ECON 259: The Environment and Economic Development in Amazonas Brazil

ECON 259 (4 credits)
3.5 weeks in Brazil
Professor James Kahn

Amazonas is a huge Brazilian state of 1.5 million sq. 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 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 towards 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): $2,900. This includes domestic airfare and other transportation within Brazil, accommodation and group meals.

Estimated Additional Expenses: Airfare Dulles-Manaus - $960; some meals - $350; Visa - $285 (less for many non-U.S. citizens); vaccinations - depends on health insurance; spending money - depends on social activities - make sure to include money for taxis.

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