Summer 2025 - ECON 855 G100
Theories of Economic Development (4)
Class Number: 1466
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Mon, 12:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Chris Bidner
cbidner@sfu.ca
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Theoretical perspectives on the process of economic development; role of economic and political institutions, culture, gender; household decision-making in developing country context.
COURSE DETAILS:
Description:
The course is a graduate-level introduction to the field of Development Economics, with a particular emphasis on the application of economic theory to various development issues. We will cover both ‘micro’ and ‘macro’ aspects of development and will combine the study of ‘classic’ and ‘cutting-edge’ research. In addition to interactive lectures, weekly class discussion of assigned readings will be a very important component of the course.
Topics:
- Accounting for basic development facts
- Culture (equilibrium selection, intergenerational transmission of preferences)
- Institutions (focus on political institutions; political agency, democracy).
- Nation-building
- The Household (bargaining, IPV, and marriage)
- Time Conflict (Time Permitting)
Grading
- Discussion worksheets 20%
- Term exams 40%
- Preliminary report on term paper 5%
- Presentation of term paper progress 5%
- Term Paper 20%
- Participation 10%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
None. Readings will be drawn from journal articles and book chapters
and made available on Canvas when not readily accessible online via the SFU library.
RECOMMENDED READING:
None
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.