Time Schedule:
George Wright
ECON 406
Seattle Campus
Provides undergraduate student an opportunity to apply the tools of economic analysis in a critical examination of theoretical and empirical work. A list of topics is available in the departmental office. Prerequisite: ECON 200.
Class description
Course Objectives: This course addresses the unique set of challenges confronting the newly independent nations of former Soviet Central Asia that are attempting a historic change towards establishing sovereign market based economies over their legacy of socialist rule. They are simultaneously converting from socialist to market-oriented economies and undertaking the same development struggles as other low-income countries. The course will first discuss the salient features of the economies of Central Asia during the period of socialist rule in the former Soviet Union. It will then examine the process of transition as it applies to the region and contrast what ideally should happen with what actually has happened. The course then examines aspects of their struggle for economic development in the context of current debates over “globalization”. Students will apply basic tools of economic analysis to highly applied policy issues. Starting from a common socialist heritage, the nations of Central Asia are following distinctly different paths and thus provide a remarkable opportunity for students to examine how economic development occurs.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Lecture with class exercises. Course ends with in-class debates on key economic policy issues in the region - 3 students per team.
Recommended preparation
Minimum of principals of economics; intermediate macro and micro assumed.
Class assignments and grading
Substantial reading required. There is no text but a couse pack of readings available from: Professional Copy 'N' Print 420 University Way NE (206-634-2689). Periodic "reading reflections" assigned. Class participation is important.
Allocation of the Course Grade: Midterm Exam: 25% Final Exam: 25% Questions for Reflection: 15% Class Participation 10% Class Debate: 25%
