Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - ECON 460 D100

Seminar in Environmental Economics (3)

Class Number: 4763

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ECON 302 with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Focus will vary from term to term.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course aims at equipping students with economic tools to understand and evaluate
environmental questions relating to pollution, environmental amenities, sustainable development, and
climate change. The course is organized around the following key topics: externalities and market
failure, choice of environmental policy instruments, commonly used nonmarket evaluation techniques
and their implementation, and economics of sustainability.

Grading

  • In-class assignments: 25%
  • Midterm 25%
  • Final exam 50%

NOTES:

The above plan and weights are subject to change, to be announced in the first week of classes.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Kolstad, Charles. Environmental Economics (3rd edition), 2026, Oxford University Press.
Additional readings will be posted on the course Canvas page throughout the term

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.