I have taught various finance and economics courses as an instructor. In my efforts to enhance the learning experience for a wide array of students, I aim to make the course intuitive, problem-solving oriented and pertinent to real-world events. Teaching has also enabled me to develop effective communication techniques useful for explaining concepts and ideas to a general audience.
The course examines the foundational ideas of modern finance, emphasizing breadth over depth in the following topics: [1] Theory of interest, [2] Valuation of common stocks and bonds, [3] Analysis of risk and return according to equilibrium models, [4] optimal capital structure, and [5] pricing derivatives using Black-Scholes and its approximation methods.
An introduction to the foundational ideas of statistics is given. Commonly applied distributions and their auxiliary hypothesis tests are also covered. Basics of linear regression are introduced. Course emphasizes problem-solving and practical application.
A formal theory of consumer and producer optimizing behavior is given. Comparative statics of firms and consumers applied to their objectives are explored. Although the course is mathematically oriented, sufficient time is devoted to extending the ideas to understand certain features of consumer and firm behavior where market power is absent. General equilibrium analysis is also undertaken.
The mathematical foundations of no-arbitrage in finance are rigorously covered through the pricing of equity derivative securities. The derivation of Black-Scholes, along with various other option contracts, are studied. The second course extends the analysis of the Black-Scholes model to price various exotic derivatives. Formal examination of interest rate factor models is also covered.
National income and product statistics are reviewed. The core of the course examines dynamic economic models that are used to understand secular growth in the industrial world as well as models that are used to explain cyclical fluctuations in output relative to trend. Monetary and fiscal policy are also studied.