ECON 3705

ECON 3705 Canada and the New Global Economy

Three (3) credit hours

This course is about positioning Canada for success in the new global economy. Canada has a long and distinguished history of economic accomplishment and prosperity. Its ability to sustain and continue on this track record will depend on how it confronts the challenges and takes advantage of the opportunities related to the new global economy. The new global economy consists of a trilogy of interactive forces that include globalization, trade liberalization and the information technology and communications revolution. This course blends economic theory, economic analysis, economic history and public policy in the context of the new economy of the 21 st century. The contemporary features of the Canadian economy will be analyzed within the parameters of the new global economy of the 21st century. Other topics that will be discussed are: our economic heritage, Schumpeterian theory, the demographic deficit, the immigration solution, the emergence of knowledge based industries, entrepreneurship, innovation, the economics of technological change and the role of public policy in the Information Age. The role of structural change on Canada's national economy and economic history will be discussed in considerable detail.

Professor Constantine Passaris is the course developer and your on line instructor for ECON 3705. His biographical profile can be accessed on the main page of this course by clicking on the "Introducing Dr. Constantine Passaris" tab.

Name: Dr. Constantine E. Passaris
Academic Title: Professor of Economics
Email: passaris@unb.ca
Telephone: 506-447-3209
Fax: 506-453-1026

This on line course will simulate the intellectual environment and academic experience that takes place in an academy of higher learning. The principle objective is to enhance the pedagogical efficacy for the dissemination of knowledge and facilitate the process of student/teacher interaction. This course will contribute to individualized education and provide an opportunity for life-long learning. The mission of the course is to engage students in the excitement of intellectual discovery and the dissemination of knowledge. It will promote an environment that empowers students with specialized knowledge and skills and affords them the opportunity to engage in a dialogue and intellectual debate. It will also provide a platform for the exchange of ideas, exploring new ideas and make a contribution towards advancing the frontiers of knowledge.

This course will be held in a virtual classroom with the added benefit of one on one instruction. The format simulates a real classroom and university environment without requiring the physical presence of the student on the campus of the University of New Brunswick This course blends the lecture and seminar format in order to enhance the most effective e-learning experience. Several innovative features are included in the design of this course in order to enhance the quality of distance learning and make it student friendly. In particular it will break down the barriers of the impersonal and self-directed on line courses in favour of a stimulating virtual classroom with direct access and effective communication between the student and the instructor of this course. Students are encouraged to communicate with their instructor through email and ask questions, make comments or promote ideas about Canada and the New Global Economy. Finally, assignments and the research paper will be individualized.

You are not required to purchase a textbook for this course. The extensive and expansive class lectures will be complemented with reading assignments and documentary material that can be easily accessed at several web sites on the Internet. Contemporary material and documentation will also be sent to you through email.

Course Requirements

Students will be expected to complete two essay type assignments of about five pages in length and write a research paper on a topic of their choice which has been previously approved by the instructor. The assignments will be communicated to you through email. As soon as you complete reading the first six lectures email your instructor in order to receive your first assignment. When you have read lecture ten email your instructor again and you will receive the second assignment. Upon the completion of the last lecture email your instructor with a suggested topic and short outline of your proposed research paper. There is no word or page limit for your research paper. When you are satisfied that you have covered all the pertinent issues related to your research topic, that is the end of the paper. Each lecture will conclude by inviting you to test your understanding of a number of important terms and concepts.

Letter Grade Equivalents

Click here to find more information on fees for this course.

Fees are subject to change by the Board of Governors.

Once you complete the Apply Now form below, please send payment. Methods of payment accepted:
Cash (Do not send in the mail. Please deliver to the College of Extended Learning, 2nd Level, Wu Centre, UNB Fredericton Campus)
Cheque or money order (Mail to UNB College of Extended Learning, PO Box 4400, Fredericton, New Brunswick, E3B 5A3)
MasterCard / VISA / American Express (Please call the College of Extended Learning at 1-866-599-4646  or 506 453-4646 with your credit card number, expiry date, and the name as it appears on the card. Please do not send credit card information via email).

Apply Now!