Economics Courses
ECON 102 - The World Economy (3)
An overview of the broad economic trends in the development of the world economy over the last five decades with reference to the major debates related to economic interdependence, development and growth, globalization, and the role of the major multilateral economic institutions (IMF, World Bank, OCED, ILO, UN). (lecture/tutorial). Students with credit for Economics courses at the 200 (or higher) division (excluding ECON 200 and 205) may not take ECON 102 for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.
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.
ECON 104 - Economics and Government (3)
An introduction of broad, basic economic ideas applied to government finance, allocation, and procurement. Topics covered may include government size, health care, debt, social insurance, trade, and redistribution policies. Students with credit for Economics courses at the 200 (or higher) division may not take ECON 104 for further credit. Breadth: Social Sciences. Breadth-Social Sciences.
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.
ECON 110 - Foundations of Economic Ideas (3)
A preliminary approach designed to familiarize students with economic ideas and methods of economic analysis. The focus will vary from term to term. Students with credit for ECON 100 cannot take ECON 110 for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.
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 and 105; MATH 157. Students with credit for ECON 301 may not complete this course for further credit. Quantitative.
ECON 250 - Economic Development in the Pre-Industrial Period (3)
The pre-industrial period. History of the economic development of civilization from ancient times until the industrial revolution. Emphasis will be placed on the influence of geographical factors, discoveries and inventions, religion, and social organization and customs. Prerequisite: ECON 103 or 200 and ECON 105 or 205. Students with credit for ECON 150 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
ECON 260 - Environmental Economics (3)
Economic analysis of environmental problems (water and air pollution, etc.). Evaluation of market failures due to externalities and public goods. Market and non-market regulation of environmental problems. Prerequisite: ECON 103 or 200. Students with credit for ECON 360 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
ECON 278 - Economics Practicum I (3)
First term of work experience in the Economics Co-operative Education Program. Units from this course do not count towards the units required for an 間眅埶AV degree. Prerequisite: 30 units including ECON 103 or 200 and ECON 105 or 205. At least 12 of these 30 units must be completed at 間眅埶AV with a minimum CGPA of 2.75. Students should apply to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences co-op co-ordinator by the end of the third week of the preceding term.
ECON 279 - Economics Practicum II (3)
This is the second term of work experience in the Economics Co-operative Education Program. Units from this course do not count towards the units required for an 間眅埶AV degree. Prerequisite: Economics lower division requirements and completion of 45 units at least 12 of which must be completed at 間眅埶AV, with a CGPA of 2.75. Students should apply to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences co-op co-ordinator by the end of the third week of the preceding term.
ECON 280 - Introduction to Labor Economics (3)
Basic analysis of the labor market and the industrial relations system with emphasis on the major issues of public policy in Canada. Prerequisite: ECON 103 or 200 and 105 or 205. Students who have taken COMM 280, ECON 301, 305 or 381 may not take ECON 280 for further credit. Quantitative.
ECON 282 - Selected Topics in Economics (3)
The subject matter will vary from term to term. Prerequisite: To be determined by the instructor subject to approval by the department chair.
ECON 290 - Canadian Microeconomic Policy (3)
A general survey of Canadian microeconomic policy issues. The course covers topics such as regulation, taxation, environmental and resource policy, health care, education and income distribution. Prerequisite: ECON 103 or 200 and ECON 105 or 205. Quantitative.
ECON 291 - Canadian Macroeconomic Policy (3)
A general survey of Canadian macroeconomic policy issues. Topics will include the costs of inflation and unemployment, monetary and fiscal policy, the effects of government debt and exchange rate policy. Prerequisite: ECON 103 or 200 and ECON 105 or 205. Quantitative.
ECON 300 - Introduction to Economic Concepts and Issues (3)
The objective of this course is to introduce students to the economic approach to decision-making by individuals, firms and institutions. They will see how economic analysis can be used to interpret current economic issues and as an aid to the formation and evaluation of government policy. The course will focus on both microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts. By exploring economic issues, the course will encourage critical thinking and develop problem-solving skills. Prerequisite: This course is available only to students who are enrolled in the Integrated Studies Program. Breadth-Social Sciences.
ECON 301 - 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 or 200 and ECON 105 or 205; MATH 157; two 200 division ECON or BUEC courses (excluding BUEC 232), admission to an economics program prior to Fall 2012; 60 units. Students with credit for ECON 201 may not complete this course for further credit. Quantitative.
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 or 301; 60 Units. Quantitative.
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 or 301, 60 units. Students with a minimum grade of A- in ECON 103 and 105 at 間眅埶AV at their first attempt can complete ECON 305 concurrently with ECON 201 after 30 units. Students seeking permission to register on this basis must contact the undergraduate advisor in economics. Quantitative.
ECON 310 - Money and Banking (3)
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. Prerequisite: ECON 103 and 105, 60 units. Students with credit for ECON 210 or Econ 389 in 1131 cannot take ECON 310 for further credit. Quantitative.
ECON 325 - Industrial Organization (3)
Introduces students to the economics of imperfect competition. Topics covered include the theory of the firm, market structure, and various aspects of firm strategy such as pricing, advertising, product differentiation, and innovation. Related questions of public policy will also be addressed. Prerequisite: ECON 201 or 301; 60 units. Quantitative.
ECON 331 - Introduction to Mathematical Economics (5)
The mathematical interpretation of fundamental economic concepts; demand, supply competitive equilibrium . Application of the calculus to production and distribution theory, growth models and investment theory. Differential and difference equations in dynamic economic models. Introduction to activity analysis. Prerequisite: ECON 201 or 301; 60 units. Students with credit for MATH 232, 240 or 251 cannot complete this course for further credit. Quantitative.
ECON 342 - International Trade (3)
Topics discussed in this course are: gains from trade in a classical world; the modern theory of international trade; factor price equalization; empirical tests and extensions of the pure theory model; economic growth and international trade; the nature and effects of protection; motives and welfare effects of factor movements; multinational enterprises; the brain drain; customs union theory; pollution control and international trade. Prerequisite: ECON 103 or 200 and 105 or 205; 60 units or permission of the department. Students with credit for ECON 442 cannot take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
ECON 345 - International Finance (3)
Foreign exchange markets; determination of spot and forward exchange rates; Euro currency markets; balance of payments statistics; international adjustment theory; income price and exchange rate effects; the role of international short term capital flows; the international monetary system: gold standard, freely floating rates, dollar gold exchange standard, centrally created reserves. Prerequisite: ECON 103 or 200 and 105 or 205; 60 units or permission of the department. Students with credit for ECON 445 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
ECON 353 - Economic History of Canada (4)
Analysis of leading issues in Canadian economic history. The historical experience of other areas will be examined when useful contrasts can be made. Prerequisite: ECON 201 or 301; 60 units.
ECON 354 - Comparative Economic Institutions (3)
People in small scale societies face numerous economic problems and have devised a variety of institutions to solve them. Using detailed case studies as a source of empirical information, we will develop economic concepts and models that help to make sense of these institutional arrangements. Prerequisite: ECON 103 and 105; 60 units. Students with credit for ECON 387 in Fall 1998 or Fall 1999, or ECON 383 in Fall 2001 or Fall 2003 may not take this course for further credit.
ECON 355W - Economic Development (4)
Analysis of theories of economic development. Consideration will be given to the requirements of successful development, to aspects of international co-operation, and to procedures of economic planning. Problems of emerging countries and models of various developing economies will be studied. Prerequisite: ECON 103 or 200 and 105 or 205; 60 units. Students with credit for ECON 355 or ECON 455 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.
ECON 362 - Economics of Natural Resources (3)
Application of economic analysis to natural resource problems and efficient management practice; public policy considerations in respect to development and conservation; benefit-cost analysis. Prerequisite: ECON 201 or 301; 60 units. Quantitative.
ECON 372 - The Economics of Globalization (3)
Evolution of the global economy and its institutions, including historical developments dating from the nineteenth century up to the present day. Examines common themes across all periods, such as international trade, capital, and immigration flows. Prerequisite: ECON 305. Students with credit for ECON 382 in Spring 2008, Spring 2009, or Spring 2010 terms may not take this course for further credit.
ECON 378 - Economics Practicum III (3)
This is the third term of work experience in the Economics Co-operative Education Program. Units from this course do not count towards the units required for an 間眅埶AV degree. Prerequisite: Economics lower division requirements and completion of 60 units, at least 12 of which must be completed at 間眅埶AV with a CGPA of 2.75. Students should apply to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences co-op co-ordinator by the end of the third week of the preceding term.
ECON 379 - Economics Practicum IV (3)
This is the last term of work experience in the Economics Co-operative Education Program. Units from this course do not count towards the units required for an 間眅埶AV degree. Prerequisite: ECON 301 or ECON 305 and 75 units with a CGPA of 2.75. Students should apply to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences co-op co-ordinator by the end of the third week of the preceding term.
ECON 381 - Labor Economics (3)
Analysis of the economics of the labor market with particular emphasis on wage determination, the concept of full employment, and manpower policies. Prerequisite: ECON 201 or 301; 60 units. Quantitative.
ECON 382 - Selected Topics in Economics (3)
The subject matter will vary from term to term depending upon the interests of faculty and students. Prerequisite: To be determined by the instructor subject to approval by the department chair.
ECON 383 - Selected Topics in Economics (3)
The subject matter will vary from term to term. Prerequisite: To be determined by the instructor subject to approval by the department chair.
ECON 387 - Selected Topics in Economics (3)
The subject matter will vary from term to term. Prerequisite: To be determined by the instructor subject to approval by the department chair.
ECON 389 - Selected Topics in Economics (3)
The subject matter will vary from term to term. Prerequisite: To be determined by the instructor subject to approval by the department chair.
ECON 392 - Public Economics: Role of Government (3)
The study of the normative rationale for government in a market economy through an analysis of distributional issues, public goods, externalities, non-competitive market structures, and asymmetric information. Prerequisite: ECON 201 or 301; 60 units. Quantitative.
ECON 393 - Public Economics: Taxation (3)
The study of the public economics of taxation including the efficiency and distributional aspects of taxation, the incentive effects of taxation, tax incidence, tax evasion and fiscal federalism. Prerequisite: ECON 201 or 301; 60 units. Quantitative.
ECON 398 - Directed Studies (3)
Independent reading and research on topics selected in consultation with the supervising instructor. This course can only be taken once for credit towards a degree or diploma. Prerequisite: ECON 103 or 200 and ECON 105 or 205; 60 units.
ECON 402 - Advanced Microeconomic Theory (3)
Advanced coverage of microeconomic theory for students intending to pursue graduate study in economics. Topics may include general equilibrium, game theory, and asymmetric information. Prerequisite: ECON 302 and 331. Students who have completed both MATH 232 and 251 may substitute these courses for ECON 331. Entry into this course requires a minimum CGPA of 3.0 or permission of the department. Quantitative.
ECON 403 - Advanced Macroeconomic Theory (3)
Advanced coverage of macroeconomic theory for students intending to pursue graduate study in economics. Topics may include economic growth, business cycles, and monetary theory. Prerequisite: ECON 302, 305 and 331. Students who have completed both MATH 232 and 251 may substitute them for ECON 331. Entry into this course requires a minimum CGPA of 3.0 or permission of the department. Quantitative.
ECON 404 - Methodology of the Social Sciences (3)
Critical discussion of contemporary and original papers in the social sciences. Emphasis will be on the objectives, the logical aspects, and the testability of social science theories and models. Prerequisite: 70 units.
ECON 409W - Seminar in Economic Thought (3)
Consideration of particular economic theorists, schools of thought or themes in economic thought. Focus will vary from term to term. Prerequisite: ECON 201 or 301 and ECON 305. Writing.
ECON 410 - Seminar in Monetary Theory (3)
Analysis of money as an economic variable; role of money in micro and macroanalysis. Prerequisite: ECON 201 or 301 and ECON 305. Quantitative.
ECON 425 - Industrial Organization: Imperfect Competition (3)
An in depth examination of firm behavior in the context of imperfect competition. Topics covered may include: monopoly and oligopoly pricing; product differentiation; market power; entry deterrence; antitrust laws; and regulation. Emphasis will be given to covering a limited number of issues in detail rather than attempting a broad survey of industrial organization theories. Prerequisite: ECON 302.
ECON 426W - Industrial Organization: Governance and Institutions (3)
A study of how markets, firms and other institutions are organized using information and transaction cost theories. Topics covered may include: theories of the firm (governance, structure, ownership, signaling and screening behavior); theories of non-market institutions (marriage, non-profit organizations, governments); institutional theories of growth and economic history; and the organization of markets (reputations, contracts, vertical control). Emphasis will be given to covering a limited number of issues and theoretical perspectives in detail rather than attempting a broad survey of new institutional economics. Prerequisite: ECON 302. Students with credit for ECON 426 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
ECON 427W - Industrial Organization: Law and Economics (3)
An in depth examination of the application of economic reasoning to the law. The course considers how legal relationships influence behavior and how economic models can explain the structure of the law. A selected number of topics will be covered, and may include the economic approach to common law; property rights; contracts; torts; criminal behavior; family law; and corporate bankruptcy law. Prerequisite: ECON 201 or 301, and BUEC 333 or ECON 302. Students with credit for BUEC 427 or BUEC 495 cannot take this course for further credit. Writing.
ECON 428 - Seminar in Behavioral and Applied Economics (3)
This is a research course covering topics in experimental economics, tests and economic behavior, and issues in applied economics. Experimental economic methods, results, and their implications for economic analyses will be reviewed. Individual projects will be designed and carried out by participants. Prerequisite: ECON 302 and 305. Quantitative.
ECON 431 - Intermediate Mathematical Economics (5)
The application of input-output studies, linear programming and the theory of games to economic analysis. Dynamic models, general equilibrium models and the mathematics of marginal analysis. Prerequisite: ECON 201 or 301, ECON 305 and ECON 331; 60 units. Students who have completed MATH 232 and MATH 251 may substitute these courses for ECON 331. Quantitative.
ECON 435 - Econometric Methods (5)
The application of econometric techniques to the empirical investigation of economic issues. Prerequisite: ECON 201 or 301 and BUEC 333. Entry into this course requires a minimum CGPA of 3.0 or permission of the department. Quantitative.
ECON 443 - Seminar in International Trade (3)
Focus will vary from term to term. Prerequisite: ECON 201 or 301, ECON 305 and ECON 342.
ECON 446 - Seminar in International Finance (3)
Focus will vary from term to term. Prerequisite: ECON 201 or 301, ECON 305 and ECON 345. Quantitative.
ECON 448W - Seminar in the Economics of Crime (3)
Explores the economics of crime. Topics will include statistical information on crime, economic theories of crime, deterrence, organized crime and related topics. Prerequisite: ECON 302 and BUEC 333. Students with credit for ECON 448 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
ECON 450W - Seminar in Quantitative Economic History (3)
Focus will vary from term to term. Prerequisite: ECON 201 or 301 and ECON 305. Writing/Quantitative.
ECON 451 - Seminar in European Economic History (3)
A detailed examination of the major issues in European economic history. Prerequisite: ECON 201 or 301 and ECON 305. Students with credit for ECON 351 may not take this course for further credit.
ECON 452W - Seminar in Economic Prehistory (3)
Topics will vary but may include the biological evolution of economic preferences, economic behavior in hunting and gathering societies, the transition from foraging to agriculture, the emergence of inequality, hierarchy, warfare, cities, and the state, and mechanisms of social collapse. Prerequisite: ECON 302. Students with credit for ECON 482 in the summer of 2004, or ECON 452 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
ECON 453 - Seminar in the Economics of Education (3)
The application of economic theory and empirical analysis to issues related to the role of education in economic growth and individual earnings, the organization of the education system and education policy. Specific topics covered will vary from term to term. Prerequisite: ECON 201 or 301 and BUEC 333.
ECON 454W - Seminar in the Economics of the Family (3)
An economic analysis of behavior within the family, institutional aspects of the family, and the economic role of families. Topics include bargaining, household production, intra-family transfers, fertility, marriage, divorce and other topics like dowries, footbinding and mate matching behavior. Prerequisite: ECON 201 or 301 and BUEC 333. Writing.
ECON 455W - Seminar in Economic Development (3)
Topics in economic development. Prerequisite: ECON 302 and 305. Students with credit for ECON 455 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.
ECON 460 - Seminar in Environmental Economics (3)
Focus will vary from term to term. Prerequisite: ECON 302. Quantitative.
ECON 478 - Economics Practicum V (3)
This is an optional term of work experience in the Economics Co-operative Education Program. Units from this course do not count towards the units required for an 間眅埶AV degree. Prerequisite: ECON 301, 305, one 400 division course and 90 units and a CGPA of 2.75. Students should apply to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences co-op co-ordinator by the third week of the preceding term.
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: BUEC 333 and ECON 381.
ECON 482 - Selected Topics in Economics (3)
The subject matter will vary from term to term depending upon the interests of faculty and students. Prerequisite: To be determined by the instructor subject to approval by the department chair.
ECON 483 - Selected Topics in Economics (3)
The subject matter will vary from term to term depending upon the interests of faculty and students. Prerequisite: To be determined by the instructor subject to approval by the department chair.
ECON 484 - Selected Topics in Economics (3)
The subject matter will vary from term to term depending upon the interests of faculty and students. Prerequisite: To be determined by the instructor subject to approval by the department chair.
ECON 490 - Seminar in Public Choice (3)
The application of economic theory to political market place. Topics may include the economics of constitutions, voting, democracy, bureaucracy, rent-seeking, and redistribution. Prerequisite: ECON 302 and BUEC 333. Quantitative.
ECON 492 - Seminar in Public Economics (3)
This seminar course considers topics such as the potential role for government through an analysis of distributional issues, public goods, externalities, non-competitive market structures, and asymmetric information. It may also include topics like the incentive effects of taxation, tax incidence, tax evasion and topics in fiscal federalism. Prerequisite: ECON 392 or 393 and ECON 302. Quantitative.
ECON 496 - Selected Topics in Economics (3)
The subject matter will vary from term to term depending upon the interests of faculty and students. Prerequisite: To be determined by the instructor subject to approval by the department chair.
ECON 498 - Directed Studies (3)
Independent reading and research on topics selected in consultation with the supervising instructor. This course may not be repeated for additional credit. Variable units: 1, 2 or 3 units. Prerequisite: ECON 201 or 301, ECON 305, and permission of the undergraduate chair of the department.
ECON 499 - Honours Seminar in Economics (6)
The purpose of this course is to permit the student to expand and develop a paper that has been prepared for a previous course into an honours paper. Prerequisite: ECON 302, 305 a minimum CGPA of 3.0; pre- or co-requisite: ECON 435. Quantitative.
ECON 750 - Practicum I
First term of work experience in the Co-operative Education Program. Prerequisite: Completion of core MA degree requirements of ECON 802, 807 (or 808), 835, and 836 with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
ECON 751 - Practicum II
Second term of work experience in the Co-operative Education Program. Prerequisite: ECON 750.
ECON 752 - Practicum III
Third term of work experience in the Co-operative Education Program. Prerequisite: ECON 751 and department approval.
ECON 798 - Introduction to Mathematical Economics (4)
Applications of static optimization techniques, matrix algebra, differential and difference equations in economic models.
ECON 802 - Microeconomic Theory I (4)
An examination of the economic theory of market prices with reference to behavior of individual households, firms, and markets. Special emphasis will be placed on the implications of individual behavior for the allocation of resources. Prerequisite: ECON 331. Offered once a year.
ECON 803 - Microeconomic Theory II (4)
The course subsequent to ECON 802 which covers advanced Microeconomic theory on a dynamic and general equilibrium basis. Prerequisite: ECON 802. Offered once a year.
ECON 804 - Advanced Topics in Microeconomic Theory (4)
The course following ECON 802 and 803 which covers such topics as equilibrium theory, axiomatic analysis, stability analysis, income distribution, dynamic micro models, and models of non-market economics. Prerequisite: ECON 802 and 803 or equivalent.
ECON 807 - Macroeconomic Theory and Policy (4)
An examination of basic macroeconomic theory, empirical macroeconomic data and models, macroeconomic analysis, and application to economic developments and policy issues. Prerequisite: ECON 798 or equivalent. Offered once a year.
ECON 808 - Macroeconomic Theory (4)
An analysis of current theories of aggregate economic behavior. Topics covered in this course may include long-run growth, dynamic general equilibrium models, and business cycle analysis. Students with credit ECON 805 may not take this course for further credit.
ECON 809 - Advanced Macroeconomic Theory (4)
This course covers advanced macroeconomic theory topics. Emphasis will be placed on current research techniques. Topics covered may include: capital and growth theory, real business cycle models, models of fiat money, asset pricing models, endogenous growth models, development traps, macroeconomic complementarities, co-ordination failures, and adaptive behavior in macroeconomic models. Prerequisite: ECON 808. Students with credit for ECON 806 may not take this course for further credit.
ECON 810 - Monetary Theory (4)
An examination of theories of the supply and demand for money in micro- and macro-contexts, from the classical analysis to the most recent developments. Emphasis will be placed upon the role of money in economic activity, the precise nature of its demand and supply conditions, and policy-implications of theoretical conclusions with regard to money.
ECON 811 - Advanced Monetary Theory (4)
Selected topics in monetary theory and policy.
ECON 815 - Financial Economics (4)
An introduction to the theory and practice of finance including topics from asset pricing, portfolio theory, and corporate finance. Offered once a year. Prerequisite: ECON 331.
ECON 817 - Theory of Capital Markets (4)
Explores models of portfolio selection and asset pricing. Topics include portfolio theory, asset pricing with an emphasis on empirical testing, performance measurement, efficient markets, and behavioural finance. Offered once every other year. Prerequisite: ECON 331, 815, 835.
ECON 818 - Advanced Topics in Finance (4)
Advanced topics in finance with a focus on derivative securities. Offered once every other year. Prerequisite: ECON 815.
ECON 825 - Industrial Organization (4)
A presentation and critical examination of the industrial organization models; includes a review of mainstream and current theoretical literature, and important empirical work in the field.
ECON 826 - Applied Contract Theory (4)
This course examines topics specific to the theory of the firm. Classes will focus on theories of transaction cost, principal-agency, and the theory of contracts. Particular attention will be given to the strategic interaction of the agents. Equivalent Courses: ECON913.
ECON 828 - Experimental Methods in Economics (4)
The course will deal with experimental methodology and design. A number of topics will be covered in the three main areas of experimental economics: markets, games and strategic interaction, and individual decision-making. Students will be expected to design and conduct their own experiments under the supervision of the instructor.
ECON 831 - Mathematical Economics (4)
Various equilibrium models of micro and macro theory will be examined with emphasis on their solution, stability conditions and the uniqueness of solutions. Prerequisite: ECON 331.
ECON 832 - Computational Methods in Economics (4)
The first part of the course will focus on dynamic optimization problems, with an emphasis on dynamic programming. Applications may include growth, business cycles, monetary and fiscal policy, and optimal contracts. The second part of the course will focus on models of learning and bounded rationality. Genetic and stochastic approximation algorithms will be studied. Applications may include the stability of rational expectations equilibria, the evolution of institutions and social conventions, and models of robust control and Knightian uncertainty. Prerequisite: ECON 802, 807 or 808, or with the approval of the instructor.
ECON 835 - Econometrics (4)
An introduction to econometric theory. Applications of econometric methods to both time series and cross-section data. Offered once a year. Prerequisite: ECON 435 and ECON 798.
ECON 836 - Applied Econometrics (4)
A 'hands-on' course in implementing econometric techniques for empirical investigation of economic issues. Prerequisite: ECON 835 or equivalent.
ECON 837 - Econometric Theory I (4)
The theory of the general linear model and the implications of basic econometric problems such as multicollinearity, autocorrelated residuals, errors in variables and heteroscedasticity. The use of dummy and lagged variables, simultaneous equation models. The identification problem. Estimation of over-identified equations. Offered once a year. Prerequisite: ECON 835 or equivalent.
ECON 838 - Econometric Theory IIA (4)
This course presents advanced topics in time series econometrics, with an emphasis on model building, estimation, inference and forecasts in finance and macroeconomics. Univariate and multivariate models of stationary and nonstationary time series in time and frequency domains will be studied. General topics will include specification testing, method of moments estimators, applications of maximum likelihood, simulation and bootstrap methods, and estimation and inference in nonlinear models. These will be presented in the context of ARMA models, impulse-response functions, vector autoregressions and state space models, frequency domain methods, unit roots, cointegration, models of volatility, extreme value analysis and risk management, long-memory models, structural change, hidden-markov models, high frequency finance and wavelets. Prerequisite: ECON 837.
ECON 839 - Econometric Theory IIB (4)
Presents advanced topics in econometric theory in a microeconomic setting. Topics will include specification testing, method of moments estimators, applications of maximum likelihood, simulation and bootstrap methods, and estimation and inference in nonlinear models. These will be presented in the context of cross-sectional and panal data, including discrete choice models, limited-dependent variable models, and duration models. Prerequisite: ECON 837.
ECON 840 - Theory of International Trade (4)
The analytical course dealing with the pure theory of international trade. The motivation of supply and demand in international trade, the dynamic basis of trade, the role of the price mechanism and of income changes in international trade. Specific problems may be considered, such as the theoretical case for free and multilateral trade, and the theory of customs unions.
ECON 842 - International Monetary Economics (4)
Balance of payments theory, foreign exchange theory, and adjustment processes. A range of applied problems will be dealt with such as the operation of exchange rates, analysis of exchange rate systems, exchange control and the processes of short and long term capital movements in international trade.
ECON 843 - Current Problems in International Trade (4)
Detailed studies of a limited number of international economic problems. The selection of topics will depend to some extent upon the expressed interests of the students.
ECON 850 - Methodology and Sources in Economic History (4)
A close examination of the work and methodology of leading economic historians. Study of methodology of selected works in economic history, with special emphasis on the identification of implicit theories and assumptions. Application of quantitative approaches and economic theory to selected problems. Independent work.
ECON 851 - Economic History of Europe (4)
An examination of theories and controversies from the transition of feudalism to capitalism. Comparative study of the emergence and subsequent evolution of industrialization. How economic institutions affect the character and pace of economic development. Regional disparities and economic growth in given countries. Relationship between economic growth and international expansion. Examination of declining sectors, stagnation, institutional changes in the 20th century.
ECON 853 - Economic History of North America (4)
Effects of the North Atlantic economy on the pace and character of Canadian and American economic development. The role of staple exports and the linkages to manufacturing and transportation developments. Canadian national policy, with emphasis on regional effects, internal consistency and comparison to similar policies in the United States. Factors for growth and cyclical changes in the 20th century. In all the above areas, an attempt will be made to apply quantitative techniques of the new economic history to the problems of economic change.
ECON 855 - Theories of Economic Development (4)
Characterization of non-growing economies; mechanics of the process of economic development; the role of economic and non-economic factors; structural transformation in economic development.
ECON 856 - Theories of Economic Growth (4)
Equilibrium analysis and economic growth; determinants of growth; steady state and steady growth; technical progress and equilibrium growth. Prerequisite: ECON 808.
ECON 857 - Studies in Economic Development (4)
Examination of the characteristics of a given underdeveloped economy; allocation of resources and factor strategies; historical or contemporary comparisons of public policy and development.
ECON 859 - Population Economics (4)
An examination of the determinants and consequences of population growth. Population projections. Fertility and mortality differentials. The impact of the business cycle on fertility and migration. The theory of the optimum population under static and dynamic conditions. Neo-Malthusianism. The economics of high fertility in densely populated and underdeveloped areas.
ECON 860 - Environmental Economics (4)
The analysis of the role of the natural environment in economic system. All economic activity creates waste products (pollution) which must be disposed of back into the natural environment. The socially efficient amount of waste generation and disposal is determined and methods of reaching this level evaluated. This involves the theoretical and empirical determination of the costs and benefits of waste generation and a thorough discussion of the role of government policies: taxes, standards, tradeable emission permits versus private market initiatives (bargaining and green goods) under a variety of assumptions about the economic system. Equivalent Courses: ECON911.
ECON 861 - Natural Resource Economics (4)
Basic issues of intertemporal valuations. The economic theory of natural resource management for non-renewable resources, fisheries and forests. The effects of market structure and taxation on intertemporal supply patterns will be considered.
ECON 863 - Fisheries Economics (4)
Theoretical analysis of fisheries exploitation, emphasizing the characteristics of a common property resource and the economic expression of biological factors. Problems of productivity against the background of national fisheries regulations and international agreements. Public policies in respect of the fisheries, with their social and economic implications.
ECON 864 - Studies in Economic Fisheries Management (4)
Analysis of economic fisheries management techniques derived from the study of a variety of actual fisheries management projects. Prerequisite: ECON 863, or permission of the instructor.
ECON 865 - Regional Economic Theory (4)
The theoretical aspects of regional economics, particularly the following topics; the concept of a region, location theory, theories of regional economic growth, and techniques for regional analysis. Prerequisite: ECON 331 recommended.
ECON 867 - Regional Development Problems (4)
An applied course in regional economics. Topics include the following: concepts of regional planning, development planning techniques, study of Canadian regional development problems. Prerequisite: ECON 865.
ECON 869 - Transportation Economics (4)
Emphasis on costs, demand and pricing of transportation services. Additional topics to be studied include government promotion of transport, transport regulation and the economic effects of transportation improvements. Recommended: ECON 331.
ECON 881 - Labor Economics (4)
Theoretical analysis of labor in the context of a national resource. Critical examination of the aspects of quantity, quality, allocation and utilization of human resources. Topics given particular attention include labor force participation, structural employment, human capital, incomes policies and the concept of an active manpower policy. Prerequisite: ECON 835.
ECON 888 - Law and Economics (4)
A study of the economic logic behind property, contract, tort, criminal, and family law, including an analysis of the impact of common, statue, and constitutional law on economic activities.
ECON 889 - Seminar in Law and Economics (4)
An enquiry into the resource allocational and distributional implications of current and alternative legal arrangements. The economic rationale for and effects of the development of various legal doctrines will be considered. Topics may include anti-combines legislation, compensation and public regulation, and market regulation for purposes of safety, consumer information and income maintenance of producers.
ECON 890 - Public Economics: Expenditure (4)
The study of the role of the public sector in a market economy. Topics may include social choice, issues of inequality, public goods, externalities, asymmetric information, and political economy.
ECON 891 - The Economics of Public Choice (4)
Applies economic theory to the analysis of non-market, political choice. Some of the topics studied will be coalition formation and rational voter behavior; allocations under various property rights systems; optimal constitutions; public sector externalities; federalism; discrimination, nationalism and crime.
ECON 892 - Public Economics: Taxation (4)
The study of the public economics of taxation including income taxation, commodity taxation, and capital taxation. The focus is on the efficiency and distributional aspects of taxation which include the incentive effects of taxation, tax incidence, tax evasion, tax competition, and fiscal federalism.
ECON 900 - PhD Field Paper
In the summer term following the completion of a PhD student's theory comprehensive exams, the student will enrol in this course. In consultations between the student, the graduate chair, and faculty, the student will be assigned a supervisor for the course. During the term, the student will write a research paper in their field of interest. A satisfactory completion of the course is through the presentation of the paper as an economics department thesis proposal seminar. Graded as satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
ECON 911 - Selected Topics in Economics (4)
Offered by arrangement.
ECON 912 - Selected Topics in Economics (4)
Offered by arrangement.
ECON 913 - Selected Topics in Economics (4)
Offered by arrangement.
ECON 921 - Directed Readings (4)
Supervised reading in a particular field of specialization. Offered by arrangement.
ECON 922 - Directed Readings (4)
Supervised reading in a particular field of specialization. Offered by arrangement.
ECON 923 - Directed Readings (4)
Supervised reading in a particular field of specialization. Offered by arrangement.
ECON 990 - PhD Thesis (6)
ECON 991 - MA Thesis (6)
ECON 997 - MA Exam (6)
Prerequisite: ECON 802, 807 or 808, and 836 and significant written work in one or more MA courses (e.g. A term paper).
ECON 998 - MA Essays (6)
ECON 999 - MA Project (6)