Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - ECON 220W D200

Communication in Economics (4)

Class Number: 1742

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, Wed, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ECON 201 with a minimum grade of C-, minimum 30 units and no more than 80 units. Corequisite: ECON 201, with a minimum grade of C-. ECON 201 may be taken prior to or concurrently with ECON 220W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examine and review today's global economy through critical analysis of differing perspectives. Develop techniques and strategies for clear and effective written and oral communication of economic ideas. Improve critical and analytical thinking via the application of core principles to news stories or other economic data in writing and presentations. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

Examine and review today's global economy through critical analysis of differing perspectives. Develop techniques and strategies for clear and effective written and oral communication of economic ideas. Improve critical and analytical thinking via the application of core principles to news stories or other economic data in writing and presentations.

This course will have two sequential parts. The first six weeks of classes (part A) will be taught by Sepideh Fotovatian and will focus on ‘learning to write’ and mastering reading comprehension and writing skills/strategies using economics content. The second half of the course (i.e., Week 7 to Week 13 or part B) will be taught by Gulriz Barkin and will focus on ‘writing to learn’ and reading comprehension and writing skills within an economic context.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  1. Academic literacy skills applied in economics (summarizing, paraphrasing, graph description, argumentation, reflective writing) and appropriate referencing based on APA style-guide.
  2. Applying these skills to communicate in the context of economic applications, to critically evaluate economic information and present well-supported arguments.

Grading

NOTES:

Part A (50% of the overall grade)

Four assignments:   10% each (40%)

Engagement in weekly discussions: 10%

Part B (50% of the overall grade)

In-Class Discussions: 10%

Weekly assignments: 30%

Final Assignment: 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Journal articles available through SFU database plus:

For Part A: The Undercover Economist , Hartford, T. (2012): The undercover economist / Tim Harford. - Simon Fraser University

For Part B: Graff, G., & Birkenstein, C. (2024). They say / I say: The moves that matter in academic writing (6th ed.). W. W. Norton & Company


RECOMMENDED READING:

McCloskey, D. N., Economical Writing: Thirty-Five Rules for Clear and Persuasive Prose, 2019, The University of Chicago Press

Neugeboren, R. H., The Student’s Guide to Writing Economics, 2005, Routledge (available online via SFU library)


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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 during the second month of classes. If your course has a final exam, please ensure that you are available during the entire final exam period 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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.