ECON

Economics

Economic Policy Analysis in Ukraine

ECON
1710

This course introduces undergraduate students to the economic and political history, economic reforms and policy making in Ukraine after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The idea of this course is to engage undergraduate students in the work of economic policy making and to broaden the university undergraduate research in response to a proliferation of complex economic policy challenges in Ukraine.  Upon completion of this course students will be able to:

  • Analyze political and economic developments in Eastern Europe since 1980s
  • Compare current socio-economic and political situation in Ukraine with the neighboring states
  • Understand the key industries and strategic priorities of the country
  • Evaluate the geo-political situation, the impact of the European Union and Russia on Ukraine’s  economy
  • Learn about factor markets, international trade, banking, debt, investments and country risks
  • Understand how economic policies are designed and implemented in Ukraine
  • Explain the impact of macroeconomic policies, monetary policy, fiscal policy, international trade policy, as well as policies regulating agricultural sector, education, health care, and IT and telecommunication in Ukraine

Comparative Economics of Central Europe

ECON
0905

The course is designed for students who are interested in the contemporary economic and political issues of the Central and Eastern European countries. This course introduces undergraduate students to the history, economy, and policy of the Central European economies. Upon completion of this course students will be able to:

  • Analyze political and economic developments in Central and Eastern Europe from the historical perspective since the WWII
  • Compare current socio-economic and political situation in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland
  • Understand the key industries in each country
  • Evaluate the impact of the European Union on these economies
  • Learn about labor markets in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland
  • Compare international trade and international monetary regimes in these countries
  • Analyze banking, debt, investments and risk in these countries
  • Understand how service sector, health care, education, and tourism operate in each country
  • Explain the impact of financial crises on Central European economies

At the end of the course, students should be able to analyze current political and economic issues in Czech Republic and Poland, and critically evaluate policy options. 

Economics

ECON
XXXX

These courses can be fulfilled through Pitt-Recognized or Exchanges. 

General Education Requirements: 
Global Issues
Social Science

Impact of Globalization on European Markets

ECON
1905
This course examines and assesses international economy and business in a global sense, using European case studies. It starts with a wide comparison between the first and the second periods of globalization, as it developed at the end of XIX° century, and examines how in the present day it is considered as the “prevalent economic system”, even though this is debated by people of all continents. The importance of the Bretton Woods system will be clearly underlined in order to understand the events of the second part of the XX° century. The creation of the international economic institutions – International Monetary Fund, World Bank and General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and others – constitutes a pillar on which the development of the international economy is largely based in a context in which protectionism is banned. The role of international trade in the global era has never declined; free trade and market economy are still representing the most relevant economic orientation at an international scale. During the ‘80s the international framework was changing, due to the progressive decline and consequential death of Fordism, and the uprising of new industrial processes. International finance was influenced by the development of the information technology revolution, and the global economy after “September 11th” has changed its shape, but it was never interrupted, according to the most persuasive opinions of major economists. The course will also approach the current financial global crisis.