Course Descriptions
The Silicon Valley Program consists of four courses in an off-campus residential setting. Here is a brief description from the Claremont McKenna College catalog.
ECON 123 CM – Quantitative Data Analysis
The course will give students an introduction to advanced data analysis. The main objective of the course is to allow students to apply statistical concepts to large data sets using both spread sheet software and statistical packages. Emphasis will be placed on acquiring programming skills within these programs. There will be an emphasis on real life applications both from data source publically available and from companies in the Silicon Valley, addressing both public policy questions and topics related to internships.
Prerequisite: ECON 101 CM or ECON 102 CM
Instructor: Keil, M [Fall 2013, Spring 2014]
ECON 165 CM -- Industrial Organization
Covers the latest theories and empirical evidence concerning the organization of firms and industries. It compares the traditional structure-conduct-performance paradigm with recent advances based on microeconomic theory including transactions cost economics, game theory, strategic behavior, contestability, and information theory. The focus is on applying theories of industrial organization to common business practices and on evaluating U.S. antitrust policy toward these practices.
Prerequisite: ECON 101 CM
Instructor: Filson, D [Fall 2013, Spring 2014]
ECON 199 CM -- Independent Study and Research
Students who have the necessary qualifications and who wish to investigate an area of study not covered in regularly scheduled courses may arrange for independent study under the direction of a faculty reader. For the Silicon Valley Program, students will design a research paper or other independent study project with the program director that best meets the students academic objectives. Projects should cover topics of interest to a technology / innovation culture, and may stem from work done on the internship, with approval of the student's employer. Some students will be required to seek academic supervision from a faculty member at his/her home campus.
Prerequisite: ECON 199 CM
Instructor: Blomberg, B. [Fall 2013, Spring 2014]
ECON 030 CM -- Internship in Economics, Technology, or Innovation
Taken as part of Silicon Valley Program off-campus internship programs. Students gain experience in a technology, business, or innovative setting through placement arranged with the program director.
Classrooms for the Silicon Valley Program are provided by Google in their Mountain View satellite campus on Crittenden Lane. The Silicon Valley Program is grateful to our partners at Google for their hospitality and generosity.