Spring 2003 Syllabus
INTL 310
Global Economics and Politics
T, R 9:30-11am, 109 Siemens Hall
http://www.humboldt.edu/~ee3/intl310/index.html

Erick Eschker
E-mail: ee3@humboldt.edu
Phone: (707) 826-3216
Office: Siemens Hall 213A
Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday 12:30-1:45 and by appointment only.

Required Reading:  (See reading list below for details)
Landes, David S.  The Wealth and Poverty of Nations
Gerber, James, International Economics, second edition
Rodrik, Dani.  Has Globalization Gone Too Far?
Articles available on Course Web Page, as Reserve Materials, and as Handouts

Overview:  This course fulfills the Interdisciplinary Core requirement for the International Studies major and is an elective course for the International Relations minor.  Students enrolled in this course have a wide range of backgrounds and abilities and there is no prerequisite for the course.  This interdisciplinary course explores ideas from economists, historians, political scientists, sociologists, anthropologists, environmentalists, and others.  To supplement the capabilities of the instructor, approximately six guest speakers will discuss current global issues.  A question and answer period will follow each presentation.

The course hopes to answer two major questions.  First, why are some countries rich and others poor?  Living standards vary tremendously by country.  In countries that experienced growth, people have many more choices and opportunities regarding leisure, education, medicine, nutrition, and entertainment.  We will learn of the history, causes, and consequences of development.  Second, what does globalization imply for the well-being of people and society?  Reductions in costs to move goods, capital, people, and ideas has made the world a smaller place.  We will analyze the impact on development, government sovereignty, culture, and environment.

The class format will include discussion, lecture, student presentations, in-class assignments, guest lectures, and videos.  Students are required to read the daily assignments prior to the beginning of class.

Learning Outcomes:  After taking this course, the student will be able to 1) convey a world history of development and globalization 2) identify important current international issues 3) analyze and critique major arguments surrounding international controversies 4) identify the analytical approaches taken by economists, historians, political scientists, anthropologists, environmentalists, and others 5) explain and critique the functions of major international organizations and 6) identify and use sources of data and news for international issues.

Course Grade: The grade for this course is based on four parts: Five-minute papers (30%), an oral presentation (25%), four colloquium summaries (5% each), and an essay (25%).

Five-minute papers:  Twenty short papers will be collected randomly throughout the semester.  You will usually be given the first five minutes of class to give your response to the daily readings.  However, in-class or take-home assignments may be used as well.  It is therefore extremely important that readings are completed before class begins.  Each essay will receive either a plus (very good), a check (satisfactory), or a minus (substandard).  Most essays will receive a check.  More insightful essays will receive a plus.  Essays which demonstrate no understanding of the assigned reading will receive a minus.  It is typical for students to receive mostly checks.  These essays are an opportunity to share your thoughts and give your opinions about the readings and provide me with daily feedback on your understanding of the materials.  I hope that these short papers will encourage your active participation in the class.  Essays cannot be made up and will not be accepted late.

Oral Presentation: An 8-10 minute oral presentation will explain the main content of a recent news article (dated after January 20, 2003). The presentation will relate the article to the materials we have or will learn in class and indicate why the article is important to those learning about international studies.  The student will be prepared to answer brief questions about his/her article.  The use of PowerPoint, handouts, overheads, etc. is encouraged.  The grade will be based on the quality of the presentation and the quality of the analysis.  If relevant, explain the main controversy and implication of the article.  The best presentation will not simply retell the article's story, but will rather place the article in the larger context of international studies and relate it to the ideas studied in class.  Please see me if you have any questions.  The presentation dates will be assigned at the beginning of the semester.

Colloquium Summaries:  Summaries of (4) guest speakers' presentations will be collected.  Each summary should indicate the main questions that the speaker is trying to answer (or the specific topic) and the arguments made by the speaker.  Include a brief comment on the discussion following the speaker's presentation.  Each summary should be 1-2 pages long, typed, and double-spaced.  Each colloquium summary is due one week after the presentation.

Essay:  The essay will discuss an article, essay, or book chapter that deals with a relevant global issue.  The article should be academic in nature and should be of sufficient length and content that it warrants analysis.  Good sources include the Economist and Foreign Affairs.  In your role as the article discussant, you will 1) identify the question that the article is trying to answer, 2) explain how the author tries to answer the question, 3) explain the article's conclusion and relevance, 4) give criticisms that you have with the paper, and, importantly, 5) offer your suggestions for making the article better.  The essay will be 3-4 pages long, typed, and double-spaced.  You will be graded on your ability to use what we learned in class to critique the article (in other words, show me that you learned something!).  The best essays will not simply summarize the article but rather provide an insightful evaluation of the article.  Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.  The essay is due Tuesday, May 6.

 Special considerations: 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:  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/intl310/index.html. This page contains important course related information such as the calendar, news and syllabus. Please visit it often.  An e-mail question will likely have the greatest chance for a speedy reply.  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.  Adjustments may be made if warranted.

Here is a daily Calendar of readings, presentations, and guest speakers.  You should check this page often since updates may be made.

Here is the Reading List and the location of each reading.
 

Part I.  Development

In addition to the below topics, it is anticipated that several of the colloquium speakers will address development issues in their field of study.

1.  Introduction to Growth

Heilbroner and Milberg.  The Making of Economic Society, Ch. 1

Does more income lead to greater happiness?
    Easterlin, Richard A.  Growth Truimphant. Ch. 10

2.  Growth in Historical Perspective
Why did European countries develop before others?
    Landes, David S.  The Wealth and Poverty of Nations.  Ch. [1-4], [14, 15, 20], [21, 29, epiloge]
3.  Current Issues in Development
Modern development theories
    Heilbroner and Milberg Ch. 13
    Todaro Ch. 3
    Grameen Bank Video

Corruption and stable property rights
    North, Douglass C.  Institutions, Ideology, and Economic Performance, in Dorn, Hanke, and Walters (eds) The Revolution in Development Economics.
    Rowley, Charles K.  Institutional Choice and Public Choice:  Lessons for the Third World, in Dorn, Hanke, and Walters (eds) The Revolution in Development Economics.

Population Growth and Environment
    Harf and Lombardi.   Taking Sides:  Global Issues, Issue#8.

Country case studies
    Smith, Stephen C.  Case Studies in Economic Development.  Ch. 8, AIDS in Uganda
    Smith, Ch. 15, Debt for Nature Swap in Bolivia

Part II.  Globalization

In addition to the below topics, it is anticipated that several of the colloquium speakers will address globalization issues in their field of study.

1.  Introduction

    Weiss, Linda. The Myth of the Powerless State, Ch. 6
    DeLong, Bradford J.  "Globalization" and "Neoliberalism."
2.  Economic Trade Theory
     Gerber, James, International Economics.  Ch. 2-4, 6-8, 13, 15.
3.  Current Trade Issues
Politics and Sovereignty
    Burless, Lawrence, Litan, and Shapiro.  Globaphobia.  Ch. 6, 7
    Rodrik, Dani.  Has Globalization Gone Too Far? Ch. 2-5

Culture
    Taking Sides 13 ,15
 

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.