Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - ECON 355W D100

Economic Development (4)

Class Number: 1821

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ECON 103 or 200 and 105 or 205; 60 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Analysis of theories of economic development. Consideration will be given to the requirements of successful development, to aspects of international co-operation, and to procedures of economic planning. Problems of emerging countries and models of various developing economies will be studied. Students with credit for ECON 355 or ECON 455 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course provides an introduction to the diverse field of Development Economics. The aim is to study and evaluate various explanations for why some countries are much poorer than others, and to explore various issues of particular relevance to the developing world. Development issues related to education, gender, institutions, aid, debt, governance, corruption, financial markets etc. will be discussed. Both theoretical foundations and empirical evidence will be covered. Note that this course is designated writing intensive (W), and as such, will require the completion of short written assignments on a regular basis.


Topics:   We begin with definitions of ‘development’, examine ways in which it can be measured, and compare outcomes across various countries. We then study a range of theories, classic and contemporary, related to economic growth and development. We then explore  in greater detail some issues of particular relevance to the developing world, including: poverty and inequality, population growth, education and health, foreign aid and debt, the role of aid, governance and corruption, financial markets and conflict.      

Grading

  • Written Assignments ( in class and take home) 40%
  • Term Exam 1 30%
  • Term Exam 2 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Todaro, M. and S. Smith, Economic Development, 12th ed., Pearson, 2014.

Easterly, William, The Elusive Quest for Growth: Economists’ Adventures and Misadventures in the Tropics, MIT Press, 2001.

Note: The Easterly book (to be used as supplement to the Todaro textbook and in tutorials) is available online (off-campus you will need to login with your SFU email credentials) at: http://troy.lib.sfu.ca/record=b6320439~S1a

Department Undergraduate Notes:

***  NO TUTORIALS DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES***

Students requiring  accomodations as a result of a disability must contact the  Centre for Students with Disabilities  at 778 782 3112 or csdo@sfu.ca 

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS