Mount Allison University

	Department of Economics

Special Topics Courses in Economics for 2012-2013
ECON-2991-A (3CR) SPECIAL TOPICS: THE EURO ZONE — COMMON CURRENCY AREAS AND GOVERNMENT DEBT (Offered: 2012-2013) Format: lecture 3 hours Prereq: 6CR of Social Science; or permission of the Department This course examines economic aspects of the European Monetary Union and the effects of the associated monetary and fiscal policies in the member countries’ economies. Lectures involve a non-technical examination of the following topics: free trade areas and customs, monetary and economic unions, the related historical experience of Europe (from a customs union towards a monetary union), and the restrictions imposed on monetary and fiscal policies. Emphasis is given to detecting the causes of the current government debt crisis experienced in many European countries and in assessing the implications of the proposed fiscal austerity pact. Fall Term 2012, Tu/Th, 11:30—12:50; Instructor: Christos Ntantamis ECON-3991-A (3CR) SPECIAL TOPICS: ENERGY ECONOMICS (Offered: 2012-2013) Format: lecture 3 hours Prereq: 6 CR from ECON 1001, 1011; or permission of the Department This course examines the economics of producing, consuming, and pricing energy: energy supply; markets and price determinations; energy derivatives, hedging, and speculation; extraction technologies; theory of optimal extraction, resource rent and royalty; and government policies pertaining to energy security, energy efficiency, and CO2 emissions. It discusses aspects of oil, natural gas, coal, electricity, and renewable energy sectors. Current issues and market trends such as the implications of hydraulic fracturing in shale gas production and policy issues such as the rebound effects, electricity market deregulation, and technology adoptions (e.g. adoption of CCS) are also covered. Canadian experiences and issues are raised as both illustrative examples of the concepts learned as well as for the purpose of learning domestic issues and trends. The course is distinct from resource economics with the exception of the theory of optimal extraction of exhaustible natural resources. Fall Term 2012, M/W/F, 12:30—1:20; Instructor: Sam Gamtessa ECON-4991-A (3CR) SPECIAL TOPICS: MATHEMATICAL MODELS IN ECONOMICS (Offered: 2012-2013) Format: lecture 3 hours Prerequisites: 12 CR from ECON 2001, 2101, 2011, 2111 and 3CR from MATH 1111, 1151; or permission of the Department. MATH 1121 is recommended for students who have completed MATH 1111. MATH 2221 is recommended. This course is designed to prepare students for further work in economics at the graduate level. Equilibrium and optimization analysis – both static and dynamic optimization in discrete and continuous times – are the main focus. The mathematical concepts are mainly taught using their applications to relevant microeconomic and macroeconomic models. Winter Term 2013, Tu/Th, 2:30—3:50; Instructor: Sam Gamtessa

Special Topics Courses in Economics for 2012-2013

ECON-2991-A (3CR)
SPECIAL TOPICS: THE EURO ZONE — COMMON CURRENCY AREAS AND GOVERNMENT DEBT (Offered: 2012-2013)
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prereq: 6CR of Social Science; or permission of the Department

This course examines economic aspects of the European Monetary Union and the effects of the associated monetary and fiscal policies in the member countries’ economies. Lectures involve a non-technical examination of the following topics: free trade areas and customs, monetary and economic unions, the related historical experience of Europe (from a customs union towards a monetary union), and the restrictions imposed on monetary and fiscal policies. Emphasis is given to detecting the causes of the current government debt crisis experienced in many European countries and in assessing the implications of the proposed fiscal austerity pact.
Fall Term 2012, Tu/Th, 11:30—12:50; Instructor: Christos Ntantamis

ECON-3991-A (3CR)
SPECIAL TOPICS: ENERGY ECONOMICS (Offered: 2012-2013)
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prereq: 6 CR from ECON 1001, 1011; or permission of the Department

This course examines the economics of producing, consuming, and pricing energy: energy supply; markets and price determinations; energy derivatives, hedging, and speculation; extraction technologies; theory of optimal extraction, resource rent and royalty; and government policies pertaining to energy security, energy efficiency, and CO2 emissions. It discusses aspects of oil, natural gas, coal, electricity, and renewable energy sectors. Current issues and market trends such as the implications of hydraulic fracturing in shale gas production and policy issues such as the rebound effects, electricity market deregulation, and technology adoptions (e.g. adoption of CCS) are also covered. Canadian experiences and issues are raised as both illustrative examples of the concepts learned as well as for the purpose of learning domestic issues and trends. The course is distinct from resource economics with the exception of the theory of optimal extraction of exhaustible natural resources.
Fall Term 2012, M/W/F, 12:30—1:20; Instructor: Sam Gamtessa

ECON-4991-A (3CR)
SPECIAL TOPICS: MATHEMATICAL MODELS IN ECONOMICS (Offered: 2012-2013)
Format: lecture 3 hours
Prerequisites: 12 CR from ECON 2001, 2101, 2011, 2111 and 3CR from MATH 1111, 1151; or permission of the Department. MATH 1121 is recommended for students who have completed MATH 1111. MATH 2221 is recommended.

This course is designed to prepare students for further work in economics at the graduate level. Equilibrium and optimization analysis – both static and dynamic optimization in discrete and continuous times – are the main focus. The mathematical concepts are mainly taught using their applications to relevant microeconomic and macroeconomic models.
Winter Term 2013, Tu/Th, 2:30—3:50; Instructor: Sam Gamtessa