Economics Program

Why should you study Economics?

Global Fridays

To develop good business strategies and decisions

To design efficient and equitable government policy

To gain a financially rewarding and satisfying career and

Last, but not least, because economics is fun, challenging and useful for understanding the complex world in which we live.

Senate Chambers 12:00 - 1:30 pm

Jan 8 Dr. Coll Thrush

Jan 22 Dr. Ajit Dayanandan

Feb 5 Dr. Benjamim Isset

Feb 26 Dr. Emily Spencer

Mar 5 Prof. Bruce Alexander

Mar 19 Prof. William Rees

Dr Coll Thrush, Dept of History, UBC
Topic: Indigenous Histories from an Empire's Centre: Notes toward an Aboriginal History of London.

Graduate Research Assistantship

Project: Globalizing Northern British Columbia

Great opportunity for a Master’s student interested in the dynamics of globalization in a northern region including topics such as: the impact on labor policy and patterns; the variety of local government responses; provincial government strategies, including the Asia Pacific gateway; Asian investment; and First Nations’ development strategies.

The research assistantship, worth $20,000 over two years, is funded by SSHRC and tenable at the University of Northern British Columbia.

You will work on the project with five faculty members from UNBC from the Economics and Political Science departments. As well as being part of the research team, you will also have the opportunity to define your own thesis topic within the broader project.

The research assistantship is open to any student applying for entry into the M.A. Development Economics, M.A. International Studies or M.A, Political Science programs. Details and application procedures for these programs can be found at http://www.unbc.ca/programs/masters.html. The application deadline is February 15, 2010.

For more details on the project or any other questions, please contact Professor Paul Bowles, email: paul@unbc.ca

Peter Walgren, Recipient of Certificate of Academic Award 2009

Economics as a discipline examines the allocation of resources to improve society’s well-being and thus, compares the benefits of one choice or decision over another. Economics is concerned with what is produced (planes or healthcare)?, how goods are produced (craftsmen or computerized production line)? And who “consumes” these goods and services?

Economics is central to understanding many contemporary issues and questions such as what are the impacts of the carbon tax? How can the health care system be efficiently and equitably reformed? Why is inequality rising? Should water services be privatized? What is the best portfolio choice to maximize my investment? Are market bubbles – large price fluctuations in such things as stock prices, housing, and commodities – more common than before? Why? Can they be predicted and prevented? Should they be?”

The Economics Program at UNBC provides a well-balanced training in concepts and methods and a unique focus on how the economy interacts with the wider social, business, environmental and international issues.

Faculty members in the Economics Program have a wide variety of research interests and are engaged in cutting-edge theoretical advances and policy development in Canada, as well as other countries. Members of the Economics Program have received research grants from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the International Development Research Centre, Human Resources Development Canada, Status of Women Canada, and BC Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health. Faculty members have also provided consulting services to the World Bank, and the Northern Development Commission.

Current research questions of faculty members include:

How does Canada’s temporary foreign worker program compare to those of industrialized countries?

The faculty members in the Economics Program are excellent teachers and committed to providing students with an active learning and inclusive environment, up-to-date material, and to developing knowledge of contemporary issues and practical thinking skills.