Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - ECON 482 D100

Selected Topics in Economics (3)

Development Economics & First Nations in Canada

Class Number: 1077

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 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:

Prerequisite: ECON 201

This course applies the tools and insights of development economics to analyze some of the economic challenges and opportunities facing First Nations communities in Canada. Students will examine the structural and historical roots of economic disparities, identify current barriers to prosperity, and assess how institutions, policies, and governance shape development outcomes.

The course reviews the history of colonization, assimilation, and the Indian Act from an economic perspective, highlighting their long-term effects on economic development. It also explores contemporary policies related to property rights, land management, provision of public services and infrastructure, self-determination and governance. Students will engage with empirical evidence on the impacts of these policies, compare findings across different contexts, and learn analytical frameworks to critically assess their implications.

This course has a seminar format and requires active student engagement. Students are expected to prepare weekly writing assignments and participate in class discussions. Students also give one presentation and submit one term paper. There are opportunities to submit several drafts of the term paper for writing feedback prior to final submission.

Topics:

  1. Overview
  2. Measuring wellbeing
  3. Colonization
  4. Assimilation policies and residential schools
  5. The Indian Act
  6. Property rights: modern treaties and reserve land
  7. Self-government and other opt-in agreements
  8. Education
  9. Discrimination
  10. Business environment (transaction costs)
  11. Housing and public services
  12. Governance
  13. Mobility

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Course Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Explain core concepts and theoretical frameworks in development economics, and apply them to real-world cases.
  2. Understand how historical and institutional factors—such as the Indian Act, colonization experience, and assimilation policies— have shaped economic outcomes in First Nations communities and created barriers to development.
  3. Evaluate the role of economic policy, governance, and institutions in influencing First Nations’ development trajectories.
  4. Engage respectfully and critically with Indigenous perspectives on economic development, self-determination, and economic justice.

Grading

NOTES:

This course will be graded using specifications grading (Nilson, 2015).

The purpose of this style of grading is to incentivize students to develop and display competency in the ability to read and communicate about economic research. Most professional work in government, academic research, and the private sector is not assigned a numerical grade; it either meets the standard on all dimensions or it does not.

Students will receive a letter grade based on their completion of relevant activities according to the table below (subject to change in the first week of classes). There are only three activities that are assessed subjectively, and they are all assessed on a PASS/FAIL basis. Additional tables specifying PASS/FAIL criteria on memos, the presentation, and the term paper will be included in the syllabus. A student must achieve ALL specified activities to achieve the letter grade.

 

Category

Specified Activity

# Opport-unities

A+

A

A−

B+

B

B−

C+

C

C−

F

Participation

Attendance (on time, for entire seminar)

12

10

8

6

 

Contribute (speak)

12

9

6

2

 

Memo

Submit memo before seminar and PASS memo

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

 

Presentation

Give presentation at scheduled seminar

1

1

1

1

 

PASS presentation

1

1

1

0

 

Term Paper

Submit term paper draft for feedback

2

1

1

0

 

Submit term paper final  draft

1

1

1

1

 

PASS term paper

1

1

1

0

 

Assessment

PASS presentation OR term paper

2

2

2

1

 

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no required textbook for the course. A recommended textbook is Hageman, A., & Galoustian, P. (2021 Economic aspects of the Indigenous experience in Canada (2nd ed.). eCampusOntario. Book is available for free at: https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/indigenouseconomics244/

Weekly readings of reports and academic papers will also 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

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.