Dr. Han-Yen Kao Associate Professor of Economics; Department Vice Chair
Education:
Ph.D., Rutgers University-New Brunswick, New Jersey
M.A., Rutgers University-New Brunswick, New Jersey
M.A. and B.A., National Chengchi University, Taiwan
712-707-7012
hanyen.kao@nwciowa.edu
VPH 205D
Professor Kao, previously a lecturer in the economics department at Rutgers University, won the Sidney I. Simon Prize for Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching in his department. In addition to his doctoral work at Rutgers, he earned master’s degrees in economics from both Rutgers and National Chengchi University in Taiwan, as well as a bachelor’s from National Chengchi. He has a strong research agenda in empirical microeconomics and behavioral economics and has presented his research at Rutgers, Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Academia Sinica, and at various professional conferences across the U.S.
ECO101SS - Everyday Economics
(4 credits) (NWCore option under Self and Society) What is the economy? What drives the boom and bust of the market? Why do people choose what they choose? How should I think about money? What is the role of our government? How do I view inequality? Every decision we make and everything we see in the modern society has something to do with economics. In this course, we will cover the ABC's of micro and macroeconomics that are most relevant to our everyday life. We will also learn a brief history of economic thought, and build our foundation on the Christian principles. Note: This course is not intended for business or economics majors.
ECO214 - Principles of Macroeconomics
(4 credits) Macroeconomics concerns itself with economic aggregates such as inflation, unemployment, recessions, national debt, and income inequality international trades. Macroeconomic models will be introduced. These models will be used to understand the application of monetary and fiscal policy.
ECO301 - Money and Banking
(4 credits) This course is designed to increase understanding of how banks and the banking system fit into the entire economic system. The functions of money, the federal reserve system, monetary theory, inflation and the international financial system will be taught. Prerequisites: ECO213 and 214.
ECO314 - Intermediate Macroeconomics
(4 credits; alternate years, consult department) Builds on the concepts of inflation, unemployment and economic growth learned in principles level macroeconomics. Introduces models with which the student will become more proficient in understanding how the economy works. Prerequisite: ECO214 and MAT111QR or 112QR.
ECO333 - International Economics
(4 credits) This course is a study of the theory and practice of international trade, international economic and monetary activity, balance of trade international payment mechanisms, exchange rate systems, functions of the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank. Prerequisites: ECO213 and 214.
ECO430 - Managerial Economics
(4 credits) Success in business depends on the positioning of the firm and the management of its resources. Through the lens of economics, students will learn to think systematically and strategically about critical management issues concerning consumer demand, costs, pricing, market competition, and organizational incentives. This course is an advanced economics course focusing on economic reasoning and decision-making in everyday life of a manager or an entrepreneur. Emphasis will be placed on case studies and quantitative data analyses. Prerequisites: ECO213 and MAT116QR or MAT117QR.
"Teaching Economics with RBG: Relevance, Belonging, and Growth Mindset." 2022. Presented at:
1) Journal of Economics Teaching’s Symposium on Economics Teaching (JET SET), University of Nebraska Omaha, NE, 2022.
“The Economics of Diversity for Northwestern College.” 2021. Presented at:
1) Faculty Scholarship Presentation, Northwestern College, 2021.
“Groupthink: An Experimental Study of Group Decision-Making.” 2021. Presented at:
1) American Economic Association Annual Meeting (poster session), 2021.
2) 86th Annual Meeting of Southern Economic Association, Washington, D.C., 2016.
3) Empirical Microeconomics Workshop, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 2016.
4) The 2016 Taiwan Economics Research, Institute of Economics, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, 2016.
“Estimating the Relationship among Education, Cognitive Ability, and Religion: Evidence from NLSY.” 2020. Presented at:
1) ASREC 14th Annual Conference, Omni Parker House, Boston, MA, 2015.
2) IRES 3rd Annual Graduate Student Workshop, Chapman University, Orange, CA, 2014.
3) Empirical Microeconomics Workshop, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 2014.
“Curriculum, Civic Participation, and National Identity: Evidence from Taiwan.” 2021. Presented at:
1) Midwest Economics Association Annual Meeting, 2021.
“Media Bias and Ideological Polarization,” 2007. Master thesis. Presented at:
1) The Victor Rothschild Memorial Symposium, 18th Summer School in Economic Theory, “Economic Aspects of Communication and Information,” Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, 2007.
Part-Time Lecturer, Department of Economics, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, New Jersey, 2014 – 2017.
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, 2012 – 2015.
Research Assistant, Department of Economics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, 2010 – 2011.
Research Assistant, Graduate Institute of Intellectual Property, National Chengchi University, Taipei, Taiwan, 2009 – 2010.
Research Assistant, College of Management, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, 2008 – 2009.
American Economic Association
Association of Christian Economists
Midwest Economics Association
Northwestern Scholarship Grant, Northwestern College, Orange City, Summer 2019.
Northwestern Scholarship Grant, Northwestern College, Orange City, Summer 2018.
Sidney I. Simon Prize for Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching, Department of Economics, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, 2017.
TA/GA Professional Development Fund Award, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, 2016.
Graduate Teaching Assistantship, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, 2012 – 2015.
Government Scholarships for Study Abroad, Ministry of Education, Taiwan, 2011 – 2012.
