Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - ECON 427W D100

Industrial Organization: Law and Economics (3)

Class Number: 2392

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 14, 2018
    Sat, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ECON 201 or 301, and BUEC 333 or ECON 302.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An in depth examination of the application of economic reasoning to the law. The course considers how legal relationships influence behavior and how economic models can explain the structure of the law. A selected number of topics will be covered, and may include the economic approach to common law; property rights; contracts; torts; criminal behavior; family law; and corporate bankruptcy law. Students with credit for BUEC 427 or BUEC 495 cannot take this course for further credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course uses economic theory to understand the general structure of law. It is not a law course. Specifically, it analyzes the economic logic of law, how alterations in laws influence the allocation of resources, and how general economic activity feedback and influence the law. In doing so it provides a theory of the legal regime. The course begins with a general discussion of economic reasoning and the concept of efficiency. It then examines the Coase Theorem in considerable detail. After these introductory foundations, we move on to cover the legal topics of property, contracts, family, torts, and crime. These topics should take the entire semester. If time permits we may briefly cover such topics as anti-trust and public enforcement  

This is a “W” course, which means there is a very serious reading and writing component.  Students will complete writing assignments as well as a term paper.   Participation in weekly discussions is mandatory.  Which means doing the assigned reading is also mandatory.  Each student will be expected to lead at least part of one seminar.  

Grading

  • Participation 20%
  • Weekly Written Assignments 10%
  • Midterm 15%
  • Term Paper 25%
  • Final Exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no text for this course. Most of the readings will be on the course webpage, but all of them are available through the electronic journals link on the SFU library webpage.

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