2004 - 2005 Finance Course Descriptions

FINC

305

Investments and Analysis

(4)

A survey of the organization and regulation of security markets, security analysis and valuation, and principles of portfolio management from the perspective of the individual investor. Prerequisite: FINC 307.

FINC

307

Corporate Finance

(4)

Provides insight and practice relating to the planning, organizing, and controlling functions performed by financial managers in corporations, long and short-term sources of funds, capital budgeting, cost of capital, capital leverage, and primary securities markets. Prerequisites: ACCT 213; ECON 253, 263; MATH 141, 150.

FINC

309

Concepts and Applications of Corporate Finance

(4)

A case analysis approach of financial management theory with special emphasis on capital budgeting, capital markets and long-term financing. Prerequisite: FINC 307.

FINC

310

Financial Institutions and Public Policy

(4)

An overview of the process of financial intermediation. Includes study of depository institutions, the insurance industry, the savings/investment management firms and relevant public policy. Prerequisites: ECON 253, 263; FINC 307.

FINC

315

Personal Financial Planning & Insurance

(4)

This course is an introduction to the basics that will form the foundation of knowledge for the financial services professional. The financial planning process, as well as the legal, ethical, and regulatory issues affecting financial planners, and time value of money concepts are covered. The course continues with a discussion of the principles of risk management and insurance, allowing the student to identify a client's risk exposure and select appropriate risk management techniques. Prerequisites: ACCT 213; ECON 253, 263; MATH 141, 150.

FINC

316

Retirement Planning & Employee Benefits

(4)

This course covers all the major retirement-related issues: retirement savings need analysis, qualified retirement plan design, Social Security, Medicare, and more. In addition, group life, health, and disability insurance; nonqualified deferred compensation; and other commonly provided employee benefits are examined. Prerequisite: FINC 315.

FINC

317

Securities Regulations and Trading

(4)

This course is an introduction to the Securities Industry. It focuses on the rules, regulations, and laws an individual must know to be prepared to function as a licensed professional dealing with securities. Prerequisites: FINC 315.

FINC

401

Directed Studies

(1-4)

A tutorial-based course used only for student-initiated proposals for intensive individual study of topics not otherwise offered in the Finance Program. Prerequisites: FINC 307 and consent of instructor and school dean.

FINC

212/412

Special Topics in Finance

(2-4)

General category for Special Topics in Finance, e.g., Property Management, Real Estate Law.

FINC

435

International Finance

(4)

Topics studied include financing of international transactions, balance of payments between nations, international financial institutions and foreign exchange markets. Prerequisite: ECON 253, 263; MATH 141.

FINC

440

Internship

(1-8)

Students receive credit for meeting pre-arranged learning objectives while working for a company or non-profit organization. Internships give students the opportunity to compare their understanding of classroom material with current best practices in their field. Credit is based on the number of hours at the job site and the nature of the learning objectives. Monthly class sessions reinforce the student learning objectives, and allow interns to compare their experiences with other interns. Prerequisites: FINC 307; junior or senior standing (transfer students must complete a minimum of 15 Westminster credit hours); completion of the Career Center Internship Workshop; and approvals from the Gore School of Business Practice Experience Coordinator and the Career Center Internship Coordinator.

FINC

441

Finance Practicum

(4)

The Disciplinary Practicum is a student team-based, company consultation project. The project addresses a real issue of concern to a client company (or non-profit organization), requires extensive research, and results in a formal oral presentation and written report to the company. Students work in teams of 3-6 students under the supervision of a Gore School of Business faculty member. Prerequisites: FINC 307; MATH 150; junior or senior standing.

FINC

442

Professional Portfolio

(2)

The Professional Portfolio is designed for mid-career professionals. The class gives students the opportunity to assess their interests and skills, design a career plan, and create a portfolio, which documents what they have to offer to an organization in an appropriate field. Students must have at least five years of professional or managerial experience to enroll in this class. Prerequisites: FINC 307; junior or senior standing; and approval of the Gore School of Business Experience/Practice Coordinator.