ECON 895: Special Topics in Economics

ECON 895-008: Special Topics in Economics
(Spring 2019)

07:20 PM to 10:00 PM R

Van Metre Hall (formerly Founders Hall) 308

Section Information for Spring 2019

ECON 895 008 22537 Blockchain Economics
Professor Thomas Stratmann
(also cross-listed as ECON 496 006 22468)

This course is of interest to students across many disciplines, including computer science, business, finance, and health. This course will offer you mentoring for research and business projects, including providing opportunities such as access to investors and venture capital.

Blockchain combines three technologies: (a) advanced encryption; (b) automated execution of transactions (i.e., “smart contracts”); and (c) decentralized ledger. It has been adopted in many areas of life—from fin-tech and real estate to other applications where people seek secure, fast, and accurate exchanges. Blockchain is expected to disrupt many markets similarly to how the Internet did over the past 30 years.

The purpose of this course is to take advantage of the blockchain revolution and become trailblazers for teaching students how to leverage this medium. You will have the opportunity to work and receive feedback and mentoring on your research or business project, including pitching to actual investors. This will result in increasing research and venture opportunities, and enhancing the value of your Mason diploma for your future career.

After successfully completing this course, you will be able to:

  • Apply core economic concepts to analyze blockchain market disruptions
  • Define the key economic problems that blockchain solvs
  • Asses the costs, benefits, and risks related to specific blockchain technologies
  • Understand the institutional implications of decentralization, anonymity, and ledgers
  • Elaborate on the future of blockchain technologies

During the course, we will also refresh some basic economics concepts as price, money, exchange, trade, and welfare.

View 7 Other Sections of this Course in this Semester »

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Topics vary according to interests of instructor. Emphasizes new areas of discipline. May be repeated within the term.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate or Non-Degree.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

Schedule Type: Lec/Sem #1, Lec/Sem #2, Lec/Sem #3, Lec/Sem #4, Lec/Sem #5, Lec/Sem #6, Lec/Sem #7, Lec/Sem #8, Lec/Sem #9, Lecture, Sem/Lec #10, Sem/Lec #11, Sem/Lec #12, Sem/Lec #13, Sem/Lec #14, Sem/Lec #15, Sem/Lec #16, Sem/Lec #17, Sem/Lec #18
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.