To do so, we will rely primarily on academic texts, in addition to essays, film, and personal narratives to support our learning and exploration. In many ways, we will build on our own schooling experiences (what has worked and what hasn’t) to think globally about school learning, teaching, and belonging.
     PSYC 004 does not serve as an alternate prerequisite for further work in the department.
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Department website: www.swarthmore.edu/educational-studies


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  • EDUC 009C. First-Year Seminar: Why College? The past and future of liberal arts

    (Cross-listed as ENGL 009C )
    Look past the brochures and the info sessions and ask: what is college in the early 21st Century, how did it get that way? Why do people go to college? Should they? Students in this course will examine the history of higher education, and study controversies over the economics, mission, and values of colleges and universities as they appear in curricula, admissions and financial aid policies, student life, and more. Students will develop an understanding of the behind-the-scenes operations of higher education institutions like Swarthmore through reading, seminar discussion, visits from experts, and independent research.
    Social Sciences.
    Writing course.
    1 credit.
    Spring 2023. Hines.
    Catalog chapter: Educational Studies  
    Department website: Educational Studies


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  • EDUC 014. Pedagogy and Power: An Introduction to Education

    Schools are complex social institutions.  Within schools, inequalities can be maintained or challenged as children and educators negotiate the historical, political, social, and economic realities of the nation. This course explores major questions in educational policy, theory, and practice. Students read material from multiple disciplines, write, discuss, and complete fieldwork in area schools as an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of educational studies. EDUC 014 or the first-year seminar EDUC 014F, is required for students pursuing teacher certification.
    Social sciences.
    Writing course.
    1 credit.
    Eligible for ESCH.
    Fall 2022. Staff.
    Spring 2023. Staff.
    Fall 2023. Staff.
    Spring 2024. Staff.
    Fall 2024. Staff.
    Spring 2025. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Educational Studies  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/educational-studies


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • EDUC 014F. First-Year Seminar: Pedagogy and Power: An Introduction to Education

    Schools are complex social institutions.  Within schools, inequalities can be maintained or challenged as children and educators negotiate the historical, political, social, and economic realities of the nation. This course explores major questions in educational policy, theory, and practice. Students read material from multiple disciplines, write, discuss, and complete fieldwork in area schools as an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of educational studies. EDUC 014 or the first-year seminar EDUC 014F, is required for students pursuing teacher certification.
    Social sciences.
    Writing course.
    1 credit.
    Eligible for ESCH.
    Fall 2022. Staff.
    Fall 2023. Staff.
    Fall 2024. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Educational Studies  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/educational-studies


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
  

  • EDUC 018. Critical Perspectives

    This course engages with disability justice and how its principles can mediate more equitable and anti-ableist educational spaces, communities, and practices. This will include a historical and contemporary exploration of conceptualizations of disability, histories and ongoing forms of resistance, and core values and tensions embedded in disability justice. In doing so, we will co-create a learning community in which we unpack and consider disability justice and combatting ableism within different realms of education. As this term’s Educational Studies’ “Critical Perspectives” course, we will also reflect on criticality and its role in our identities and practices as readers, writers, and people through the lens of disability justice. In other words, we will spend the semester learning about and reflecting on what it might mean to practice disability justice in our lives.
    Prerequisite: EDUC 014: Pedagogy and Power, or permission from the instructor.
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Eligible for ESCH.
    Spring 2024. Bradley.
    Spring 2025. Anderson.


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  • EDUC 021. Educational Psychology

    This course provides students with a representative sampling of work in learning and motivation that has particular relevance to asset-based pedagogical practices.  It is discussion-based, has a workshop-like format. and is designed to accommodate differences in students’ interests and purpose. Students read with original source materials (research articles and chapters), tutor, and in collaboration with local middle school teachers, participate in a field-based, laboratory research project. This course is required for students pursuing special majors in psychology and educational studies, and for all students pursuing teacher certification.
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Eligible for ESCH.
    Fall 2022. Renninger.
    Fall 2023. Renninger.
    Fall 2024. Renninger.
    Catalog chapter: Educational Studies  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/educational-studies


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  • EDUC 022. Peace Education

    Cross-listed as PEAC 022.
    In this introductory course, students will explore the historical, ethical, and theoretical foundations of peace education, a subfield of peace and conflict studies. Students will consider different approaches towards peace education: should peace education be oriented towards eliminating physical violence? Facilitating co-existence and understanding? Teaching human rights or citizenship? Empowering the dispossessed and eliminating inequality and injustice? Is peace education best integrated in the existing schooling system, an extracurricular activity, or should it be distinct from schooling? Using case studies, students will critically examine different types of peace education and explore existing research on how they do-or do not-work.
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Eligible for PEAC.
    Catalog chapter: Educational Studies.
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/educational-studies.


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  • EDUC 023. Adolescence

    In this course, students examine adolescent development from psychological, sociological, and life-span perspectives, reading both traditional theory and challenges to that theory that consider issues of race, class, gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. During the first part of the term, students explore various aspects of individual development (e.g., cognitive, affective, physiological, etc.). The second part focuses on the adolescent’s experience in a range of social contexts (e.g., family, peer group, school, etc.). Required for students pursuing secondary teacher certification. Not recommended for first-year students.
    Prerequisite: EDUC 014  or permission of the instructor.
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Eligible for ESCH.
    Spring 2023. Staff.
    Spring 2024. Staff.
    Spring 2025. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Educational Studies  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/educational-studies


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  • EDUC 024. Special Education: Adolescents with Special Needs

    Formerly EDUC 023A, this course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the educational and emotional issues faced by adolescents with disabilities. We will explore aspects of identity development and experiences of adolescents with disabilities, as well as frameworks used to understand disability and special education. We will also begin to practice strategies useful for supporting students with disabilities and creating accessible classrooms. Students will complete a 15-hour practicum in a setting for adolescents with special needs. This course is a complement to EDUC23, Adolescence and EDUC026, Special Education. 
    Prerequisite: (or concurrently) EDUC 026  or permission of the instructor.
    Corequisite: EDUC 023  can be taken concurrently
    0.5 credit.
    Spring 2023. Phuong.
    Spring 2024. Phuong.
    Spring 2025. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Educational Studies  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/educational-studies


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  • EDUC 026. Special Education: Issues and Practice

    This course is designed to provide students with a critical overview of special education, including its history, the classification and description of exceptionalities, and its legal regulation. Major issues related to identification, assessment, educational and therapeutic interventions, psychosocial aspects, and inclusion are examined. Course includes a field placement. Required for students pursuing teacher certification.
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Spring 2023. Phuong.
    Spring 2024. Phuong.
    Spring 2025. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Educational Studies  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/educational-studies


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  • EDUC 033. Black Education

    This course examines the lives of Black children and youth in American education from a socio-historical perspective. A particular focus is placed on the Black struggle for educational access and equality, and educational policies and programs designed to advance the education of Black students. The goal is to reconsider how schools and classrooms can realize the promise and potential of Blacks in the United States.
    Prerequisite: Either EDUC 014 or BLST 015.
    1 credit.


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  • EDUC 041. A Site of Struggle: Educational Policy

    This course examines preK-Higher Education policy as a site of struggle. Students will develop a working knowledge of the policy landscape on the federal, state, and local levels and use this knowledge to examine the relationship between policy, power, and practice. The course will examine a range of current policy topics, potentially including school finance, issues of adequacy and equity, based reform, assessment and accountability, bilingual education, school choice, early childhood education, special education, desegregation, and teacher quality and compensation. Drawing primarily from a critical policy studies framework, students will examine education policies and develop strategies and projects that would support, critique, and transform extant policies. There will be an 8 hour field requirement for the course.
    Prerequisite: EDUC 014  or permission of the instructor.
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Fall 2023. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Educational Studies  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/educational-studies


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  • EDUC 042. Teaching Diverse Young Learners

    Why do children play? What is the role of culture in child development? What does it mean to learn?
    This course explores the ways in which children play, develop, and construct meaning in their personal, communal, and academic lives. Students will survey learning theories and optimal learning environments for diverse young learners, including: English Language Learners; racially, ethnically and socioeconomically diverse populations; culturally non-mainstream students; gender expansive students; students with learning differences and disabilities; and students with socioemotional classifications. Students in this course engage in weekly hands-on fieldwork, supporting and leading lessons in preschool, primary, and middle grade classrooms. This course is required for elementary certification.
    Social sciences.
    Writing course.
    1 credit.
    Spring 2023. Goldsmith-Markey.
    Spring 2024. Bradley.
    Spring 2025. Staff.
    Catalog chapter: Educational Studies  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/educational-studies


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  • EDUC 043. Teacher Narratives, Policy and Power

    This course is an exploration of the lives of teachers: how they are framed within popular culture and policy, and how they frame themselves within the politics of the classroom, schools and broader society. Students will work with various critical social theories and analytical tools to think through teacher narratives, historical and sociological texts, film, policy debates, guest presentations, and other sources. Assignments will include conducting interviews with educators and producing mixed media projects that reframe educator identities.
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Catalog chapter: Educational Studies  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/educational-studies


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  • EDUC 045. Literacies and Social Identities

    This course explores the intersections of literacy practices and identities of gender, race, class, religion, ethnicity, and sexual orientation within communities of practice. It includes but is not limited to school settings. Students will work with diverse theory and analytical tools that draw on educational, anthropological, historical, sociological, linguistic, fictional, visual, popular readings and “scenes of literacy” from everyday practice. Fieldwork  may be required and includes a Learning for Life partnership, tutoring, or community service in a literacy program.
    Social sciences.
    Writing course.
    1 credit.
    Eligible for GSST, LALS.
    Fall 2022. Anderson.
    Fall 2024. Anderson.
    Catalog chapter: Educational Studies  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/educational-studies


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  • EDUC 046. Race, Nation, Empire and Education

    (Cross-listed as SOAN 040M )
    Drawing on anthropology, history, and cultural studies, this course develops frameworks for understanding the historical and contemporary role of education in race-making, nation-building, and empire-building projects. We focus on how educational processes shape the material, cultural, psychological, socioeconomic, and political aspects of people’s lives, and how these contend within a changing global landscape. Topics include: education’s dual role in settler colonialism and its potential for decolonization; scientific racism as it relates to discourses about intelligence; institutions of higher education and their entanglements with slavery and imperialism; education in colonial and post-colonial settings; legislating bodies and intimacies among young women of color; and education as a site for producing hegemonic notions of the ideal citizen-subject. This course includes films, guest speakers, and field trips to enhance the learning process.
    Social sciences.
    1 credit.
    Eligible for BLST, ASAM
    Catalog chapter: Educational Studies  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/educational-studies


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  • EDUC 048. From the Undercommons: Ethnic Studies and Education

    What is ethnic studies? How can ethnic studies be part of efforts to transform educational and social conditions today from the position of the undercommons? This course is an examination of the origins, theories, pedagogies, politics, and policies that have come to define ethnic studies in US education. What key historical events and struggles in U.S. society and education have contributed to ethnic studies as an”undiscipline,” and as curriculum? Colonialism, race, ethnicity, nationalism, diversity, inclusion, segregation, community control, resistance and survivance, are among the potential topics to be examined in relation to ethnic studies pedagogies, policies, and social movements in formal (N-Higher Ed) and informal (afterschools, CBOs, museums, social movements, etc) settings. Coupled to this inquiry will be a weekly field assignment where students will be collaborating with educators (N-Higher Ed) in crafting or further developing curricular projects that apply an ethnic studies lens.
    Social science.
    1 credit.
    Eligible for LALS, BLST, ASAM
    Spring 2023. Mayorga.
    Catalog chapter: Educational Studies  
    Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/educational-studies


    Access the class schedule to search for sections.
 

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