ECO822 / Advanced Macroeconomics [3-0, 3 cr.]

The course will cover advanced models of short-run economic fluctuations and long-term economic growth in modern economies. Elements of fiscal and monetary policies will also be discussed.

ECO821 / Advanced Microeconomics [3-0, 3 cr.]

This is an introductory graduate course in microeconomic theory. Topics cover consumption theory, including choice under uncertainty, production theory, partial equilibrium, and general equilibrium in perfectly competitive markets. The course also includes a treatment of game theory. The covered material will equip students with essential microeconomic tools needed for further coursework.

ECO831 / Applied Econometrics I [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course provides students with an advanced understanding of the principles of the econometric techniques for analyzing cross-section and panel data. Topics covered include multiple regressions model, instrumental variables, discrete choice models, limited dependent variable models, and panel data methods. Emphasis will be placed on examples in applied microeconomics fields to tackle a number of current economic issues whereby students learn how to conduct empirical research.

ECO832 / Applied Econometrics II [3-0, 3 cr.]

The aim of this course is to introduce students to a comprehensive theoretical framework of time series econometrics and its applications. Topics covered include stationary univariate time series processes, non-stationary processes, multivariate processes, systems of simultaneous equations, and cointegration and error-correction models. The course involves frequent use of time series datasets with an emphasis on applications in the field of macroeconomics.

Prerequisite: ECO831 / Applied Econometrics I

ECO840 / Mathematical Methods for Applied Economics [3-0, 3 cr.]

The course will cover mathematical methods for modeling problems of applied economics. The course will cover difference and differential equations, non-linear programming, dynamic programming, and optimal control theory.

ECO835 / International Monetary Theory and Policy [3-0, 3 cr.]

The course will study monetary policy models that are at the forefront of theoretical and empirical research in addition to those utilized by central banks to evaluate policies and various exchange rate arrangements. The relationship between policies and economic outcomes such as unemployment, inflation, stabilization and growth will be investigated in an open-macroeconomic setting.

Prerequisite: ECO822 / Advanced Macroeconomics

ECO850 / Environmental and Resource Economics [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course provides a treatment of fundamental issues in the economic approach to resource and environmental problems management. Topics covered include the economy-environment linkage, sustainable development, the theory of public goods and externalities, environmental pollution targets and instruments, and renewable and non-renewable natural resource exploitation. 

Prerequisite: ECO821 / Advanced Microeconomics

ECO852 / Public Economics [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course is a microeconomic examination of the economic role of government. The course covers theory and evidence on government expenditure and taxation policy. In the expenditure component, we examine the theories of public goods, externalities and social insurance, and applications of these theories in various sectors such as education, welfare programs, and health care. In the taxation component, topics include: tax incidence, optimal tax theory, and the effect of taxation on labor markets and corporate behavior.

Prerequisite: ECO821 / Advanced Microeconomics

ECO855 / Growth, Business Cycles and Economic Policy [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course will study the interplay between economic policy, economic growth and business cycles in developed and developing economies. Fiscal policies aimed at stabilization and growth will be introduced from theoretical and empirical perspectives. The role of economic policy in engendering economic growth and development in developing countries will also be studied utilizing traditional and structural macroeconomic models. Examples from Great Depression, Great Recession, postwar capitalist development and developing countries experiences will be introduced.

Prerequisite: ECO822 / Advanced Macroeconomics

ECO861 / Economic Policies in the Middle East [3-0, 3 cr.]

The first part of the course studies the macroeconomic situation in the MENA region. An overview of fiscal and monetary policies, in addition to the choice of exchange rate regimes, is conducted.  The second part of the course studies public economics and policies in Middle East countries. The course investigates the provision of public goods, social security systems, health provision, and tax structures. The issues of efficiency and equity are given prime importance.

ECO863 / Challenges of Economic Development in the Middle East [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course discusses current economic issues in the Middle East. Applying economic theory together with the institutional framework in the MENA region, important problems and challenges are analysed. Under experienced supervision, students analyse specific economic issues and present potential theoretical explanations and policy recommendations. The analysis is based on theoretical and empirical methods commonly used in economics, taking into account the relevant institutional framework in the economies under investigation.

ECO898 / Applied Economics Project [3-0, 3 cr.]

The course is a research project written under the supervision of a faculty member. Students are required to use economic models and tools to tackle an applied economics problem. Students are then required to present their work in a forum open for economics faculty and graduate students. The project involves work outside LAU with external constituents (e.g., research institutes, specialized regional and international agencies, banks, or government entities).

Prerequisite: Consent of Department