Research Guides: ECON 475: Contemporary Topics in Economics: Home

Course Description

This course focuses on the current and important economic topics relevant to local, regional, and international communities. The course will discuss real-world economic issues utilizing economic principles and concepts.

Course Contents

. Globalization
. International Trade
. Migration/Movement of Labor
. Economic Blockade in the GCC – the economic impacts
. Impact on trade
. Macroeconomic consequences (eg, growth,
inflation, exchange rates, etc)
. Impact on the labour market
. Fiscal, monetary and financial challenges
. Impact on consumer behaviour
. Food Security in Qatar and the GCC
Course material will be
posted on Blackboard
. The Qatar Master Plan for Food Security
The Economic impact of the GCC blockade
Sustainable development and environment
. Global Financial Crisis
Diversification, Private Sector Development, and Nonoil
Growth
Budget deficit and public debt
Economic reform and privatization

Course Prerequisites

ECON 111
ECON 112

Student Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate effective written communication skills LO5. Work effectively in teams.

Learning Resources and Textbook

Economics of Development by A. P. Thirlwall
ISBN: 9780230222298
Publication Date: 2011-04-01
The 9th edition of Thirlwall's 'Economics of Development: Theory and Evidence' (formerly Growth and Development) represents the most thorough revision of this classic textbook to date. For nearly forty years, it has offered students a clear, comprehensive and rigorous overview of the economic aspects of growth and development.
Global Economics by Robert Carbaugh
ISBN: 9781439040447
Publication Date: 2010-01-01
Now in its Thirteenth Edition, this proven, market-leading book remains a favorite among readers of all backgrounds for its clear, concise treatment of international trade and finance theory. Using a wealth of contemporary examples and practical applications, GLOBAL ECONOMICS, 13e, International Edition vividly demonstrates the relevance of theory to real-world economic issues and policy questions. Discussions are presented both verbally and graphically, making the book highly accessible even if you have little economics background. As you will soon discover, "if it's clear, concise and contemporary, it has to be Carbaugh!"
International Economics by Alan M. Taylor; Robert C. Feenstra
ISBN: 9781429231183
Publication Date: 2011-03-01

Librarian

Eglal Al Noor

Email Me

Contact:

Qatar/doha

44036331

Course Objectives

At the end of the semester, the student will be able to
8. Identify contemporary issues affecting the global and local economies.

9. Apply appropriate economic tools to the study of contemporary topics.

10. Understand and explain the impact of the economic blockade, climate change
and food security on the local economy.

11. Examine the linkages and interrelationships between the local economy and
those of the neighbours and trading partners within and outside the GCC

Helpful Links

ECON 475: Contemporary Topics in Economics
Refer to the uploaded PDF " The History of Economic Warfare: International Law, Effectiveness, Strategies "

The History of Economic Warfare
The article surveys the history of economic warfare from the Seven Years' War to the present. Three different aspects of economic warfare are studied: international law, effectiveness, and strategies.
The Economics of Climate Change
Understanding Challenges to Food Security in Dry Arab Micro-States: Evidence from Qatari Micro-Data
Using Qatar as a case study, we exploit a novel microdata set for 102 raw agricultural imported commodities on a shipment-by-shipment basis over the period January 1, 2005 to June 30, 2010. The data comprise over half a million individual observations, with a very rich set of characteristic specifications. Several interesting initial results emerge from the analysis. First, we find evidence of import-price volatility far in excess of world price volatility across a wide spectrum of commodities. Second, supply origins for virtually all commodities are highly concentrated. In many cases, commodities are sole sourced. Third, although less so, concentration is evidenced among Qatari importing companies for certain commodities. Fourth, we notice anomalies that lead to inefficient shipping methodologies and associated increased costs. The paper concludes by providing an empirical illustration of hedonic price modelling for barley followed by guidance for future empirical research.

ECON 475: Contemporary Topics in Economics: Home