Disasters, Poverty, and Inequality (PEC4220.01)

Lopamudra Banerjee

A disaster is considered ‘an occurrence that causes great harm,’ but how is this ‘harm’ distributed among people? This research seminar explores this question by studying how the effects of disasters are unequally distributed within a population based on conditions of poverty and inequality, and how disasters, in turn, exacerbate these disparities. This seminar focuses on instructing students in designing and executing their own research projects in economics and political economy using data. The specific focus of our study will be hydrometeorological disaster occurrences that are related to climatological changes– droughts and floods.

This advanced-level research seminar is tailored for third and fourth-year college students, but second year students can also take this course if they fulfill the prerequisites. The course will involve a close analysis of spatial datasets, requiring prior knowledge of data analysis and familiarity with spreadsheet analysis. Some understanding of statistical theory/applications is also beneficial.

The course entails two requirements: [a] Active class participation, grounded in thorough engagement with assigned materials, and [b] a research project with related homework assignments. Attendance is mandatory, and students are expected to carefully prepare by engaging with assigned readings and actively participating in class discussions. Additionally, students will conduct empirically-grounded research on a specific issue related to disasters, poverty, and inequality.

All datasets will be provided to the students; however, it’s important to note that the instructor has the permit and privilege to oversee the datasets. Any use, citation, or distribution of the datasets without prior written approval from the instructor and/or without their knowledge would constitute a breach of trust and violate the terms of use.


Learning Outcomes:
The primary aim of this course is to instruct students in conducting empirically grounded research at the intersection of environmental studies, economics, and political economy.
Through this course, students will learn to formulate thesis questions and support their arguments with empirical evidence. Moreover, students will be encouraged to engage in active, self-directed inquiry and adopt a transdisciplinary approach to learning. As a result, they will develop and refine their critical analytical thinking abilities while advancing their
skills in research, creative thinking, and communication.


Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Prerequisites:
At least one 2000-level course in economics is required. Prior knowledge of data analysis is desirable, and familiarity with spreadsheet analyses is expected. Some understanding of
statistical theory and applications will be advantageous. Approval from the course instructor is also required.

Students should email the course instructor with an expression of interest, explaining [in a few sentences] [a] why they are interested in this course, [b] how the course fits with
their academic plan, and [c] whether they fulfill the prerequisites, including the names and levels of any relevant prior courses in economics, political economy, SCT,
mathematics, etc. Emails should be received by December 1st, 2024.
Course Level: 4000-level
Credits: 2
Th 3:40PM - 5:30PM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 10
Course Frequency: One time only

Categories: 4000 , All courses , Fully In-Person , Political Economy , Two Credit
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