UCLA Economics Blog

The following is a description of the Economics 187/Applications of Economic Theory course which will be offered in Fall Quarter:

Economics 187: The Economic History of Globalization

This course has as its focus the evolution of the global economy from very early times. Of particular interest will be historical developments dating from the nineteenth century up to the present day. This longer period from c. 1800 to c. 2000 is instructive in that it witnesses the integration of the world’s nations into the first truly global economy, its disintegration in the wake of the First World War and isolationist retrenchment up to the Second World War, and the contemporary reintegration of the global economy.

The first weeks will be spent on an overview of the five major periods of globalization: its pre-history (everything before 1500), its early history (1500-1800), it first wave (1800-1913), its decline (1919-1939) and it subsequent resurgence (1950-present). The remainder of the course will be spent examining common themes across all periods, such as the role of international monetary arrangements.

Summer Session C GE still open

Physical Science GE (without a lab) or Society and Culture-Social Analysis GE

Human Complex Systems M10A/Engineering M10A

***INTRODUCTION TO COMPLEX SYSTEMS SCIENCE***

Summer Session C: M – T – W – Th, 10am to 11:15am.

For more information, email the Instructor: jbragin@ucla.edu

Course Website (with draft syllabus): http://classes.sscnet.ucla.edu/course/view.php?name=101C-HUMCSM10A-2

Course Description:

Biological ecologies and human societies are made up of large numbers of interdependent beings joined in dynamic networks that vary in size from small collectives (such as the food webs of ponds) to the human global economy. This course is an introduction to the new sciences of complexity which describe, explain, and provide practical applications for these systems.

Part One of the course focuses on six new big ideas in natural and social science: 1) Complexity Theory, 2) Non-Linear Systems & Chaos, 3) Far-from-Equilibrium Systems, 4) Fractal Phenomena & Self-Organized Criticality, 5) Social Networks, and 6) Agent-Based Simulation Modeling.

Part Two of the course focuses on the application of these ideas to paradigm examples in the origin of life, biological ecology, artificial societies (culture), the economy, and the management of complex social and organizational systems (including engineering projects).

Taught in a computer classroom with simulations that students run (no programming required) and which include models by advanced undergraduates created in our Human Complex Systems Program.

Economics 106T/Economics of Technology and E-Commerce will be opened up to juniors officially in a Department of Economics major beginning on Wednesday, July 28, at 9:00 a.m.,.  This course, which has a prerequisite of Economics 101. If you meet the criteria, you can go on URSA to enroll on your own.

Also beginning on Wednesday, July 28, at 9:00 a.m., Economics 106V/Investments (lecture 1 only) will be opened up to seniors officially in a Department of Economics major and who have completed Economics 11 and 101 with a 3.0 minimum GPA in Economics 11 and 101, and a 3.2 minimum cumulative UCLA GPA, as well as having completed Economics 102. No exceptions to these criteria will be made.  If there is still space in the class beginning on Monday, August 2, at 9:00 a.m., juniors will have the opportunity to enroll.

If you meet the criteria and want to enroll into Economics 106V, lecture 1, you should contact us at this e-mail address no earlier than 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 28.  E-mails received any earlier will be discarded.  You will need to provide the following information:

Your name, UCLA ID #, a statement that you meet all of the criteria and wish to enroll into Economics 106V, lecture 1, and the course that you are already enrolled in that you want to drop.  You should make sure that there is no time conflict between Economics 106V and another course as your request to enroll into Economics 106V will not be granted should there be a time conflict.

I would also like to bring to your attention that there is still plenty of space in Economics 187, which has a topic of Economics of Globalization, in Fall Quarter.  The prerequisite for this course is Economics 101.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.  I hope that you are having an enjoyable summer.

The UCLA Career Center is proud to announce a new career development course, Education 150: “Strategic Career Decision Making”.

This course will provide students with a unique opportunity to earn academic credit while learning the importance of making informed career decisions and understanding how cultural and family values play a role in the career development process.  Through interactive lessons and course projects, Education 150 will provide students with strategies to anticipate and effectively deal with lifelong professional challenges such as work/life balance, career fulfillment, and career transitions.  Department of Economics majors may be especially interested in enrolling in the Tuesday section taught by Katie Davy, our Career Specialist for Economics.

Fall 2010 Sections:

Section 1: Tuesdays 1-3 pm, Strathmore Bldg- Room 200 – taught by Economics Career Specialist

Section 2: Wednesdays 10 am-12 pm, Strathmore Bldg- Room 200

To learn more about the Education 150 course and review the syllabus, please visit: http://career.ucla.edu/Students/CareerCourse.aspx

To enroll, please complete the brief information request online at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Education150.  Please note that enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Dear students,

Is the economic crisis also a crisis of economics? From different perspectives, today there is rather harsh criticism of economics as a social science.

In order to let the views of students with an economics major find their way into the debate we are conducting a survey about your opinions and preferences with respect to the orientation of economics as a course of study.  The results are to be published in a Master’s thesis and presented at the annual meeting of the German Economic Association (Verein für Socialpolitik).

The questionnaire is short and it should only take you 5 minutes to complete. The deadline for entries is August, 8th 2010.

Here is the link to the survey:

http://ww3.unipark.de/uc/Diplomanden2009/a399/

Thank you very much for your contribution to this research project!

Michael Moedl

Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany

Assurance of confidentiality: All of your answers are collected anonymously and will be used for legitimate research purposes.

I’m a UCLA student taking a class right now in anthropology and am gathering data related to student temperament and stress for a paper I’m working on.

I was wondering if you could send this survey out to the undergrad students in your department. Thank you!

Please complete by Jul 25th!

http://freeonlinesurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=byy1nut08l6ijrs786261

Academics In the Commons

Mission Statement

Through a variety of services, Academics in the Commons (AITC) provides undergraduates with an understanding of academics skills and techniques, an awareness of campus resources, and the knowledge of self necessary for personal and academic success at UCLA.

Services

Academics in the Commons offers free student-support services through workshops, peer advising, and peer learning sessions, to help students develop success strategies at UCLA.  Student-led workshops cover various topics in academic enhancement, personal development, and career exploration.  Peer mentoring is available for incoming student through the Peer Advising Network (PAN), and the Academic Advising Assistance Desk is available for all UCLA undergraduates, Monday through Thursday afternoons throughout the academic year. At Covel Peer Learning Labs, Peer Learning Facilitators offer assistance in introductory math and science classes for currently-enrolled undergraduates, as well as in General Education and lower-division courses for student-athletes. Session sign-ups take place at the beginning of each quarter and additional drop-in assistance is available in the evening on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Academics in the Commons Fall Quarter workshop schedule is available on-line at www.aitc.ucla.edu.

The UCLA Department of Economics is proud to announce that Economics in Practice/Economics 106A will be offered again in Fall Quarter  2010.  Students must submit an application online to be considered for this course by 11:59 pm on August 15, 2010.  Please note that students will be accepted on a rolling basis; therefore you are encouraged to apply early.

Course Description: Econ 106A (formerly Econ 188B) is an interactive problem solving course using economics to address a variety of problems in public policy.  This course provides an introduction to a new case-based learning approach including assistance from UCLA Anderson MBA students.  Students, grouped in fours, will be required to present analysis on several “cases” throughout the quarter utilizing Excel and PowerPoint.   All students will be required to present analysis of final case to judges from top financial firms in the UCLA Case Study Competition.  Letter grading.

Application Process:

1. Submit Your Resume
   1. Log-in to BruinView^TM online at https://secure.career.ucla.edu/BruinViewLogin/Login.aspx
   2. Click the “Jobs and Internships” tab
   3. Keyword Search “764910”
   4. Upload and Submit your resume on BruinView
   5. Complete the application form and short-essay
      1. Available online at: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGhTbmlTTnFWZW10SkNFVUJ3X2l0Tmc6MA

[ To upload your Resume on BruinView: Click the “Documents” tab on BruinView, then the “Add New” button to select the document from your computer, and then “Submit” to add this document to your account.  Please note there is a 24-hour approval process before this resume will be available on the system.  Once this document is approved you must also submit the document to the Econ 106A posting (Job # 764910 on BruinView^TM. ]

For Application Questions, please contact Katie Davy, Economics Career Specialist at kdavy@career.ucla.edu

CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE

Job Announcement 10-36

Assistant Analyst – Financial Analysis Division

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) is a small, nonpartisan agency that provides economic and budgetary analysis to the Congress. CBO’s Financial Analysis Division is seeking candidates for an entry-level assistant analyst position for a period not to exceed three years – ideal for those

interested in substantive work experience before attending graduate school.

The Financial Analysis Division is a new division within CBO that is responsible for policy analyses related to federal credit and insurance programs, banking and capital markets, government-sponsored enterprises, and other federal financial obligations. The division also is responsible for providing support throughout CBO for financial modeling, risk-assessment, valuation, financial accounting, financial budgetary analyses, and forecasts of financial variables.

Assistant analysts provide support to the division’s economists on a wide variety of topics. They assist in preparing materials for CBO publications, help maintain and update the division’s databases, collect data, prepare graphics, compile literature reviews, and provide other research assistance. They also assist with the data manipulation and analysis for projects such as: developing valuation models for federal credit guarantees to the private sector on investments ranging from real

estate to nuclear and other energy projects; and evaluating the risk exposure to the federal government from deposit insurance and pension guarantees. He or she may also conduct independent research on a variety of policy-related topics.

Qualifications:

Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree with a major or minor in finance, business, economics, accounting or a related quantitative discipline, a strong quantitative background, good communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to meet deadlines, regular use of personal

computers and a variety of software packages, and an interest in and facility for quantitative work. The position requires a person who can work well with a number of senior staff members.

Salary & Benefits:

Salary range is $37,000 to $43,000 and is commensurate with education and related experience. CBO offersan excellent benefits and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply:

Please submit a cover letter, résumé, short writing sample, unofficial copy of transcripts, and contact information for three (3) references online at www.cbo.gov/employment/jobs.cfm.

Contact: Nancy A. Fahey, PHR

Address: Congressional Budget Office, Ford House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515

Telephone: (202) 226-2628 E-Mail: jobs@cbo.gov Web site: www.cbo.gov

CBO is an Equal Opportunity Employer

—————————————–

CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE

Job Announcement 10-32

Assistant Analyst – Macroeconomic Analysis Division

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) is a small nonpartisan agency that provides economic and budgetary analysis to the Congress. The Macroeconomic Analysis Division is seeking candidates for an entry-level assistant analyst position for a period not to exceed three years – ideal for those interested in

substantive work experience before attending graduate school.

The Macroeconomic Analysis Division, with about 21 economists, is responsible for the macroeconomic forecasts that are used in the budget and for reporting to the Congress on the likely macroeconomic impact of its proposals. Assistant analysts provide support to the division’s economists on a wide variety of topics. They assist in the development of the economic forecast and projections, prepare materials for CBO publications, maintain the division’s databases, and provide assistance with the data manipulation and analysis for projects such as: the macroeconomic effects of proposals to reform social security, the determinants of long-term economic growth, and the economic effects of fiscal policy.

Qualifications:

Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree with a major or minor in economics or a related discipline, a strong quantitative background, good communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to meet deadlines, regular use of personal computers and a variety of software packages, and an interest in and

facility for quantitative work. The position requires a person who can work well with a number of senior staff members.

Salary & Benefits:

Salary range is $37,000 to $43,000 and is commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers excellent benefits and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply:

Please submit a cover letter, résumé, a brief writing sample, unofficial copy of transcripts, and contact

information for three (3) references online at www.cbo.gov/employment/jobs.cfm.

Contact: Nancy A. Fahey, PHR

Address: Congressional Budget Office

Ford House Office Building, Room 410, Washington, D.C. 20515

Telephone: (202) 226-2628 E-Mail: jobs@cbo.gov Web site: www.cbo.gov

CBO is an Equal Opportunity Employer

——————————————————

CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE

Job Announcement 10-35

Assistant Analyst – Tax Analysis Division

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) is a small, nonpartisan agency that provides economic and budgetary analysis to the Congress. The Tax Analysis Division is responsible for budget estimation and policy analysis of tax and revenue issues. This includes developing CBO’s official ten-year “baseline” budget, responding to Congressional requests, tracking revenue bills through the legislative process, estimating the revenue effects of some legislation, preparing CBO testimony on tax-related matters, conducting long-term policy research on tax issues, and writing CBO studies on tax topics.

The Tax Analysis Division is seeking candidates for an assistant analyst position for a period not to exceed three years – ideal for those interested in substantive work experience before attending graduate school. Assistant analysts are involved in estimating federal revenues, analyzing tax policy issues, and providing

support to other members of the Tax Analysis Division. The analyst in this position will be responsible for developing and maintaining data bases and models, producing cost estimates, estimating components of the

revenue forecast, and assisting senior analysts with policy studies.

.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in economics or a related field, a strong economic and quantitative background, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to work independentlyand meet deadlines, and an interest in tax policy. Experience with computer programming languages and

statistical analysis software is preferred but not required. The position requires a person who can work well with a number of senior staff members and take initiative to independently conduct analyses.

Salary & Benefits:

Salary range is $37,000 to $43,000 and is commensurate with education and related experience. CBO offers an excellent benefits and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply:

Please submit a cover letter, résumé, short writing sample, unofficial copy of transcripts, and contact information for three (3) references online at www.cbo.gov/employment/jobs.cfm.

Contact: Nancy A. Fahey, PHR

Address: Congressional Budget Office

Ford House Office Building, Room 410, Washington, D.C. 20515

Telephone: (202) 226-2628 E-Mail: jobs@cbo.gov Web site: www.cbo.gov

CBO is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.

2381 Rosecrans Avenue

Suite 200

El Segundo, CA 90245-4922

SOCIAL MEDIA INTERNSHIPS

Dear Students,

I would like to invite you to apply for an exciting summer part-time or full-time i Marketing and Sales Internship opportunity with Konami’s Digital Entertainment, Inc.’s Online Service Group.

Some background about our company and group:

• Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. (KDEI) is a leading, global developer, publisher and manufacturer of electronic entertainment properties, specializing in the home video game market.
• Some well-known Konami Title Franchises include: Metal Gear Solid, DanceDanceRevolution, Frogger, Pro-Evolutionary Soccer (PES) and many others.
• The Online Service Group was created in 2009 in response to the growing influence of online social media. Konami’s Online Services Group enhances our brands, campaigns, and events by leveraging innovative technologies and social trends to amplify customer engagement.
• The goals of the Online Service Group are to improve:
  • Social engagement by transforming customers into advocates
  • Environment creation with visceral, immersive, innovative experiences
  • Campaign amplification through boosting brand, campaign, content, & impact
  • Event enhancement with richer, wider, incentivized participation.

As an intern, you will have a chance to work in one of the hottest industries driving today’s new economy!  You do not need to have marketing experience to be considered for the position.  To apply for the position, please read over the following for more information.

The application is a two-step process.  First, you will need to send your resume and a 250-word or less description of how you can contribute to our team to Mr. Ash Corson at kdeonline@konami.com.  Secondly, you may be asked to take part in a short phone interview. Please do not hesitate to email us with questions!  Thank you and we hope to receive you application soon!

Sincerely,

Konami Online Service Group

Do you love to Tweet? Do you live to YouTube? Is tracking trends on Facebook a daily fix?

Does the chance to showcase such skills helping market legendary titles like Metal Gear Solid, Pro Evolution Soccer, Castlevania, or DanceDanceRevolution raise your pulse?

If so, Konami is offering a limited number of internship positions in our Online Services Group. Intern responsibilities include:

Monitoring social media channel communications

Capturing themes, areas of opportunity, and data trends

Summarizing the pulse of our customers

Presenting your findings to brand managers

Helping execute our social media strategy across titles

Interns will work directly with the Social Media Manager and have exposure to the Director of Online & Social Media, our game title brand managers, and high-level management. Credit-only/non-paid internship positions are the norm; however, if your skill set is exceptional there is the possibility of compensation. Please send your resume and a 250-word or less description of how you can contribute to our team to Mr. Ash Corson at kdeonline@konami.com.

Required Skills:

Fluency in Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google Buzz, MySpace, and other social media

Excellent communication skills

Strong analytical mind

Solid marketing expertise

Workstation proficiency (spreadsheets, PowerPoint, Word)

Team-orientation

Professionalism

Desired Skills:

Moderator/administrator experience (website, forum, blog, or YouTube channel)

Language ability (Spanish, Portuguese)

Media knowledge (Photoshop, graphic design, video editing)

Gaming passion (for video game genres such as action, soccer, trivia, dance/music)

Time Commitment:

Part-time, 15-20 hrs/week, 10-12 weeks, on location in El Segundo

Full-time, 40-50 hrs/week, 10-12 weeks, on location in El Segundo

Experience Gained:

Exposure to high caliber brands, managers, and social media strategies

Immersion in one of the hottest industries driving today’s new economy

Personal mentorship by MBA-level managers with Fortune 500 backgrounds

Recommendations awarded upon successful performance

About Konami Digital Entertainment:

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. (KDEI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Konami Corporation (NYSE: KNM), is a leading, global developer, publisher and manufacturer of electronic entertainment properties, specializing in the home video game market.

Headquartered in Tokyo Japan, Konami Corporation first began operating in North America in 1982, and has been publishing computer and video games as Konami of America (KOA) since 1999 from its offices in Redwood City, California near San Francisco.

In October of 2003, Konami Corporation moved to strengthen its content planning and production by expanding its operations to Los Angeles, California under the new name of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.

This bold and exciting move was designed to strengthen the company’s worldwide business, North American market share and future growth in the interactive entertainment marketplace. Located in heart of the entertainment capitol, KDEI focuses on the areas of global product brand growth strategies, business development and licensing activities.

Website http://www.konami.com/

Economics 106T is now open for enrollment to Seniors officially in the Business Economics, Economics, and Economics/International Area Studies majors.  This course will count as an Economics elective toward your major under the Economics 170 series.

Please do not contact us about enrolling into Economics 106V as this course is restricted to Business Economics majors at this point.