ECON 2631: Topics in Indigenous Economics
Students investigate topics related to Indigenous self-governance and economic development in Canada, New Zealand, United States and Australia. Topics include the economic rationale for implementing Indigenous government and jurisdiction ; the economic explanation for income differences for Indigenous groups and; the emerging Indigenous public sector; market failures and successes of First Nations & Indigenous communities; approaches to First Nations & Indigenous economic development; and Indigenous and other policy initiatives to improve Indigenous economies; and design Indigenous governments to support sustainable economies.
Learning outcomes
Successful completion of this course will enable students to:
- Discuss the First Nations public sector and its relationship with the other public sectors in Canada, United States, New Zealand and Australia.
- Describe how economic theory can be applied to Indigenous economic development.
- Explain the economic rationale and feasibility for implementing Indigenous rights and title.
- Apply the concept of market failure to Indigenous economies.
- Compare and contrast the cost of doing business on and off Indigenous lands.
- Describe the economic explanations for income disparities among Indigenous groups in in Canada, New Zealand, United States and Australia.
- Discuss different approaches to build Indigenous governments that support and facilitate economic development.
Course topics
Module 1: Introduction to Canadian Aboriginal Peoples and Their Communities
Module 2: Public Sector in Canada and Public Sector of First Nations
Module 3: Overview of First Nations Economies
Module 4: Introduction to Urban and Regional Economics
Module 5: How Markets Work and the Implications of Market Failure
Module 6: Economic Development on First Nations Lands
Required text and materials
There is no required textbook for this course.
Additional requirements
A computer with Internet access is required.
Assessments
Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.
To successfully complete the course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course and 50% on the final mandatory exam.
| Quiz 1 | 5% |
| Quiz 2 | 5% |
| Quiz 3 | 5% |
| Quiz 4 | 5% |
| Quiz 5 | 5% |
| Journal | 10% |
| Major Project | 40% |
| Final Exam (mandatory) | 25% |
| Total | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
