Spring 2025 - ECON 912 G100
Selected Topics in Economics (4)
Class Number: 1938
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Arthur Robson
robson@sfu.ca
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Offered by arrangement.
COURSE DETAILS:
This course explores the evolutionary and neuroscientific foundations of modern economic behavior.
Topics that will be covered include:
- MOTIVATION
- EVOLUTION OF UTILITY
- NEUROSCIENCE AND ECONOMICS
- INTERTEMPORAL PREFERENCES
- ATTITUDES TO RISK
- THEORY OF MIND AND ECONOMICS
Grading
NOTES:
There will be a THREE HOUR IN CLASS CLOSED BOOK EXAM at a date to be announced (but after the middle of the term). A PAPER is also required, which will be due at the end of the term. You are to present your paper in last week or two of classes. This paper should contain original material – extensions, examples, or criticisms of some relevant literature, at least. It should be about 25 pages, double-spaced. It is hoped that this course will stimulate you to begin research on the biological basis of economics, so this paper could be the first step.
Grades will be assigned as follows – participation (10%), exam (40%), presentation (10%) and paper (40%).
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
There is no generally useful text. However, for some topics, you will find the following book chapter helpful "The Evolutionary Foundations of Preferences" (with Larry Samuelson) available at http://www.sfu.ca/~robson/Handbook.pdf . We are also writing a book on the evolution of preferences and excerpts from that will be posted on canvas. The course will be mainly based on key published and unpublished papers.
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.
Graduate Studies Notes:
Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.
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.