Finance 3826 Honors
Course Description: This course is
designed to provide students with a broad knowledge of investments and the
analytical tools and techniques used to value assets. The course is divided into five main areas of
study. First, the structure of financial
markets will be discussed. This will
include a review of time value of money concepts and an introduction to the
taxation of investment income. Second,
the course will examine the nature of equity investments, including common
stock. Third, the course will survey
fixed income investments. Students will
explore a very diverse world of fixed income securities and the methods by
which they are priced. Fourth, students
will study derivative securities such as options and futures contracts. In this section we will also study tangible
investments such as real estate and commodities. Finally, the course will outline the major
characteristics of portfolio management.
Reflection on this course:
Reflection on this course:
- From the first day of class, Professor Walter Morales stressed the importance of truly understanding the material presented in his course rather than simple memorization. Throughout the semester, this was emphasized through written examinations rather than multiple choice. By requiring his students to understand and explain each topic fluently, I have personally attained a much greater grasp of investments than I would have in a regular course.
- Despite the initial intimidation I faced towards this subject, I have grown to fully appreciate the ability to understand and manipulate the worlds' financial markets. I aspire to attain a greater understanding of investments trading through further practice and research.