Finance (FIN)

This course will provide an introduction to E-Finance, including its development, the success models with corresponding case studies, the effects on the financial industry and its current status. Topics will include Big Data Analytics Application in E-Finance, Internet Payment, Third-party Payment, Electronic Money, Electronic Trading, P2P Lending, Crowd Funding, Online Banking, Online Insurance, Online Asset Management, Online Broker and E-Finance Risk & Regulation.

Cross-listed with: ECO-3331. An introduction to the process by which corporations obtain financing for developing their respective businesses. Analytical techniques such as the use of financial ratios, the time value of money, and net present value are examined. Also covered are the workings of the debt and equity markets. This course will not count as a liberal arts elective.

Cross-listed with: ECO-3332. Focuses on the efficient management of the financial resources of the firm. Consideration is given to the time value of money, the statistical analysis of risk, and the use of financial ratios. Explores financial statements, analysis, financial planning, working capital management, short- and long-term financing, and optimal capital structure. Leases versus purchases and dividend policies are studied. This course will not count as a liberal arts elective.

Cross-listed with: ECO-3333. Quantitative and qualitative methods of analyzing industrial securities, with emphasis on common stock; principles underlying the selection and management of both individual and institutional portfolios; market timing and technical strategies. This course will not count as a liberal arts elective.

Analysis of the many aspects of personal finance in modern society. Topics include: personal budgeting, investments, mortgages, insurance, and taxes.

An introduction to the process by which finance is obtained for the purchase of real estate. This includes presentations on the workings of financial markets for financial instruments related to real estate. There is also substantial discussion of analytical techniques such as the use of financial ratios and time value of money.

Cross-listed with: ECO-3334. A study of government budgets and the budgetary process. The role of federal, state, and local governments in production and the provision of Social Security. The economic impact of alternative expenditure on income distribution. The impact of government borrowing on financial markets.

To learn and understand risk management and all the insurance implications of the business world including property, liability, underwriting, reinsurance, retention of risk, and claims management. To recognize the importance of insurance and risk management within all business industries in our society and to be exposed to the opportunities in this field.

This course will provide an introduction to the fundamentals of insurance, basic insurance operations such as underwriting, marketing, and claims. This course also provides students with an understanding of insurance contracts, loss exposures, and risk management.

This course analyzes personal loss exposures and insurance coverages, including homeowners dwelling and contents, personal liability, inland marine, auto, life, health and government programs. This course will develop a concept of personal risk management and how insurance products can be used to reduce risk.

This course provides an overview of commercial insurance in general, and a more detailed description of the coverages in all of the major lines of commercial insurance. The course will also cover general contract provisions and highlight significant coverages, exclusions and conditions. The interrelationship of the provisions within the general commercial contract are explained.

A survey of theoretical concepts that are commonly discussed in several key subfields within Finance. For example: 1) the history of money and the evolution from Fixed Exchange Rate systems to Floating Rate systems within the study of International Finance, 2) a presentation of some traditional Investment models in the study of Macroeconomics as a contrast to the notion of Investment within the study of Finance and 3) The Efficient Markets Hypothesis in contrast to the Financial Crisis Theories of Hyman Minsky. There is also a discussion of the application of Time Value analyses for valuing Financial Instruments as well as for decision-making within the process of Capital Budgeting. This is usually followed with a discussion of analytical techniques used in understanding the role of Risk such as Markowitz Analysis and the Capital Asset Pricing Model. Finally, the analysis of the use derivatives such as Options, Futures and Swaps with an exposure to the Black Scholes Option Pricing Model.

The construction and analysis of both individual and institutional investment portfolios; portfolio objectives, strategies, and constraints; economic and non-economic variables impacting portfolios; performance measurement. This course will not count as a liberal arts elective.

Examines the use of financial derivatives, including options, forwards, futures, and swaps. Topics are approached with a blend of theory and practice. Considerable emphasis on quantative analysis of pricing and strategies with the objective of preparing the student to properly use derivatives in managing the financial risks of a business.

An examination of the range of financial issues facing companies once they begin conducting business and/or owning assets outside the country in which they are headquartered. This course is a combination of corporate and managerial finance. Issues such as using global financial markets to finance the firm, identifying and managing currency risk, and the operational and strategic use of hedging techniques will be highlighted. Students also will learn how the value of an international firm is affected by the scope and nature of its international operations and international finance activities.

Analyzes the structure of corporations providing financial services. Course examines institutions such as commercial banks, investment banks, and insurance companies. Management problems unique to such firms are considered. Areas examined include management of assets and liabilities, credit and interest rate risk, control of financial operations, and the impact of government regulations.

Cross-listed with: ECO-4433. The construction and analysis of both individual and institutional investment portfolios; portfolio objectives, strategies, and constraints; economic and non-economic variables impacting portfolios; performance measurement. This course will not count as a liberal arts elective.

The Finance internship is open to majors with junior or senior standing. Placements depend on the availability of suitable positions and must amount to a minimum of 45 hours for 1 credit, 90 hours for 2 credits, and 135 hours for 3 credits. The instructor, along with the site placement supervisor, will guide and evaluate the quality of the work. Internships must relate to a student's area of focus or proficiencies within the Finance major and will provide the student with an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills gained through coursework. During an internship, students must maintain a comprehensive daily log or blog of personal work activities and write a final reflection paper demonstrating how the internship relates to concepts introduced by Finance coursework and how it raises new questions for the student about the field/work in question.

A capstone seminar for Finance seniors to compose a research paper on a topic of financial interest or conduct an analytical project developing a suitable financial strategy for a firm or institution upon studying its current financial condition.

Graduate students only. This course will provide an introduction to business finance, including corporate financial management and investments. It will provide a framework and introduce concepts and tools for analyzing financial decisions using principles of modern financial theory. Topics will include discounted cash flow techniques, corporate capital budgeting and valuation, investment decisions, financial asset pricing, and theory of market efficiency.

Graduate students only. A survey of theoretical concepts that are commonly discussed in several key subfields within Finance. For example: 1) the history of money and the evolution from Fixed Exchange Rate systems to Floating Rate systems within the study of International Finance, 2) a presentation of some traditional Investment models in the study of Macroeconomics as a contrast to the notion of Investment within the study of Finance and 3) The Efficient Markets Hypothesis in contrast to the Financial Crisis Theories of Hyman Minsky. There is also a discussion of the application of Time Value analyses for valuing Financial Instruments as well as for decision-making within the process of Capital Budgeting. This is usually followed with a discussion of analytical techniques used in understanding the role of Risk such as Markowitz Analysis and the Capital Asset Pricing Model. Finally, the analysis of the use derivatives such as Options, Futures and Swaps with an exposure to the Black Scholes Option Pricing Model.