Dr. Mertens' research interests are in the fields of public choice economics, international trade and the education of economics. He has examined the political effects of international political economic sanctions policies, particularly as applied to dictatorships. He has also conducted a public choice analysis of the motivations behind uses of different immigration policies, and more recently he is focused on research into the pedagogy of economics.
keywords
public choice economics, institutional political economy, international trade, economic education
Teaching
courses taught
ECON 2010 - Principles of Microeconomics
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2018 / Summer 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Summer 2019 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Summer 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Summer 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Summer 2022 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Summer 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Summer 2024 / Fall 2024
Examines basic concepts of microeconomics or the behavior and the interactions of individuals, firms and government. Topics include determining economic problems, how consumers and businesses make decisions, how markets work, and how they fail and how government actions affect markets.
ECON 3070 - Intermediate Microeconomic Theory
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2024
Explores theory and application of models of consumer choice, firm and market organization, and general equilibrium. Extensions include intertemporal decisions, decisions under uncertainty, externalities, and strategic interaction.
ECON 4221 - Political and Public Choice Economics
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2019 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024
Explores decision-making in non-traditional market settings, specifically political market settings, using economic models. We investigate policy outcomes as the product of interactions among individuals in politial markets, and analyze how governmental decisions are the result of rational optimizing behavior, even if they do not lead to policies that maximize national welfare.
ECON 4413 - International Trade
Primary Instructor
-
Summer 2018 / Summer 2019 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
Focuses on theories of international trade and its impacts on economic welfare. Analyzes commercial policy, including tariffs, non-tariff barriers, retaliation, regional integration, and factor migration.
ECON 4535 - Natural Resource Economics
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021
Analysis of problems associated with socially optimal use of renewable and nonrenewable natural resources over time. Problems of common property resources, irreversible forms of development, and preservation of natural areas. Degree credit not granted for this course and ECON 3535.
ECON 4808 - Introduction to Mathematical Economics
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2024
Introduces the use of mathematics in economics. Topics include vectors and matrices, differential calculus, and optimization theory, with economic applications.
ECON 4818 - Introduction to Econometrics
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2018 / Fall 2019
Provides undergraduate economics majors with an introduction to econometric theory and practice. Develops the multiple regression model and problems encountered in its application in lecture and individual applied projects.
ECON 4939 - Internship/Seminar
Primary Instructor
-
Summer 2019 / Summer 2021
Offers students the opportunity to integrate theoretical concepts of economics with practical experience in economics-related institutions. The theoretical portion arises from seminars and readings, the practical from activities in organizations related to the economics field. A maximum of 3 credit hours counts toward major requirements. Department consent required.
