For all course-related issues, please be in contact with your economics professor. For departmental inquiries, please use email wherever possible. Non-urgent departmental inquiries should be emailed to Megan Salladino, and urgent inquiries for the department chair should be emailed to Professor O’Connell with a copy to Megan Salladino (msallad1@swarthmore.edu).
To request an office hours consultation with Prof. O’Connell, please use email (soconne1@swarthmore.edu).
Economic analysis can help us address such questions as:
- What market failures cause environmental damage and what are the best policies to address this problem?
- Is economic behavior rational, or do psychological factors introduce important irrational components?
- What economic benefits and harms come from international trade?
- Should the Federal Reserve try to keep the inflation rate near zero?
- How should public spending programs in health and education be designed?
- What are the drivers of economic growth in low-income countries?
Within a flexible program of practical relevance, Swarthmore's economics curriculum emphasizes analytical rigor, the use and interpretation of statistical evidence, and the development of sustained written arguments. Students develop a portable set of skills, making the economics major a pathway to a rich array of careers in business, law, journalism, public policy, government, and academics.
Social Sciences Quantitative Laboratory
The Social Sciences Quantitative Laboratory at Swarthmore College develops students’ skills in quantitative analysis and comprehension.