Because it is essential that students be involved in every aspect of theatre, the department provides every possible opportunity. Students work as directors, actors, designers, stage managers, technicians, and playwrights. Majors are expected to participate in the production program and to attend all productions. Undergraduate students compete successfully in auditions for roles in main-stage and laboratory theatre productions. They complete studio and course assignment work in every production area. They work on a wide range of projects, from acting in scenes for directing classes to staging work to be taken to classes in other departments, and in some cases, working as a designer on one or more of the main season productions. The B.A. program provides its students with intellectual stimulation and a healthy creative challenge.
The Department of Drama has modern facilities that accommodate all of our classroom, studio, and production activities. The complex includes two theatres: the 595 seat Culbreth, with its large, well-equipped proscenium stage, and the flexible Helms which seats 160-200 people. Large and modern scene, costume, and property shops, as well as offices, rehearsal studios, dressing rooms, and computer labs, complete the facility. An excellent Fine Arts Library is only a few steps away.
Faculty The department boasts a nationally-known resident faculty with solid experience and an understanding of the demands of the professional theatre in its many manifestations. Guest artists often augment the resident faculty so there is an on-going professional presence which gives the student immediate experience of the ideas and practice in today's theatre. All of the faculty spend much time outside of the classroom working personally with serious theatre students.
Students At any given time, there are approximately eighty drama majors or undeclared majors.
Requirements for Major The prerequisite for the major is DRAM 201 and 202. The minimum passing grade for the prerequisite to the major is C.
Prerequisites:
| DRAM 201 | Theatre Art: Image to Form | (3) |
| DRAM 202 | Performance: Acting I | (3) |
Core: Required of all majors, without exception:
| DRAM 211 | Lighting Technology | (3) |
| DRAM 213 | Production Lab: Lighting and Sound | (1) |
| DRAM 221 | Scenic Technology | (3) |
| DRAM 223 | Production Lab: Scenery and Properties | (1) |
| DRAM 231 | Costume Technology | (3) |
| DRAM 233 | Production Lab: Costume and Makeup | (1) |
| DRAM 305 | History of Theatre I | (3) |
| DRAM 306 | History of Theatre II | (3) |
| DRAM 352 | Stage Management | (1) |
| DRAM 353 | Production Lab: Stage Management | (1-2) |
| DRAM 360 | Modern American Drama | (3) |
| DRAM 491 | Senior Seminar | (3) |
| DRAM 213, 223, and 233 are corequisites of DRAM 211, 221, and 231, respectively. | ||
Program Options: Any three additional courses from our curriculum (listed below) except DRAM 101 and DRAM 102 for a total of 9 credits.
Total credits for the major (including prerequisites) is 41.
Requirements for Minor A minimum of 21 credits in the Department of Drama including DRAM 301; 305 or 306; 353; as well as one course from the following: DRAM 211, 221, 231, 341, 351, 371, 416, 421, 431.
Prerequisite for the minor are DRAM 201 and 202. The minimum passing grade for the prerequisite to the minor is C.
Drama majors and minors are expected to participate in the production program and to attend all theatre productions and departmental meetings. The minimum passing grade is C for all required courses.
Drama Activities The activities of the Drama Department include the main season of major productions, the Studio Laboratory Theatre Series, and additional events: professional theatre companies, guest artists, ballet troupes, etc. In addition to these activities, the department sponsors each summer the professional Heritage Repertory Theatre. All production activity is presented in the Helms and Culbreth Theatres located within the Department of Drama building on Culbreth Road.
Additional Information For more information, contact
Lavahn Hoh
Undergraduate Advisor
Department of Drama
Drama Building
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(804) 924-3326
Drama faculty
DRAM 101 - (3) (S)
Introduction to Theatre
Investigation of theatre arts and their relation to contemporary
culture, with emphasis on play analysis, types of production,
and the roles of various theatre artists.
DRAM 102 - (3) (S)
Oral Interpretation
For non-majors, to enhance the communication skills of the student
through basic voice and speech exercises, leading to staged readings
of prose, poetry, comedy, and drama.
DRAM 201 (3) (S)
Performance: Image to Form
Examination of the theatre artist's translation of dramatic image
into theatrical form as explored through elements of story telling,
script analysis, design in 2-d and 3-d and the experience of performance.
DRAM 202 - (3) (S)
Performance: Acting I
Basic theories and techniques of acting and directing explored
through exercises, improvisations, and scenes from contemporary
dramatic literature.
DRAM 208 - (3) (Y)
Circus in America
An introduction to the circus, as a form of American entertainment.
The course will focus on the development, growth, decline, and
cultural influences.
DRAM 211 - (3) (S)
Lighting Technology
Prerequisites: DRAM 201 and 202, or permission of instructor
Corequisite: DRAM 213
Basic techniques for moving the lighting design from drafted plot
through equipment, dimming and control systems, color theory to
finished design. Lab required.
DRAM 213 - (1) (S)
Production Laboratory: Lighting and Sound
Prerequisites: DRAM 201 and 202, or permission of instructor
Corequisite: DRAM 211
Application of lighting and sound technology in laboratory production
projects. May be repeated up to four credits.
DRAM 221 - (3) (S)
Scenic Technology
Prerequisites: DRAM 201 and 202, or permission of instructor
Basic techniques for moving set design from drawing to finished
environment including drafting, carpentry, painting, and dressing.
Lab required.
DRAM 223 - (1) (S)
Production Laboratory: Scenery and Properties
Prerequisites: DRAM 201 and 202, or permission of instructor
Corequisite: DRAM 221 or permission of instructor
Application of scenery and properties technology in laboratory
production projects. May be repeated up to four credits.
DRAM 231 - (3) (S)
Costume Technology
Prerequisites: DRAM 201 and 202, or permission of instructor
Corequisite: DRAM 233 or permission of instructor
Basic techniques for moving the costume design from drawing to
finished character, including costume construction, alteration,
patterning, fitting, and accessories. Lab required.
DRAM 233 - (1) (S)
Practicum: Costume and Makeup
Prerequisites: DRAM 201 and 202, or permission of instructor
Corequisite: DRAM 231 or permission of instructor
Application of costume and makeup technology in production laboratory.
May be repeated up to four credits.
DRAM 243 - (1) (S)
Production Laboratory: Acting and Directing
Application of acting and directing skills in production laboratory.
May be repeated up to four credits.
DRAM 281 - (3) (Y)
Cinema as Art Form
A course in visual thinking; an introduction to film criticism,
concentrating on classic and current American and non-American films.
DRAM 282 - (3) (Y)
Television Texts, Scripting and Directing
Theory and creative principles of television scripting and directing;
analysis of form, content and production values; composition,
writing, lighting, camerawork and performance.
DRAM 302 - (3) (IR)
Theatrical Make-Up
Prerequisite: DRAM 201 and 202, or permission of instructor
An introduction to the design and application of theatre makeup.
Emphasis is on observation and mastery of basic techniques and
material employed in facial analysis and the creation of juvenile,
lead, character and aged makeup.
DRAM 305 - (3) (Y)
History of Theatre I
The history of theatre as an art form in relation to the development
of Western culture from ancient times to the Restoration Period.
DRAM 306 - (3) (Y)
History of Theatre II
Prerequisite: DRAM 305
The history of theatre as an art form in relation to the development
of Western culture from the Restoration Period to the present
day.
DRAM 331 - (3) (Y)
History of Dress
The history of dress, from ancient to modern times, as a reflection
of the individual's self expression and the relationship to one's
culture. Lab required.
DRAM 341 - (3) (S)
Acting II
Prerequisite: DRAM 202
Self to character: Exercises and scene work emphasizing the development
of the actor's vocal and physical resources as a means of creating
and communicating character, emotion, and relationships.
DRAM 342- (3) (S)
Voice for the Theatre
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
To give the drama major a thorough grounding in the voice and
speech demands of theatre performance and to launch the student
on a life-long investigation of voice and speech production.
DRAM 349 - (3) (Y)
Acting Out
Prerequisite: By audition and permission of instructor
A select ensemble company rehearses and performs scenes from Shakespeare,
classic and contemporary dramatic literature in public performance
workshops.
DRAM 351 - (3) (Y)
Directing I
Prerequisites: DRAM 201 and 202
The development of the director's analytical and rehearsal skills
in translating text, actors, and space into valid and effective
scenes, drawn from plays in the mode of psychological realism.
DRAM 352 - (1) (S)
Stage Management
Prerequisites:
DRAM 201,
202, 211,
221, and 231,
or permission of instructor
Corequisite: DRAM 353
Examination of stage management principles to the production of
theatre in a variety of settings from academic to regional to
Broadway. Study of various techniques of organization, rehearsal
process and human relations skills. Course study includes safety
and emergency procedures for both performers and audience.
DRAM 353 - (1-2) (S)
Production Laboratory: Stage Management
Prerequisites: DRAM 201,
202, 211,
221, and 231,
or permission of instructor
Corequisite: DRAM 352
One credit is required, may be taken for two credits, and may
be repeated up to four credits.
Application of stage management skills applied to production and
performance. May be repeated up to four credits.
DRAM 360 - (3) (Y)
Modern American Drama
Representative American dramas of the twentieth century, taught
in the context of theatre history.
DRAM 371 - (3) (Y)
Playwriting I
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Introduction to the art and craft of playwriting, focused around
short exercises and in-class writing assignments.
DRAM 372 - (3) (Y)
Playwriting II
Prerequisite: DRAM 371
A continuation of Playwriting I, focusing on specific craft exercises
and the development of an individual style.
DRAM 381 - (3) (SS)
Film Criticism
Extends the work of DRAM 281 by concentrating on the development
of a critical perspective in the study of films and film-makers.
DRAM 383 - (3) (Y)
History of Film I
Analysis of the development of the silent film, 1895 to 1928;
emphasis on technical and thematic links between national schools
of cinema art and the contributions of individual directors. Three
hours lecture plus weekly film screenings.
DRAM 384 - (3) (Y)
History of Film II
Prerequisite: DRAM 281 or 383 or permission of instructor
Analysis of the development of film art from the inception of
sound to the 1950s. Three hours lecture plus weekly film screenings.
DRAM 411 - (3) (Y)
Lighting Design
Prerequisites: DRAM 201 and 211, or permission of instructor
Development of the lighting design from script analysis through
concept to completed production. Lab required.
DRAM 421 - (3) (Y)
Scenic Design
Prerequisites: DRAM 201, or permission of instructor
Development of the scene design as theatrical environment, from
script analysis through research to completed ground plan and
rendering. Lab required.
DRAM 431 - (3) (Y)
Costume Design
Prerequisite: DRAM 201, or permission of instructor
Development of costume design as a revelation of character and
relationship to the special world from script analysis through
research to the completed rendering. Lab required.
DRAM 441 - (3) (Y)
Acting III
Prerequisite: DRAM 341
Creating roles: scripted scenes, exercises, and ensemble work
to develop a process that expands the actor's approach to characterization
and interpretation within various dramatic genres.
DRAM 442 - (3) (Y)
Musical Theatre Performance
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Integration of song into scene work and the examination of special
problems posed for the actor/singer/dancer. Focus is upon a character's
song presentation within the context of a musical play.
DRAM 444 - (3) (Y)
Dance for Theatre
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor
Examines the history of social and theatrical dance, its function
in a particular society, and its dramatic purpose within a play.
Requires basic proficiency be demonstrated in traditional ballet,
jazz, and tap technique. Choreography common to musical theatre
performance is taught within each style.
DRAM 449 - (3) (Y)
Stage Combat
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Examination of the history of human violence and various forms
of personal and military combat that are frequently used on stage
as well as "comedic violence" such as slapstick, clowning,
and commedia. Students learn to safely perform physical aggression
that is appropriate and dramatically effective, following the
safety guidelines and techniques recommended by the Society of
American Fight Directors.
DRAM 451 - (3) (Y)
Directing II
Prerequisites: DRAM 351 and permission of instructor
Continues the work of Directing I with special attention to the
director's organization, scheduling, and efficient use of resources.
Students direct a one-act play.
DRAM 471 - (3) (Y)
Playwriting III
Prerequisite: DRAM 372
An advanced workshop focusing on the development of longer works
and the rewriting process.
DRAM 472 - (3) (Y)
Playwriting IV
Prerequisite: DRAM 471
A continuation of Playwriting III.
DRAM 491 - (3) (S)
Senior Seminar
Seminar discussions and assignments which allow the student to
demonstrate knowledge of the theatre as well as artistic, aesthetic,
and critical judgment.
DRAM 492 - (1-3) (S)
Special Studies in Drama
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and advisor
An independent study project conducted under the supervision of
an instructor of the student's choice. Instructor determines credit.
DRAM 493 - (1-3) (S)
Special Topics in Performance
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Special topics in performance offered to upper level students.
DRAM 494 - (1-3) (S)
Special Topics in Movement
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Specialized topics in movement offered to upper level students.
DRAM 495 - (1-3) (S)
Special Topics in Voice
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Specialized topics in voice and speech offered to upper level
performance students.
DRAM 496 - (1-3) (S)
Special Topics in Directing
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
An intensive study of specific topics offered to the upper level
student.
DRAM 497 - (1-3) (S)
Special Topics in Design
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
An intensive study of specific topics in theatre design offered
to the upper level student.
DRAM 498 - (1-3) (S)
Special Topics in Design Technology
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
An intensive study of specific topics offered to the upper level
student.
DRAM 499 - (1-3) (S)
Special Topics in Playwriting
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Specialized topics offered to upper level students.
DRAM 504 - (3) (O)
Early American Drama
An examination of the American theatre (both the dramatic literature
and significant productions) prior to O'Neill. Course focuses
on the development of a uniquely American drama and the ways in
which the theatre reflected the era in which it was created.
DRAM 506 (3) (IR)
Modernism in the Theatre
Prerequisites: DRAM 305, 306 or equivalent
Study of the theory, literature and mis-en-scene of the theatre
during the modern era.
DRAM 555 - (3) (Y)
Performing Arts Management
Prerequisites: Graduate standing; 12 credits in Drama and/or business
related courses; or permission of instructor
An examination of the principles and practices of managing the
not-for- profit performing arts organization. Using the theatre
as a model, the course focuses on the responsibilities of the
top manager within the organization, and the relationship to the
artistic staff and the board of trustees.
DRAM 571 - (3) (Y)
Playwriting V
Prerequisite: Nine credits of drama courses or permission of instructor
Introduction to the craft of playwriting; examination of exemplary
works. Weekly problem exercises emphasizing the development of
a way of working.
DRAM 572 - (3) (Y)
Playwriting VI
Prerequisites: DRAM 571 and permission of instructor
The craft of playwriting; continued study of exemplary plays and
problem exercises; increased emphasis on reading and discussion
of student work.
Faculty The twenty-eight full-time faculty members of the economics department are recognized as good teachers and are among the elite of professional economists.
Students Currently, there are about 400 economics majors at the University. The main sections of the introductory economics lecture courses are quite large (over 400) but are supplemented with small weekly discussion sections led by teaching assistants. Other smaller sections of the introductory courses are also offered. Most of our courses have between 30 and 50 students and, except for some lower-level courses, are taught by regular faculty. Faculty are willing to supervise independent studies for good students on topics that are close to their own interests and expertise.
Since the study of economics enhances one's skills in problem solving, economics majors have, upon graduation, successfully followed various educational and employment paths. About one-fourth of the University of Virginia's economics majors choose to attend law school, and almost as large a fraction have enrolled in graduate business schools, sometimes after working for several years. Each year, a few majors continue their study of economics at the graduate level, and several attend medical school. Economics majors who have chosen to work immediately upon graduation have found employment in financial institutions, manufacturing corporations, consulting firms, and state and federal government agencies.
Requirements for Major Students intending to elect economics as their major subject should complete ECON 201, 202 by the end of their second year. In order to declare a major in economics, a student must be in good standing in the College, must have completed at least one course in economics, and must have attained at least a 2.0 cumulative average in all economics courses at the University. To graduate with a major in economics, a student must complete the five required core courses named below, plus fifteen credits of additional economics courses, of which at least twelve credits must be earned in courses numbered 300 or greater. The five required courses are ECON 201, ECON 202, ECON 301 or 311, ECON 302, and an approved statistics course. The approved statistics courses are ECON 371, ECON 381, MATH 312, and APMA 312. These required courses must be completed prior to the student's fourth year, except by permission of the Director of Undergraduate Studies, which will be granted only in extraordinary circumstances. In addition, each major is required to complete a three-credit calculus course by the end of the first semester after the major is declared. The calculus may not be taken on a credit/no credit basis. Majors must maintain a 2.0 cumulative average in economics.
Students who wish to declare a major in economics should obtain the Undergraduate Studies brochure from Rouss Hall 114 and follow the instructions therein.
Requirements for Distinguished Majors Program The department has a Distinguished Majors Program for majors who wish to be considered for a degree with high or highest distinction in economics. Students in this program must enroll in the course "Topics in Advanced Microeconomics," ECON 411, in the fall of their fourth year, take ECON 372 either before entering the program or the fall of their fourth year, and write a DMP thesis under faculty supervision, enrolling in ECON 496. The thesis is due by April 15. Third-year economics majors with a cumulative grade point average of 3.6 or better are eligible to apply; application forms and additional information can be obtained in Rouss Hall 114.
Requirements for Minor Students who wish to minor in economics must satisfactorily complete ECON 201, ECON 202, ECON 301, or ECON 311, an approved statistics course, and nine credits of additional economics courses with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in these courses. The approved statistics courses are ECON 371, ECON 381, MATH 312, and APMA 312. At least six of the nine credits of optional courses must be in courses numbered 300 or greater. Additional economics courses may be taken but only the best three grades will be used in determining a minor's economics GPA.
Students who wish to declare a minor in economics should obtain the Undergraduate Studies brochure from Rouss Hall 114 and follow the instructions therein.
Prospective Graduate Students Any student seriously considering graduate work in economics should take ECON 372. Several mathematics courses, in addition to the required semester of calculus, will be extremely useful for gaining admission to and financial aid from a graduate school and for completing the graduate program on schedule. An additional course in calculus such as MATH 132 or 132A and a course in linear algebra such as MATH 351 are essential. Beyond these basic courses, the more useful for economics are MATH 221, 225, 311, 312, and 331.
Additional Information For more information, contact the
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Department of Economics
114 Rouss Hall
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(804) 924-3177
Economics faculty
ECON 202: Macroeconomics: The study of the determinants of aggregate
economic activity, the effects of monetary and fiscal policy upon
national income, and economic policy toward unemployment and inflation.
A full introduction to economic principles warrants completion
of both ECON 201 AND 202. Students planning to take both semesters
of economic principles are advised to take ECON 201 first, though
this is not required. The department recommends ECON 201 to students
intending to take only one semester of principles.
ECON 205 - (3) (Y)
ECON 206 - (3) (Y)
ECON 301 - (4) (S)
ECON 302 - (3) (S)
ECON 303 - (3) (S)
ECON 304 - (3) (IR)
ECON 305 - (3) (Y)
ECON 306 - (3) (Y)
ECON 308 - (3) (IR)
ECON 309 - (3) (Y)
ECON 311 - (4) (Y)
ECON 333 - (3) (IR)
ECON 351 - (3) (Y)
ECON 352 - (3) (IR)
ECON 353 - (3) (IR)
ECON 371 - (4) (S)
ECON 372 - (3) (S)
ECON 381 - (4) (IR)
ECON 410 - (3) (Y)
ECON 411 - (3) (Y)
ECON 412 - (3) (Y)
ECON 413 - (3) (IR)
ECON 415 - (3) (Y)
ECON 416 - (3) (Y)
ECON 418 - (3) (IR)
ECON 419 - (3) (S)
ECON 420 - (3) (Y)
ECON 421 - (3) (Y)
ECON 422 - (3) (Y)
ECON 431 - (3) (S)
ECON 432 - (3) (Y)
ECON 434 - (3) (Y)
ECON 435 - (3) (Y)
ECON 440 - (3) (Y)
ECON 442 - (3) (IR)
ECON 443 - (3) (IR)
ECON 471 - (3) (Y)
ECON 482 - (3) (Y)
ECON 489 - (3) (Y)
ECON 495, 496 - (1-3) (S)
ECON 507 - (3) (IR)
ECON 509 - (3) (Y)
ECON 510 - (3) (Y)
European Economic History
European economic history from the neolithic age to the twentieth
century, with emphasis on concepts used by historians and economists
to explain past economic changes (for example, feudalism, capitalism,
imperialism).
American Economic History
A survey of American economic history from colonial origins
to the present. Cross-listed with HIUS 206.
Intermediate Microeconomics
Prerequisite: ECON 201 and one semester of calculus
The theory of prices and markets; an analysis of the forces that
determine the allocation of economic resources in a market economy.
Intermediate Macroeconomics
Prerequisite: ECON 202 and
ECON 301 or 311, or permission of instructor
Macroeconomic theory and policy; analysis of the forces that determine
employment, income and the price level.
Money and Banking
Prerequisite: ECON 202
Monetary standards. The role of money in an economic system. Operation
and evolution of central banking systems.
The Economics of Education
Prerequisite: ECON 201
Analysis of the demand for and supply of education in the United
States; governmental policies regarding education; and proposed
reforms.
The Economics of Welfare Reform
Prerequisite: ECON 201
Critical evaluation of the arguments used to justify welfare programs
such as AFDC, Medicaid, food stamps, and public housing. Theoretical
analyses and empirical evidence on the intended and unintended
effects of these programs. Reforms of the welfare system that
might lead to better achieving its goals.
Law and Economics
Prerequisite: ECON 201
Application of microeconomic theory to the analysis of legal rules
and institutions: the effect of economic forces on the development
of law, and the effect of laws on the allocation of resources.
The Colonial Economy
Prerequisites: ECON 201, 202
This course will examine the American Economy from 1600 until
1820. Topics will include demography, slavery, growth, development,
and international trade.
Latin American Economic Issues
Prerequisites: ECON 201, 202
Issues in the economic development of the Spanish speaking countries
of Latin America and Brazil including traditional primary product
dependence, the post World War II push for industrialization via
import substitution, chronic and hyperinflation, foreign capital
flows and debt, and recent market reforms and their effects on
growth and poverty.
Mathematical Microeconomics
Prerequisites: ECON 201 and two semesters of calculus
This course covers the same topics as ECON 301 using differential
calculus through constrained maximization of functions of several
variables. Credit will not be given for both ECON
301 and ECON
311.
Public Choice
Prerequisite: ECON 201
The study of politics using economic analysis: the theory of voting
rules, of regulation, taxation, and interest groups; the growth
of government; and the design of constitutions.
Economic Development
Prerequisites: ECON 201 and 202
The peculiar problems of economic growth in underdeveloped countries
of the world, with emphasis on public policies, both for the countries
themselves and for the more developed countries and international
agencies.
Comparative Economics
Prerequisites: ECON 201 and 202
Analysis of nature, performance and problems of market and non-market
economies with emphasis on post World War II experience.
Soviet-Type Economics in Transition
Prerequisite: ECON 201 and 202
Analysis of the nature, performance and problems of the nonmarket
economies of the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe and their
transition to market economies.
Introduction to Statistical Analysis
Prerequisites: MATH 121 or equivalent
Introduction to the probability and statistical theory underlying
the estimation of parameters and testing of hypotheses in economics.
Simple and multiple regression analysis. Students will use computers
to analyze economic data. Three hours of lecture; one hour of
discussion.
Introductory Econometrics
Prerequisites: ECON 201, 202 and 371 (or equivalent) and one
semester of calculus
The application of statistical methods to the testing and estimation
of economic relationships. Special emphasis on applied econometric
studies and the problems that arise when analyzing time series
and cross section data by means of stochastic linear models.
Mathematical Statistics for Economists
Prerequisites: ECON 201, 202, and two semesters of calculus
This course covers the same topics as ECON 371 using differential
and integral calculus. Credit will not be given for both ECON
371 and ECON 381.
Managerial Economics
Prerequisite: ECON 301 or 311
and a course in statistics
Application of economic analysis to management problems in business
and government. Emphasis is given to solving problems through
marginal analysis, decision making under uncertainty, determining
and using the value of information, searching and bidding, bargaining
and negotiation, and analysis of transaction costs. Methods of
capital budgeting, linear programming, game theory and forecasting
are examined and strategic decisions in markets are considered.
Topics in Advanced Microeconomics
Prerequisites:
ECON 301 or 311; a course in probability or
statistics; and permission of instructor
Applications of and further topics in microeconomic theory. Required
for Distinguished Majors but open to any advanced student who
has been successful in economics. Specific topics vary from year
to year. Examples are applications of decision-making under uncertainty
to insurance, portfolio choice, and saving by households; applications
of game theory to bargaining, contracts, and oligopoly; the economics
of information; welfare economics and applications to public policy.
Evolution of Economic Thought
Prerequisites: ECON 201, 202
The history of the development of economics as a systematic body
of thought with special reference to the period 1750-1900. Readings
from the leading economists of this period.
Topics in the History of Economic Thought
Prerequisite: ECON 301 or 311, and 302, or permission of
instructor
Detailed study of the development of modern economic thought.
Subject matter may change from year to year but will normally
relate to the post-1870 period: i.e., the marginalist revolution
or the Keynesian revolution.
Economics of Labor
Prerequisite: ECON 301 or 311, and 371 or its equivalent,
or permission of instructor
Economic analysis of employment and wages, including the economics
of education, unemployment, labor unions, discrimination and income
inequality.
Economics of Health
Prerequisite: ECON 301
Microeconomic theory is used to examine the demand for health
services and medical care, the market for medical insurance, the
behavior of physicians and hospitals, issues pertaining to malpractice,
and government policy.
Economics of Regulation
Prerequisite: ECON 301 or 311
Analysis of the methods and institutions of industry regulation.
Examines include electricity, natural gas, portation and television.
Regulation that involves many industries, such as product safety,
occupational safety, and environmental protection, is considered.
Industrial Organization
Prerequisite: ECON 301 or 311
Industrial organization is the study of market structure, firm
strategy and market performance. An economic analysis of strategic
interactions among firms and of business practices like mergers
and acquisitions, price discrimination, advertising, product selection,
innovation, vertical restraints, cartels, and exclusionary conduct.
Antitrust Policy
Prerequisite: ECON 201
Government regulation and control of business through public
policies designed to promote workable competition.
International Trade: Theory and Policy
Prerequisite: ECON 301 or 311
The nature and determinants of international trade and factor
movements. The effects of international trade on prices of goods
and factors. The consequences of tariffs, quotas, customs unions
and other trade policies and agreements, national or international.
International trade and the balance of payments.
International Monetary Relations: Theory and Policy
Prerequisite: ECON 302
Fixed and floating exchange rate systems. Determinants of a nation's
balance of international payments. Macroeconomic interdependence
of nations under various exchange-rate regimes and its implications
for domestic stabilization policies. The international coordination
of monetary and stabilization policies.
Economics of the Public Sector
Prerequisite: ECON 301 or 311
Justifications for government activities; principles of policy
analysis; analyses of major expenditure programs and taxes; economic
theories of political activities.
Economics of Urban Areas
Prerequisites: ECON 301 or 311, and ECON 371 or equivalent
Spatial arrangement of economic activities. Topics: forces of
agglomeration and deglomeration; agricultural and residential
land use; location of business firms; determination of land rents;
transportation economics, congestion, and cost-benefit analysis
applied to investments in transportation infrastructure; migration
between cities; optimal city size; the economics of housing; and
local public finance.
The Theory of Financial Markets
Prerequisites: ECON 301 or 311, and ECON 371 or its
equivalent
Theory and operation of financial markets. Role of financial assets
and institutions in the economic decisions of individuals, firms
and governments.
Corporate Finance
Prerequisites: ECON 301 or 311, plus ECON 371 or
381 or equivalent
Theory of the financing of operations of firms and their decisions
of how to allocate capital among alternative projects; the nature
of financial instruments and the behavior of capital markets.
Topics in Economic History
Prerequisites: ECON 302, or ECON 201 and 202 and permission
of instructor
The historical development of selected advanced economies (for
example,the United States, England, Japan, continental Europe).
Comparative studies of historical growth. The nations covered
will vary with instructor.
Macroeconomic Policy
Prerequisite: ECON 302
An integrated analysis of public policies (including monetary,
fiscal, debt-management, foreign exchange, and incomes policies)
designed to cope with fluctuations in national income, employment,
and the price level and to influence the rate of economic growth.
Attention is devoted to policies adopted during specific historical
episodes as well as to the theory of macroeconomic policy.
Energy and the Environment
Prerequisite: ECON 301 or 311
Application of economic analysis to problems in energy use and
environmental quality. Topics covered include environmental consequences
of energy decisions and policy options for dealing with the scarcity
of natural resources.
Economic Forecasting
Prerequisite:
ECON 371 or
381 or
MATH 312 or
APMA 312
The theory and practice of forecasting economic variables using
models for linear stochastic processes: specifying, estimating,
and diagnosing models of economic time series.
Experimental Economics
Prerequisites: ECON 301 or 311; a course in statistics; or
permission of instructor
The use of laboratory methods to study economic behavior. Experimental
design, laboratory technique, financial incentives, and analysis
of data. Emphasis on applications: bargaining, auctions, market
price competition, market failures, voting, contributions to public
goods, lottery choice decisions, and the design of electronic
markets for financial assets.
Majors Seminar
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Reading, discussion and research in selected topics in economics.
Since topics vary from instructor to instructor, this course may
be taken for credit more than once.
Supervised Research
Prerequisite: GPA of 3.3 in U.Va. economics courses
Research under the direction of a regular faculty member.
British Economic History Since 1850
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Structure, performance and policy in the British economy since
1850, focusing on the causes and consequences of Britain's relative
economic decline.
Introduction to Mathematical Economics I
Prerequisite: One semester of calculus and permission of instructor
Topics in univariate and multivariate calculus and linear algebra.
Applications to the theories of economic statics.
Introduction to Mathematical Economics II
Prerequisite: ECON 509 or permission of instructor
Topics in the theories of difference and differential equations
and dynamic optimization. Applications to the theories of economic
dynamics.