Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - ECON 310 D100

Money and Banking (3)

Class Number: 1779

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ECON 103 with a minimum grade of C- or ECON 113 with a minimum grade of B-; ECON 105 with a minimum grade of C- or ECON 115 with a minimum grade of B-; 45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Banking theory and practice in a Canadian context; the supply theory of money; the demand for money and credit creation; monetary policy in a centralized banking system and in relation to international finance. Students with credit for ECON 210 or ECON 389 in 1131 or 1134 cannot take ECON 310 for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

We will learn the functions of money in the economy and the role of financial markets, including banks and other financial institutions. We will also study the role of a country’s central bank and how monetary policy is conducted. These topics will be explored in the light of recent events, such as the banking crises of 2023 and the crypto-currency decline in 2022, as well as applications arising from the recent Covid-19 crisis will also be included. Lectures, tutorials and exams are in-person only.

Topics: The economic roles of money, banking, financial markets and central banks. The mechanics of monetary policy, applied to recent episodes in Canada, the US and Europe.

Grading

NOTES:

Student’s in-person attendance will be required at each   tutorial session. Final marks based on Tutorial participation and quizzes (10%),Midterm Exam (40%), and Final Exam (50%).

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Money, Banking, and the Financial System, 4th Edition

Hubbard & O'Brien, Pearson


RECOMMENDED READING:

For Canadian content, see:

Mishkin, Frederick and Serletis, Apostolos. Economics of Money, Banking and Financial Markets, 7th edition. 2020. Pearson Canada. ISBN 9780136878995


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.