Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - ECON 355W D100

Economic Development (4)

Class Number: 4362

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Wed, 12:30–1:20 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 is an introduction to the diverse field of Development Economics. The aim is to examine various explanations for why some populations, across space and time, are much poorer than others. We will cover both theoretical foundations and empirical evidence. Note that this course is designated writing intensive (W), and as such, will require the completion of written assignments on a regular basis. 

The course is to be conducted remotely this semester. Lecture videos will be made available weekly, and lecture time will be devoted to live Zoom sessions in which I will answer pre-submitted and spontaneous questions from students. Tutorial sessions will be held via Zoom and will offer the opportunity to discuss material related to the writing assignments. 

Topics:

We begin with defining, measuring, and comparing ‘development’ outcomes. To organize our ideas, we briefly overview classic theories of growth and discuss issues of multiple equilibria and poverty traps. We then move to more modern perspectives that emphasize transactions costs, leading us to the analysis of economic institutions, political institutions, and culture. We then turn attention to specific issues, including conflict, women and fertility, household decision-making, capital markets, and labour markets. Time permitting, we will examine the promise of randomized controlled trials. 

 

Grading

  • Weekly writing assignments 30%
  • Major writing assignment 20%
  • Regular online quizzes 40%
  • Participation 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Schaffner, J. (2013), Development Economics: Theory, Empirical Research, and Policy Analysis, Wiley Global Education.

https://sfu-store.vitalsource.com/products/development-economics-theory-empirical-research-julie-schaffner-v9781118805763?term=9780470599396

Note: Further readings will be distributed throughout the course.

 


Department Undergraduate Notes:

Please note that, as per Policy T20.01, the course requirements (and grading scheme) outlined here are subject to change up until the end of the first week of classes.

Final exam schedules will be released in February. This will allow students to avoid enrollment conflicts, and will significantly reduce instances of exam hardship. If your course has a final exam, please ensure that you are available during the final exam period of April 14 - 26 until you receive confirmation of your exam dates. 

Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) at 778-782-3112 or caladmin@sfu.ca.

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

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).