Description

The course provides a theoretical framework and methodological tools for understanding the relationship between the human economy and the natural world, focusing on coastal and marine areas. Besides elements of standard economic analysis (supply and demand, welfare economics, market failures, resource allocation over time, cost-benefit analysis, regression analysis, non-market valuation and conservation economics), the course introduces elements of interdisciplinary approaches such as ecological economics models. The class will focus on the application of theoretical perspectives to a diversity of resources and environmental issues, in an attempt to identify possible solutions to overexploitation of renewable and non-renewable resources.

Learning outcomes

• Students will acquire a systematic understanding of environmental economics concepts and economic valuation techniques based on the most recent information and research in the field
• Students will be able to apply the analytical approaches learned to analyze fundamental environmental and resource issues mainly specific to coastal and marine environments
• Students will be able to develop a research project proposing a solution or an improvement to existing policies/practices at a local, national or global level
• Students will improve their communication skills in teamwork and oral and written presentations
  

Assessment

Readings and oral presentation (20%)
Draft research paper (10%)
Student assessment of another student's work (10%)
Final research paper (60%)

Instructor

Dr. Sabau currently teaches at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, the western campus of Memorial University in Newfoundland, Canada. Among her courses are: Principles of Micro and Macroeconomics, Intermediate Macroeconomics, Environmental Economics, Ecological Economics and a senior seminar in Environmental Studies. Her research interests include theoretical aspects of the knowledge society and knowledge-based economy; the theory of choice and moral knowledge; the economics of sustainable development; environmental and natural resource economics; ecological economics and problem-based learning.

Guest lecturer

Further reading