Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - ECON 455W D100

Topics in Economic Development (3)

Class Number: 5742

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ECON 333 with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

In-depth analysis of various topics related to economic development. Specific topics will vary from term to term, but may include institutions, political economy, social capital and networks, financial markets and contracts, agricultural organization, women’s empowerment, culture, conflict, and natural resources. Students with credit for ECON 455 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Description: 

This seminar-format course introduces students to current topics, data and economic

theories in development economics. As a seminar course, weekly reading, writing, and in-class participation are priorities.

Issues to be addressed include: the major economic forces that drive development and growth, structural features of labor, capital and land markets in developing economies; market imperfections; economic policies and institutions; and applying blockchain to development problems.

The course focuses on microeconomic foundations but without ignoring macroeconomic implications and combines economic theory with basic data analysis. The main goal is better understanding of how the economic development process works, what factors matter for whether countries are poor or rich, and what policies or institutions can make a difference.

Topics:

Key measures in development economics

Poverty

Inequality

Agricultural policy and productivity

Credit and capital markets

Microfinance

Risk and Insurance

Field experiments

Policy evaluation

Political economy and economic institutions

Blockchain for development

Grading

NOTES:

This is a writing-intensive (W) class. Written assignments account for the majority of the final grade.

The first written assignment is a memo, a very brief (half a page maximum) written comment on a specific point, idea or argument from an assigned discussion paper.

Second, each student must prepare a 20-minute written summary (in slide format)

of an article from the reading list and present it in front of the class.

Finally, students are required to write a short original research term paper submitted at the end of the course. Multiple drafts will be required to be submitted for feedback throughout the term, e.g., an outline, an introduction, a first draft, and a final draft will all receive feedback and some grading weight.

The final course grade will be determined based on all written assignments, the term

paper and a final exam. Interim and final feedback will be provided on all written work.

The weights of each evaluation part are:

 

- Four memos on discussion papers 15%

- Academic paper summary and in-class presentation 15%

- In-class discussion participation and weekly preparation 15%

- Term paper 20%

- Final exam 35%

The grade weights are subject to change and will be finalized in the syllabus in the first week of classes.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no required textbook for the course. Weekly readings of academic papers will be assigned. All readings will be freely accessible on the SFU library website.


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

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.