ECON 259: The Environment and Economic Development in Amazonas

(4 credits)

3.5 weeks in Brazil

Prof. James Kahn

Amazonas is a huge Brazilian state of 1.5 million square kilometers, which retains 98 percent of its original forest cover. This course examines the importance of the forest for economic development in both the formal and informal sectors of the economy, and how policies can be developed to promote both environmental protection and an increase in the quality of life in both the urban and rural areas of Amazonas. The learning objectives of this course integrate those of the economics and environmental studies majors. Students are asked to use economic tools in an interdisciplinary context to understand the relationships among economic behavior, ecosystems and policy choices. Writing assignments focus on these relationships and look toward the development of executive summary writing skills.

Prerequisite: ECON 101 or ENV 110. First-year students are encouraged to apply.

Program Fee (paid to W&L): $2129. This includes hotel accommodations, transportation within Amazonas, all meals during field trips, some meals in the city.

Estimated Additional Expenses:  $2265 (Airfare: Dulles Airport/Manaus - $900; Vaccinations - $200 (varies by student); Brazil visa - $285; 6 dinners, 13 lunches, bottled water; spending money for reasonable social expenses.)

For more information, please contact Prof. Kahn at kahnj@wlu.edu.