ECON 731 - Interdisciplinary Seminar: Water Economics

(1 unit)

This graduate seminar is to provide students of any disciplinary background with an introduction to the economics underlying contemporary water management issues. The course will focus on issues related to the demand and supply of water, the coordinating role of water markets, and the economics of water quality. Topics related to water quality will include valuing the economic benefits of improved drinking water access and reliability, valuing the economic benefits of enhanced ambient water quality for recreation and ecosystem services, and the regulation of both point and non-point source pollution.

Maximum units a student may earn: 3

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 1
Offered: Every Spring - Even Years

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. explain the importance of properly functioning water markets to the economically efficient use of scarce water.
2. identify and discuss the major economic issues related to both agricultural and municipal and industrial water demand and supply.
3. explain the various approaches economists take to valuing the economic benefits of water quality improvements.
4. identify and discuss the major economic issues related to the regulation of point-source (e.g., industrial) and non-point source (e.g., agricultural) pollution.
5. critically evaluate research papers and professional presentation in water economics.
6. identify the strengths and weakness of alternative research methodologies for analyzing questions in water economics.

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