Please note:

To view the Spring 2024 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2024/spring.html.

Political Science and Economics Joint Major

Bachelor of Arts

This program explores the fields of political science and economics, and develops an appreciation of the ways in which economic and political phenomena condition and interact in the modern world. Consult advisors in both departments.

Declaration Requirements

Economics Declaration Requirements

Students are eligible to apply for entry to the program once 30 units have been completed, ECON 201 is completed with at least a C- grade, the minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) is met and the ECON program GPA is met.

The Department of Economics announces the minimum CGPA below which students will not normally be considered for entry to the program.

Students should contact a departmental advisor to apply. Students not accepted upon initial application may reapply.

Continuation in Economics Program

To continue in an economics program, students must maintain a 2.0 CGPA.

Program Requirements

Students complete 120 units, as specified below.

In order to graduate from any ECON major, joint major, minor, or extended minor program, students must have a minimum ECON cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0 and a minimum ECON cumulative upper division grade point average (CUDGPA) of 2.0, calculated on all ECON courses completed at SFU.

Lower Division Political Science Requirements

Students complete a minimum of six courses, including

POL 100 - Introduction to Politics and Government (3)

A comprehensive introduction to the study of politics and government for both political science majors and students specializing in other disciplines. The course will explore the major concepts, methods, approaches and issues in political science, as well as the primary components of government structure and the political process. Students with credit for POL 101W may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Sanjay Jeram
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
POL 221 - Introduction to Canadian Government (3)

An introduction to the institutional order and political structure of the Canadian state. The course will include topics such as the constitution, parliament, cabinet, judiciary, public service and federal-provincial relations. Prerequisite: POL 100 or 151 or permission of department.

POL 222 - Introduction to Canadian Politics (3)

An introduction to the social and participatory basis of Canadian politics, covering topics such as political culture, regionalism and other political divisions, political parties, elections, interest groups and new social movements. Prerequisite: POL 100 or 151 or permission of department.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
B100 Andrew Heard
TBD
B101 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B102 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B103 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby

and one of

BUS 232 - Business Statistics (3)

An introduction to business statistics (descriptive and inferential statistics) with a heavy emphasis on applications and the use of EXCEL. Students will be required to use statistical applications to solve business problems. Corequisite: MATH 150, MATH 151, MATH 154, or MATH 157, with a minimum grade of C-; 15 units. Students with credit for BUEC 232 or ECON 233 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Negar Ganjouhaghighi
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D200 Negar Ganjouhaghighi
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Surrey
OP01 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
OP02 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 9:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
OP05 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Surrey
OP06 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Surrey
ECON 233 - Introduction to Economic Data and Statistics (3)

Introduces statistical methods, concepts and their application to economic data using both spreadsheets (e.g., Excel) and a specialized statistical programming language such as R. Prerequisite: MATH 150, MATH 151, MATH 154, or MATH 157, with a minimum grade of C-; 15 units. MATH 150, MATH 151, MATH 154, or MATH 157 may be taken concurrently with ECON 233. Students who have taken ECON 333 first may not then take this course for further credit. STAT 270 or BUS 232 will be accepted in lieu of this course.

POL 201 - Introductory Quantitative Methods in Political Science (4) *

Introduces quantitative research techniques in political science. Introduces important analytical and conceptual skills necessary to understand and evaluate quantitative political science research. Corequisite: POL 200W or permission of department. Quantitative.

and at least two additional lower division courses in political science.

* recommended

Lower Division Economics Requirements

Prior to declaring this joint major program, students complete, with a grade of at least C- (unless otherwise indicated), all of

ECON 103 - Principles of Microeconomics (4)

The principal elements of theory concerning utility and value, price and costs, factor analysis, productivity, labor organization, competition and monopoly, and the theory of the firm. Students with credit for ECON 200 cannot take ECON 103 for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Soc.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Gulriz Barkin
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D110 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
or ECON 113 - Introduction to Microeconomics (3) *

Focused on basic competencies in microeconomics, this course is suitable for business and other students not intending to specialize in economics. Topics include gains from trade, supply and demand, prices, competition and monopoly, market failures, and government policies. Economic literacy is an important part of the course. Students who have taken ECON 103 first may not then take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Soc.

ECON 105 - Principles of Macroeconomics (4)

The principal elements of theory concerning money and income, distribution, social accounts, public finance, international trade, comparative systems, and development and growth. Students with credit for ECON 205 cannot take ECON 105 for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Soc.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Brian Krauth
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D101 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D108 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
or ECON 115 - Introduction to Macroeconomics (3) *

Focused on basic competencies in macroeconomics, this course is suitable for business and other students not intending to specialize in economics. Topics include GDP, economic growth, business cycles, unemployment, inflation, money, monetary and fiscal policies, exchange rates, government debt, globalization and trade policy. Economic literacy is an important part of the course. Students who have taken ECON 105 first may not then take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Soc.

ECON 201 - Microeconomic Theory I: Competitive Behavior (4)

Aspects of microeconomic theory involving competitive markets. Topics include the behavior of households and firms, partial equilibrium analysis of product and factor markets, and general equilibrium. Prerequisite: ECON 103 with a minimum grade of C- or ECON 113 with a minimum grade of A-; ECON 105 with a minimum grade of C- or ECON 115 with a minimum grade of A-; MATH 157 with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for ECON 301 may not complete this course for further credit. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Joshua Boitnott
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D101 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
MATH 157 - Calculus I for the Social Sciences (3)

Designed for students specializing in business or the social sciences. Topics include: limits, growth rate and the derivative; logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions and their application to business, economics, optimization and approximation methods; introduction to functions of several variables with emphasis on partial derivatives and extrema. Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least B, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least C, or achieving a satisfactory grade on the Simon Fraser University Calculus Readiness Test. Students with credit for either MATH 150, 151 or 154 may not take MATH 157 for further credit. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Paul Tupper
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
OP01 TBD

Students also complete one of

BUS 232 - Business Statistics (3)

An introduction to business statistics (descriptive and inferential statistics) with a heavy emphasis on applications and the use of EXCEL. Students will be required to use statistical applications to solve business problems. Corequisite: MATH 150, MATH 151, MATH 154, or MATH 157, with a minimum grade of C-; 15 units. Students with credit for BUEC 232 or ECON 233 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Negar Ganjouhaghighi
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D200 Negar Ganjouhaghighi
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Surrey
OP01 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
OP02 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 9:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
OP05 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Surrey
OP06 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Surrey
ECON 233 - Introduction to Economic Data and Statistics (3)

Introduces statistical methods, concepts and their application to economic data using both spreadsheets (e.g., Excel) and a specialized statistical programming language such as R. Prerequisite: MATH 150, MATH 151, MATH 154, or MATH 157, with a minimum grade of C-; 15 units. MATH 150, MATH 151, MATH 154, or MATH 157 may be taken concurrently with ECON 233. Students who have taken ECON 333 first may not then take this course for further credit. STAT 270 or BUS 232 will be accepted in lieu of this course.

and both of

ECON 220W - Communication in Economics (4)

Examine and review today's global economy through critical analysis of differing perspectives. Develop techniques and strategies for clear and effective written and oral communication of economic ideas. Improve critical and analytical thinking via the application of core principles to news stories or other economic data in writing and presentations. Prerequisite: ECON 201 with a minimum grade of C-, minimum 30 units and no more than 80 units. Writing.

one additional 200 division ECON course

Students who earn a grade of A- or better at Simon Fraser University on their first attempt in ECON 201 are exempt from the requirement of one additional 200 division ECON course. These students should see Early Access to Upper Division Courses below for additional program information.

* ECON 113 and ECON 115 with a minimum grade of A- on first attempt

Upper Division Political Science Requirements

Students complete a total of 24 units, including a minimum of eight units chosen from

POL 321 - The Canadian Federal System (4)

Development of the federal system including topics such as the division of powers, parties, federal-provincial relations and theories of federalism. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

POL 342 - Developing Countries in Global Politics (4)

Problems arising from the disparities in power and wealth between the highly industrialized countries of Europe and North America, and the under-industrialized countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 James Busumtwi-sam
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 8:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
POL 354 - Comparative Metropolitan Governance (4)

A comparative analysis of regional metropolitan governance in Canada and selected other jurisdictions (such as the USA, UK, etc.). The course involves an examination of major policy dilemmas in urban development, and of the local, regional and senior intergovernmental relations within which much of the public policy making in metropolitan settings takes place. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

POL 359 - Selected Topics in Governance (4)

Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

POL 447 - Theories of Global Political Economy (4)

An examination of the major theories of international political economy, and their application to such issues as the politics of trade, aid, monetary relations, and transnational corporations. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.

POL 454 - Urban Public Policy Making (4)

This course will link differing theoretical perspectives and concepts currently used in public policy studies to an understanding of public policy making in urban governance. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.

POL 455 - States and Markets (4)

Survey of the concepts and theoretical approaches, from Adam Smith's political economy to contemporary paradigms, used to understand the role and place of state institutions In a market economy and of the criteria that are used to design and implement economic and social policies. Particular attention is paid to the philosophical and normative questions that are raised by such an analysis. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.

POL 457W - Technology and Innovation Policy (4)

Examines challenges posed by the development of new technologies and the controversies associated with innovation policy. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 457 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

POL 458 - Selected Topics in Local and Urban Governance (4)

Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.

POL 459 - Selected Topics in Governance (4)

Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.

The remaining 16 units may be chosen from IS and/or ISPO and/or POL upper division courses.

Upper Division Economics Requirements

Students complete a total of at least 25 units, including all of

ECON 302 - Microeconomic Theory II: Strategic Behavior (4)

Aspects of microeconomic theory concerned with strategic behavior, imperfect information, and market failure. Topics include game theory and oligopoly; uncertainty and insurance; asymmetric information and market power, externalities and public goods, together with related issues in welfare economics. Prerequisite: ECON 201 with a minimum grade of C-; 60 units. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Gulriz Barkin
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 8:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D101 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D104 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
ECON 305 - Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory (4)

Concepts and methods of analysis of macroeconomic variables -- consumption, investment, government and foreign trade. Classical and Keynesian models compared; analysis of economic statics and dynamics. Prerequisite: ECON 201 with a minimum grade of C-; 60 units. Students with a minimum grade of A- in ECON 103 and 105 at Simon Fraser University at their first attempt can complete ECON 305 concurrently with ECON 201 after 30 units. Students seeking permission to enroll on this basis must contact the undergraduate advisor in economics. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Yan Yan
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D106 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
ECON 333 - Statistical Analysis of Economic Data (4)

An introduction to the use and interpretation of statistical analysis in the context of data typical of economic applications. Prerequisite: ECON 103 with a minimum grade of C- or ECON 113 with a minimum grade of A-; ECON 105 with a minimum grade of C- or ECON 115 with a minimum grade of A-; ECON 233 or BUS (or BUEC) 232 or STAT 270, MATH 157, all with a minimum grade of C-; 60 units. Students with a minimum grade of A- in ECON 233, BUS (or BUEC) 232 or STAT 270 can take ECON 333 after 30 units. Students seeking permission to enroll based on their ECON 233, BUS (or BUEC) 232 or STAT 270 grade must contact the undergraduate advisor in economics. Students with credit for BUEC 333 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Vasyl Golovetskyy
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D101 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby

and at least one 400 division ECON course.

Early Access to Upper Division Courses

Students normally cannot enter ECON upper division courses during the first 60 units, but for those who have the minimum Simon Fraser University grade point average required to access upper division ECON courses, the following exceptions are permitted.

Students who earn a grade of A- or better at Simon Fraser University on their first attempt in ECON 201 may enroll in ECON 302 and 305, and all courses for which they have satisfied the prerequisites, once 30 units is completed.

Students who earn an A- grade or better at Simon Fraser University on their first attempt in ECON 233 or BUS 232 or STAT 270 may enroll for ECON 333 once they have completed 30 units. These upper division courses will count towards Department of Economics and Simon Fraser University upper division requirements. See ECON course descriptions for access information.

Concentration in Economic Data Analysis

Students qualify for this concentration by completing six required courses of which at least four must be ECON courses.

Students complete

ECON 333 - Statistical Analysis of Economic Data (4)

An introduction to the use and interpretation of statistical analysis in the context of data typical of economic applications. Prerequisite: ECON 103 with a minimum grade of C- or ECON 113 with a minimum grade of A-; ECON 105 with a minimum grade of C- or ECON 115 with a minimum grade of A-; ECON 233 or BUS (or BUEC) 232 or STAT 270, MATH 157, all with a minimum grade of C-; 60 units. Students with a minimum grade of A- in ECON 233, BUS (or BUEC) 232 or STAT 270 can take ECON 333 after 30 units. Students seeking permission to enroll based on their ECON 233, BUS (or BUEC) 232 or STAT 270 grade must contact the undergraduate advisor in economics. Students with credit for BUEC 333 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Vasyl Golovetskyy
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D101 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby

one of

BUS 232 - Business Statistics (3)

An introduction to business statistics (descriptive and inferential statistics) with a heavy emphasis on applications and the use of EXCEL. Students will be required to use statistical applications to solve business problems. Corequisite: MATH 150, MATH 151, MATH 154, or MATH 157, with a minimum grade of C-; 15 units. Students with credit for BUEC 232 or ECON 233 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Negar Ganjouhaghighi
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D200 Negar Ganjouhaghighi
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Surrey
OP01 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
OP02 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 9:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
OP05 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Surrey
OP06 May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Surrey
ECON 233 - Introduction to Economic Data and Statistics (3)

Introduces statistical methods, concepts and their application to economic data using both spreadsheets (e.g., Excel) and a specialized statistical programming language such as R. Prerequisite: MATH 150, MATH 151, MATH 154, or MATH 157, with a minimum grade of C-; 15 units. MATH 150, MATH 151, MATH 154, or MATH 157 may be taken concurrently with ECON 233. Students who have taken ECON 333 first may not then take this course for further credit. STAT 270 or BUS 232 will be accepted in lieu of this course.

STAT 270 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics (3)

Basic laws of probability, sample distributions. Introduction to statistical inference and applications. Prerequisite: or Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 or 158, with a minimum grade of C-. Students wishing an intuitive appreciation of a broad range of statistical strategies may wish to take STAT 100 first. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Scott Pai
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
OL01 Gamage Perera
Online
OP01 TBD

and at least four of

CMPT 129 - Introduction to Computing Science and Programming for Mathematics and Statistics (3)

A second course in computing science and programming intended for students studying mathematics, statistics or actuarial science and suitable for students who already have some background in computing science and programming. Topics include: a review of the basic elements of programming: use and implementation of elementary data structures and algorithms; fundamental algorithms and problem solving; basic object-oriented programming and software design; computation and computability and specification and program correctness. Prerequisite: CMPT 102 or CMPT 120, with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CMPT 125 or 135 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

ECON 334 - Data Visualization and Economic Analysis (3)

Explores how to recognize and learn from patterns in data using modern statistical software for the purpose of economic analysis. Introduces students to techniques for managing, visualizing, and analyzing data to answer real-world economic questions. Prerequisite: ECON 233 or BUS 232 or STAT 270 or POL 201, with a minimum grade of C-; ECON 103 with a minimum grade of C-, or ECON 113 with a minimum grade of A-, or ECON 105 with a minimum grade of C-, or ECON 115 with a minimum grade of A-. Students with credit for POL 390, STAT 341, or STAT 452 may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for ECON 387 under the title "Applied Data Analysis" may not take this course for further credit.

ECON 335 - Cause and Effect in Economic Data (3)

Provides an introduction to statistical methods used to analyze causal questions and evaluate policies. Discusses various approaches to drawing causal inferences from observational data. Corequisite: ECON 333. Students who have taken ECON 480 first may not then take this course for further credit.

ECON 428 - Seminar in Experimental and Behavioural Economics (3)

This is a seminar course covering topics in behavioural and experimental economics, and their implications for economic, business, markets, and policy. Prerequisite: ECON 302, ECON 305, both with a minimum grade of C-. Quantitative.

ECON 433 - Financial and Time Series Econometrics (3)

Introduction to econometric methods used to analyze univariate and multivariate time series data. Topics covered may include modeling and forecasting financial and macroeconomic data such as asset returns and volatility. GDP growth rates and default risk. All methods and concepts will be applied to analyze real data using appropriate computer programs. Prerequisite: ECON 333 and ECON 305, with a minimum grade of C-; 60 units. Students with credit for ECON 484 under the title "Time Series Analysis" cannot take this course for further credit.

ECON 434 - Seminar in Applied Market Design (3)

Introduces students to market design. There is a strong emphasis on applications and empirical perspectives of market design. The objective of the course is to give students an understanding of the core concepts of market design and to illustrate how econometrics can be used to combine data with micro theory. Prerequisite: ECON 333 (or BUEC 333) and ECON 302, all with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for ECON 483 under the title Applied Market Design may not take this course for further credit.

ECON 435 - Econometric Methods (5)

The application of econometric techniques to the empirical investigation of economic issues. Prerequisite: ECON 201 and ECON (or BUEC) 333, all with a minimum grade of C-. Entry into this course requires a minimum CGPA of 3.0 or permission of the department. Quantitative.

ECON 436 - Seminar in Economics and Social Network Analysis (3)

Introduces students to the field of network economics. The goal is to understand social networks and their influence on economic outcomes. Topics will include how to measure and represent networks, six degrees of separation and small world properties in networks, network formation models, influence of network on economics outcomes such as diffusion of ideas. Prerequisite: ECON 302 or ECON 305, with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for ECON 483 under the title Social and Economic Networks may not take this course for further credit.

ECON 480 - Seminar in the Economics of Labor Market Policy (3)

Seminar focusing on public policy as it relates to employment and income security. Special emphasis will vary from term to term, but may include such topics as examinations of current manpower, welfare and public insurance programs, labor legislation, and private institutional practices (such as union-management pension arrangements) that may affect income security. Prerequisite: ECON (or BUEC) 333 with a minimum grade of C-.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Jane Friesen
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
STAT 260 - Introductory R for Data Science (2) #

An introduction to the R programming language for data science. Exploring data: visualization, transformation and summaries. Data wrangling: reading, tidying, and data types. No prior computer programming experience required. Prerequisite: One of STAT 201, STAT 203, STAT 205, STAT 270, BUS 232, ECON 233, or POL 201, with a grade of at least C- or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: STAT 261. Students who have taken STAT 341 or STAT 360 first may not then take this course for further credit.

STAT 261 - Laboratory for Introductory R for Data Science (1) #

A hands-on application of the R programming language for data science. Using the R concepts covered in STAT 260, students will explore (visualize, transform, and summarize) and wrangle (read and tidy) data. No prior computer programming experience required. Prerequisite: One of STAT 201, STAT 203, STAT 205, STAT 270, BUS 232, ECON 233, or POL 201, with a grade of at least C- or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: STAT 260. Students who have taken STAT 341 or STAT 360 first may not then take this course for further credit.

STAT 310 - Introduction to Data Science for the Social Sciences (2) *%

An introduction to modern tools and methods for data acquisition, management, visualization, and machine learning, capable of scaling to Big Data. No prior computer programming experience required. Examples will draw from the social sciences. This course may not be used to satisfy the upper division requirements of the statistics honours, major, or minor programs. Prerequisite: 60 units in subjects outside of the Faculties of Science and Applied Sciences and one of STAT 201, STAT 203, STAT 205, STAT 270, BUS 232, ECON 233, or POL 201, with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: STAT 311. Students who have taken STAT 240, STAT 440, or any 200-level or higher CMPT course first may not then take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

STAT 311 - Data Science Laboratory for the Social Sciences (2) *%

A hands-on application of modern tools and methods for data acquisition, management, visualization, and machine learning, capable of scaling to Big Data. No prior computer programming experience required. Projects will draw from the social sciences and integrate application area insight into the analytic toolkit from STAT 310. This course may not be used to satisfy the upper division requirements of the statistics honours, major, or minor programs. Prerequisite: 60 units in subjects outside of the Faculties of Science and Applied Sciences and one of STAT 201, STAT 203, STAT 205, STAT 270, BUS 232, ECON 233, or POL 201, with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: STAT 310. Students who have taken STAT 240, STAT 440, or any 200-level or higher CMPT course first may not then take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

STAT 342 - Introduction to Statistical Computing and Exploratory Data Analysis - SAS (2)

Introduces the SAS statistical package. Data management; reading, editing and storing statistical data; data exploration and representation; summarizing data with tables, graphs and other statistical tools; and data simulation. Prerequisite: STAT 285 or STAT 302 or STAT 305 or ECON 333, with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for STAT 340 may not take STAT 342 for further credit.

STAT 445 - Applied Multivariate Analysis (3)

Introduction to principal components, cluster analysis, and other commonly used multivariate techniques. Prerequisite: STAT 285 or STAT 302 or STAT 305 or ECON 333 or equivalent, with a minimum grade of C-. Quantitative.

STAT 452 - Statistical Learning and Prediction (3)

An introduction to the essential modern supervised and unsupervised statistical learning methods. Topics include review of linear regression, classification, statistical error measurement, flexible regression and classification methods, clustering and dimension reduction. Prerequisite: STAT 302 or STAT 305 or STAT 350 or ECON 333 or equivalent, with a minimum grade of C-. Quantitative.

STAT 475 - Applied Discrete Data Analysis (3) *

Introduction to standard methodology for analyzing categorical data including chi-squared tests for two- and multi-way contingency tables, logistic regression, and loglinear (Poisson) regression. Prerequisite: STAT 302 or STAT 305 or STAT 350 or ECON 333 or equivalent, with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for the former STAT 402 or 602 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

STAT 485 - Applied Time Series Analysis (3) *

Introduction to linear time series analysis including moving average, autoregressive and ARIMA models, estimation, data analysis, forecasting errors and confidence intervals, conditional and unconditional models, and seasonal models. Prerequisite: STAT 285 or STAT 302 or STAT 305 or ECON 333 or equivalent, with a minimum grade of C-. This course may not be taken for further credit by students who have credit for ECON 484. Quantitative.

Other courses with appropriate content can be used for credit upon prior application to the advisor.

* Allows ECON 333 as prerequisite

% Corequisite courses STAT 310 and STAT 311 count as only one course.

# Corequisite courses STAT 260 and STAT 261 count as only one course.

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Degree Requirements

For all bachelor of arts (BA) programs, students complete 120 units, which includes

  • at least 60 units that must be completed at Simon Fraser University
  • at least 45 upper division units, of which at least 30 upper division units must be completed at Simon Fraser University
  • at least 60 units (including 21 upper division units) in Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses
  • satisfaction of the writing, quantitative, and breadth requirements
  • an overall cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and upper division overall CGPA of at least 2.0, and program CGPA and upper division program CGPA of at least 2.0 on the course work used to satisfy the minimum program requirements. FASS departments may define additional GPA requirements for their respective programs.

Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements

Students admitted to Simon Fraser University beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.

WQB Graduation Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit

Requirement

Units

Notes
W - Writing

6

Must include at least one upper division course, taken at Simon Fraser University within the student's major subject; two courses (minimum three units each)

Q - Quantitative

6

Q courses may be lower or upper division; two courses (total six units or more)
B - Breadth

18

Designated Breadth

Must be outside the student's major subject, and may be lower or upper division:

Two courses (total six units or more) Social Sciences: B-Soc
Two courses (total six units or more) Humanities: B-Hum
Two courses (total six units or more) Sciences: B-Sci

6

Additional Breadth

Two courses (total six units or more) outside the student's major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements).

Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas.

Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit

  • At least half of the program's total units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.
  • At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.

Elective Courses

In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.