3 credits
Spring 2025 Lecture Upper Division
This course studies the influence of laws and regulations on market performance and on the functioning of a free-enterprise system. The focus is on two types of government policies: antitrust law and economic regulation. Antitrust laws define the rules by which firms are supposed to compete. Regulations may require that firms obtain approval to set prices, change prices, or enter new markets. They may require firms to adhere to environmental or safety standards. The focus is on current topics in both areas, including comparison of U.S. practice with that of European Union and elsewhere.
Learning Outcomes1Demonstrate a basic understanding of economics as applied to antitrust and government regulation of firms, including comparisons of U.S. practice with that of the European Union and elsewhere.
2Understand the perspective provided by economic analysis regarding the interplay between government regulation and firms' decisions regarding such factors as pricing, market entry, and the extent/form of competition.
3Identify insights economic analysis provides concerning the creation and implementation of optimal regulation of business.
Prerequisites
Restrictions
Attachments
made by Purdue students.