Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2023 - ECON 482 D100

Selected Topics in Economics (3)

Biology,Neurosci.& Econ.

Class Number: 5567

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    To be determined by the instructor subject to approval by the department chair.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The subject matter will vary from term to term depending upon the interests of faculty and students.

COURSE DETAILS:

Biological, Anthropological, and Neuroscientific Basis of Economics
This course is based on the idea that a strong light can be shed on modern human economic behavior by considering its biological basis. Such a biological basis will be investigated by looking at anthropological data, at evolutionary models, and at neuroscience observations. I am excited about this approach and would like to infect students with a little of this enthusiasm.

 

Topics.

These will be drawn from the following list---

  1. Motivation.
  2. Evolution of Human Life History.
  3. Why did Utility Evolve? Why is Utility Adaptive?
  4. Neuroscience.
  5. Evolution of Time Preference.  Global Warming.
  6. Evolution of Attitudes to Risk.
  7. Status. Status and Risk.
  8. Theory of Mind and Game Theory.
  9. Kin Selection.
  10. Marriage Systems.

 

 

Grading

  • Midterm x 2 50%
  • Presentation 10%
  • Paper 30%
  • Participation 10%

NOTES:

There will be two midterms that will mainly ask you to discuss the material presented.  You should carry out research on a project of your choice related to the material. This is to be presented it to the class in the last several weeks of the term and a final written version is to be handed in at the end of the course.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

None but various readings will be assigned

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

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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