UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS
ECONOMICS 378: LAW AND ECONOMICS I WINTER 2018
Instructor: Tilman Klumpp Classes: T/Th 9:30–10:50 am
Office: Tory 9-20 Room: Tory 1-93
E-mail: [email protected] Office hours: By appointment Phone: (780) 492-5437
This is a one-semester course designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of law and economics. The course presumes a familiarity with principles of microeco- nomics but no background knowledge of law. The main focus of this course is on the relationship of economics and the common law, with some time in the end devoted to the economics of crime.
Text: The primary reading for the course is:
• Thomas J. Miceli, The Economic Approach to Law, 3rd Edition, Stanford University Press, 2017. (You may use an older edition if you want.)
In addition, key articles, cases, and other materials are provided on e-class.
Topics covered: The course will cover the following topics/book chapters:
1. Introduction to Law and Economics Ch. 1 approx. 1 week
2. Torts Ch. 2, 3 approx. 2 weeks
3. Contracts Ch. 4, 5 approx. 3 weeks
4. Property Ch. 6, 7 approx. 3 weeks
5. The Economics of Dispute Resolution Ch. 8 approx. 1 week
6. The Economics of Crime Ch. 9 approx. 2 weeks
Detailed outlines for each topic, including readings, will be made available on e-class.
1
Grading: Your course grade will be calculated on the following basis:
Midterm test #1 February 8, 2018 30%
Midterm test #2 March 15, 2018 30%
Final exam April 24, 2018 40%
All grades are given in percentages. Letter grades are assigned to numerical grades according to the table below:
95–100 A+ 80–84 B+ 66–69 C+ 54–57 D+
90–94 A 75–79 B 62–65 C 50–53 D
85–89 A− 70–74 B− 58–61 C− 0–49 F
Tests and exams: Midterm and final exams are closed book/closed notes. The final exam will be cumulative but the material after the midterms will be emphasized.
Attendance: While regular attendance is not required, it is essential for optimal performance in any course.
2
Policies:
1. Missed tests, exams, assignment: A student who misses the final exam because of incapacitating illness, severe domestic affliction or other compelling reason (including religious conviction) may apply for a deferred exam. A deferred final exam will not be approved if a student, excluding the final exam, has completed less than half of the assigned work (Calendar Section 23.5.6 (2)). The deferred final exam, should one be required, is on Monday, May 7, 2018, at 10:00 am (report to the Economics Department main office in 8-14 Tory).
If you miss the midterm test or a written assignment, you will be accommodated if and only if the reason is excusable and proper documentation is provided if necessary. For reasons that may be excusable and procedures for addressing course components missed as a result, consult Section 23.3 (1) and Section 23.5.6 of the University Calendar. You must inform the instructor of the resason within one working day of the test date or due date of the assignment, unless extraordinary circumstances prevent you from doing so. Failure to inform the instructor may result in partial or total loss of the grade for the missed component.
Accommodation will be in one of the following forms: a make-up test; a deadline extension;
or a weight shift of the test to the final exam. The decision as to the form of accomodation rests with the instructor. No “extra work” will be assigned under any circumstances.
2. Recording of lectures/acceptable use of content: Audio or video recording of lectures by students is allowed only with the prior written consent of the instructor or as part of an approved accommodation plan. Student or instructor content, digital or otherwise, created and/or used within the context of the course is to be used solely for personal study, and is not to be used or distributed for any other purpose without prior written consent from the content author(s).
3. Academic integrity: University guidelines governing academic integrity and student behavior are in effect. The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect.
Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour (online at www.ualberta.ca/secretariat/appeals.htm) and avoid any behavior which could potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University.
4. Learning and working environment: The Faculty of Arts is committed to ensuring that all students, faculty, and staff are able to work and study in an environment that is safe and free from discrimination and harassment. It does not tolerate behavior that undermines that environment. The Department urges anyone who feels that this policy is being violated to discuss the matter with the person whose behaviour is causing concern; or if that discussion is unsatisfactory, or there is concern that direct discussion is inappropriate or threatening, discuss it with the Chair of the Department. For additional advice or assistance regarding this policy you may contact the Student Ombudservice. Information about the University of Alberta Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Procedures can be found in the GFC Policy Manual, Section 44.
