Econ 300

Global Economic Issues

 

 

Paper guidelines

 

 

The paper is a study of a developing country. It is expected to be somewhere between 8 to 10 or longer double-spaced (font 12) pages.

1.     Format

 

The format of the papers should be as follows, with some modifications if appropriate:

 

 

Describe where is the country located geography, topography, etc. In addition discuss the country’s population, and population composition (such as age distribution), other demographic and economic information (such as rate of growth of the population and the economy, life expectancy, average income, education, etc) that may give the reader a good picture of the standard of living in this country.

 

 

Is it a parliamentary system, monarchy, dictatorship, etc? This section may be included in the description section, if it fits nicely.

 

 

Provide a brief historical overview of this nation to the present.

 

 

Describe the economic development model(s) this nation has used as well as its current model. For instance, have they used Import Substitution, Export Promotion, Market Oriented, etc. In doing so, make reference to memberships to international institutions, exchange rate systems, monetary, fiscal, and international trade policies followed.

 

For example, if you are studying almost any Latin American nation you should mention that they followed Import Substitution Industrialization, had a fixed exchange rate system, and have since liberalized their economy. Also discuss whether they now belong to the WTO, any Free Trade Areas, etc. 

 

Discuss this nation’s international trade relationships: What do they import and export? Which countries are its main partners? Do these relationships seem to fit what would be expected according to the theory of comparative advantages?

 

Also, using data from Trade Express Statistics, discuss this nation’s trade relationship with the US now and over the last few years. 

 

Please use chart, tables, and graphs as needed.

 

 

 

2.     Grading

 

 

You may be the most intelligent person in the world, but if no one understands what you say, your intelligence is useless. Likewise, if people get bored or annoyed with your style, they will not pay attention and your work will be ignored.

 

So, the way you write is an important aspect of the grade. Here, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling all play a role.

 

 

 

You should make appropriate use of the terms and concepts discussed in the course.

 

 

Do not rely only on magazines only. Use library resources to obtain books and (or) journal articles on your chosen country. While magazines are acceptable, use them only to add color to your story or discuss events so current they are not discussed in books or academic journals.

 

While you may use Wikipedia, be sure to corroborate the info obtained from an alternative source as well.  But preferably use another encyclopedia one such as Britannica (or others).

 

The IMF and the World Bank have a lot of information on many countries both in print and on the web. Much of the printed material by the IMF and World Bank can be found in the reference section of the library (consult your friendly reference librarian).

 

If you are having trouble finding data or bibliography, see me as soon as possible or consult a librarian at Livingston Lord Library, you can consult al librarian electronically or make an appointment to visit with one at http://www.mnstate.edu/library/askalibrarian.cfm

 

 

While I do my best to grade as objectively as possible, there is always a level of subjectivity when grading a project like this. For instance, it is hard to say what should be the appropriate weight for the above criteria, etc.

 

 

I expect the draft to cover the description of the country, its current form of government, and history fairly well. You should have started the economic model section and I do not expect conclusions in the draft.

 

Also, the draft should have proper grammar and style, though it could use some improvement.