Finance (FIN)

FIN 280. Selected Topics in Finance. 1 to 4 Hours.

This listing covers a variety of topics. Ordinarily, these offerings require few, if any, prerequisites and do not count toward fulfillment of the Finance major. Offered on occasional basis.

FIN 321. Business Finance. 3 Hours.

A study of the fundamental concepts in financial management, including present value, stock and bond valuation, financial analysis and forecasting, capital budgeting, and long-term financing alternatives. Students majoring or minoring in Accounting or Finance must earn a grade of C or better. Offered every semester.

Prerequisite: ACCT 211 with a minimum grade of D and MATH 140 with a minimum grade of D.

FIN 411. Investments. 3 Hours.

A study of investment alternatives such as stocks, bonds, options, and futures, and of the markets which provide for trading in these instruments. Modern portfolio theory is studied and applied using groups of investment possibilities. Using a computer software package, students construct several portfolios and track their performance throughout the semester. Offered every semester.

Prerequisite: ACCT 211 with a minimum grade of C and FIN 321 with a minimum grade of C.

FIN 415. Bank Management. 3 Hours.

An introduction of the theory and practice of commercial bank management. It covers topics such as bank regulation, managing deposits and loans, credit evaluation, raising capital, and bank operations. Offered every semester.

Prerequisite: ACCT 211 with a minimum grade of C and FIN 321 with a minimum grade of C.

FIN 420. Cases in Finance. 3 Hours.

A study of advanced topics in finance, particularly corporate finance, using the business case methodology. Offered annually.

Prerequisite: ACCT 211 with a minimum grade of C and FIN 321 with a minimum grade of C.

FIN 435. Real Estate Analysis. 3 Hours.

An introduction to real estate analyses emphasizing discounted cash flow methods, financing alternatives, tax implications, and uncertainty. Offered every semester.

Prerequisite: ACCT 211 with a minimum grade of C and FIN 321 with a minimum grade of C.

FIN 440. International Finance. 3 Hours.

A course covering the essentials of international finance, including international portfolio analysis, capital markets, investment instruments, and contemporary geopolitical events affecting foreign investments. Offered every semester.

Prerequisite: ACCT 211 with a minimum grade of C and FIN 321 with a minimum grade of C.

FIN 445. Financial Statement Analysis. 3 Hours.

This course helps students understand financial statements from management, shareholder, and creditor perspectives. Students will learn how financial statements are organized, are used by managers to improve company performance, and are used by investors in valuing companies and in evaluating potential investments. Cross-listed with ACCT 445. Offered every semester.

Prerequisite: ACCT 211 with a minimum grade of C and FIN 321 with a minimum grade of C.

FIN 450. Corporate Financial Analysis. 3 Hours.

Students will learn how to apply financial theory to analyze and resolve simple and complex business issues. Students will be provided with descriptions of business situations in which they will identify the important issues, identify and analyze various options for resolving these issues, and present recommended solutions supported by quantitative and qualitative justifications. Often these analyses will include the development of financial models. Offered spring semester.

Prerequisite: ACCT 211 with a minimum grade of C and FIN 321 with a minimum grade of C and (ACCT 411 with a minimum grade of D or ACCT 412 with a minimum grade of D or ACCT 413 with a minimum grade of D or ACCT 425 with a minimum grade of D or ACCT 426 with a minimum grade of D or ACCT 480 with a minimum grade of D or FIN 411 with a minimum grade of D or FIN 415 with a minimum grade of D or FIN 420 with a minimum grade of D or FIN 430 with a minimum grade of D or FIN 435 with a minimum grade of D or FIN 440 with a minimum grade of D or FIN 445 with a minimum grade of D or FIN 480 with a minimum grade of D).

FIN 461. Applied Investment Research: CFA Institute of Investment Research Challenge. 1 Hour.

In this course, students research and write an in-depth investment report on a public company selected by the CFA (Certified Financial Analysts) Institute. The students then present and defend their report to a panel of CFA judges in an intercollegiate competition in which graduate and undergraduate teams from colleges and universities in the region compete. The top-rated teams then compete in a regional final. Graded on a Pass/Fail basis. Instructor permission required. This course does not fulfill any major or minor requirements. Offered spring semester.

FIN 466. Applied Portfolio Management. 1 Hour.

In this course, students lead the research teams that make up the Student-Managed Investment Fund (James Fund). The research teams conduct monthly in-depth investment analysis of a security. The students then present and defend their findings to the entire James Fund membership. They also report annually to the Investment Advisory Committee of the Board of Trustees. Offered on a pass/fail basis. This course does not fulfill any major or minor requirements. Offered spring semester.

FIN 470. Independent Study in Finance. 1 to 3 Hours.

Independent study of selected topics in finance at an advanced level. Specific topics vary from semester to semester.

FIN 480. Advanced Topics in Finance. 1 to 4 Hours.

Topics and credits may vary from year to year. Offered on an occasional basis.

Prerequisite: ACCT 211 with a minimum grade of C and FIN 321 with a minimum grade of C.

FIN 500. Honors Course. 3 Hours.

At the discretion of the faculty, students may undertake a six-hour independent course of study in the senior year in order to broaden their educational experience within their major area of study. Students must meet specific GPA standards and arrange a faculty sponsor. The honors course criteria are outlined in the Academic Honors portion of the catalog.