George Mason University
Department of Economics
Economics 310, Section 003
Robinson B218
MW 3:00-4:15pm
Money and Banking

Instructor: Colleen Berndt
Office: Carow Hall
Phone: 703-993-2330 office; 650-580-1998 cell
E-mail: cberndt@gmu.edu
Office hours: Thurs 10:00am - 12:00pm , or by appointment

Course Objectives:

To understand money, banking and the U.S. financial system. We will apply the insights of both economic theory and history to modern financial institutions. By the end of the course, the student should be able to think critically and independently about such controversial issues as inflation, the causes of the Great Depression, monetary policy, banking deregulation, the S&L crisis, and international exchange rates.

Required Texts:

• Mishkin, Frederic S., The Economics of Money, Banking and Finanical Markets, 7th Edition, Pearson, Addison and Wesley, ISBN 0321331850
• Rothbard, Murray N., What Has the Government Done to Our Money?, rev.ed., Ludwig Von Mises Institute, 1990, ISBN 0945466102

Requirements and Grading Policy:

Students' grades for the course will be determined by scores on two mid-term examinations, a final examination, and a series of quizzes. Exams and quizzes will cover both reading assignments and additional material covered in class. Final grades will be determined as follows:

Average Quiz Score: 20%
Mid-term Exams: 25% (each)
Final Exam: 30%

Because class participation helps enliven the course, it is greatly appreciated. Class participation will be considered in the final grade in borderline situations. Class attendance is not mandatory and will not directly affect a student's grade. However, students will be held responsible for all information presented in class, as well as the information in the readings. Missed quizzes cannot be rescheduled. Make-ups for the exams must be made two days before the exam, and will only be permitted in extraordinary circumstances.

Honor Code:

Students are expected to understand and to adhere to the honor code of George Mason University . Students may neither give nor receive help from other students or other sources during exams or quizzes. Students are further obligated to report any observed violations.

I will also assign a few supplementary readings to be handed out in class.