ECON 3398 Economics and Defense
This upper-division elective explores the economic foundations of national defense through the lens of industrial organization and technology-driven growth models. Students will analyze the structure and behavior of defense industries, examining monopoly and monopsony dynamics, procurement incentives, and the role of public-private partnerships in defense innovation. The course will also assess how technological advancements drive military capabilities, influence strategic competition, and shape long-term economic security. Case studies will highlight the interaction between defense policy, industrial policy, and economic constraints, equipping students with the analytical tools to evaluate defense-related economic decisions in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Course overview
- Department
- Economics
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Periodically
Catalog details
Requirements fulfilled
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.50 / 5 · Excellent
- Instructor rating
- 4.73 / 5 · Excellent
- Terms evaluated
- 1
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Peter Devine | 4.5 | 4.7 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 1–3 hrs/week | 24 of 33 |