Fall 2000 Syllabus
Econ 306
Economies in Transition and Development
MWF 2-2:50pm, 109 Siemens Hall
http://www.humboldt.edu/~ee3/econ306/index.html

Erick Eschker
E-mail: ee3@humboldt.edu
Phone: (707) 826-3216
Office: Siemens Hall 213A
Office Hours: MW 12-1, and by appointment

Required Reading:  Economic Development by Todaro, 7th Edition, Course Web Page, Reserve Materials, Handouts

Recommended Reading:  Todaro Text Website, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist

Course Goals: The student will be able to 1) identify the characteristics that distinguish developed from developing countries 2) identify the functions of international organizations that assist developing countries 3) compare and contrast current theories of economic development 4) explain the history of, and current problems faced by, developing and recently developed nations 5) identify sources of economic data for developing countries and 6) explain the policy choices and tools that governments in developing countries face.

Course Grade: The grade for this course is based on four parts: an oral presentation (10%), a group presentation (30%), a midterm exam (30%), and a final exam (30%).

Oral Presentation: An 8-10 minute oral presentation will explain the main content of an article and relate the article to the materials we have/will learn in class.  The article will substantially deal with issues of economic development and will be either 1) a current magazine or newspaper article (dated after August 28, 2000) dealing with an issue, controversy, or problem faced by a developing nation or 2) an academic journal article dealing with economic development.  The article must be pre approved by the instructor and cannot be about the same country that the student is investigating for his/her group project.  The student will be prepared to answer brief questions about his/her article.  If your article deals with a topic we have not yet covered, you are encouraged to read the relevant text chapters.  The use of handouts, overheads, etc. is encouraged.  The grade will be based on the quality of the presentation and the quality of the economic analysis.  The best presentation will not simply retell the article's story, but will rather place the article in the larger context of economic development and relate it to the ideas studied in class.  The presentation dates will be assigned at the beginning of the semester.

Group Presentation: A 25 minute group presentation will identify the most pressing problems currently facing a developing nation and make specific suggestions to achieve faster/better economic development.  Economic development is understood to be, at the very least, a rise in GDP per capita.  However, other considerations may be important and any additional development goals should be indicated.  The group is to act as an advisor to the government of the country.  It is to be assumed that the government desires economic development but that it is not particularly aware of the issues it faces.  Therefore, your presentation should include 1) brief background on relevant statistics/conditions of the country 2) identification of the biggest challenges to development 3) specific policy recommendations and priorities to achieve development 4) an explanation of why certain policies would be less helpful and should not be tried and 5) an outlook or timeline for the country's development.  A one page summary of recommendation and a full list of all references is to be turned in during the presentation.  Your grade is based on the quality of your presentation and the quality of your economic analysis.  Handouts, overheads, etc. are encouraged.  Groups will be assigned at the beginning of the semester.  Countries must be approved by the instructor and two groups may not analize the same country.  Each group must notify the instructor no later than September 18 of their proposed country.  Requests will be honored on a first come basis. A one page initial summary recommendation, including references and country background, is due Monday, November 6.

Midterm: The Midterm is Wednesday, October 18.  No alternate time will be provided.

Final: The final for this class will be on the official day listed by the registrar's office:  Monday, Decebmer 18, 12:40-2:30pm.  The final is comprehensive. No alternate time will be provided.

 Make-up exams and special considerations: Exams and assignments not completed by the specified time will receive no credit. Work may only be turned in at another time if arrangements are made prior to the due date and documented, compelling reasons are provided. I will determine which circumstances are compelling. Remember that many difficulties can be avoided if you see me before you miss an exam.

Cheating: The only collaboration allowed is on the group presentation. "Formula" sheets are not allowed in the exams.  Any one caught cheating will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.

Internet Access: This course will make much use of the Internet:

Our homepage is at http://www.humboldt.edu/~ee3/econ306/index.html. This page contains important course related information, such as the calendar, news and practice exam questions. Please visit it often.  I check my e-mail quite often. An e-mail question will likely have the greatest chance for a speedy reply. Even if I cannot be found in person or by phone, I will usually be able to answer your e-mail messages.  You should make a point to regularly check this class’ Internet sites. I assume you have a functional understanding of, and access to, e-mail and the World Wide Web. If not, please see me or one of the many specialists on campus who can assist you.

Course Outline: The following is a guide to the topics we will cover.  Chapters refer to the Todaro text.  Other readings are listed by author or title.  Adjustments may be made if warranted.

Introduction
    Heilbroner
    Chapter 1
Characteristics of Development
    Chapter 2
Theories of Development
    Chapter 3
Historical Growth
    Landes
    Chapter 4
Poverty
    Chapter 5
Population
    Chapter 6
    Somalia famine
    AIDS in Uganda
Unemployment
    Chapter 7
Urbanization
    Chapter 8
Education
    Chapter 9
    Educating Girls
Agriculture
    Chapter 10
The Environment
    Chapter 11
    Debt for Nature Swap
Gains from Trade
    Chapter 12
Trade Policy
    Chapter 13
    Cypher and Dietz
Debt
    Chapter 14
    Multinational Corporations
Foreign Investment and Aid
    Chapter 15
Financial Reform
    Chapter 17

Remember that I am available to help you with the class. If you have any concerns, it is always best to see me earlier rather than later. Don’t hesitate to contact me.