Module title and code: Applied Economics UMED94-15-3 Component and type: Individual essay/Written assignment Assessment weighting: 50% of total module mark Size or length of assessment: Max 2,000 words (no +10% to be used, but can be less than 2,000 words). Bibliography should not be included in the word count.

Read two-three readings assigned by the instructor and identify a minimum of two additional readings, which can focus in on a subarea of your topic (Debt is your topic) or one subarea of debt such as student loans. should focus on the impact or effect of the trend that is, why does it matter? What is the result of this trend in terms of some outcome? The readings should focus on measuring the phenomenon and explaining its effects and on the economic theory behind this topic. They should include statistics. Create 2 tables or figures using a source for data I provide OR another that you find. Provide a full reference and selected information from this (5 points extra credit if you have a representation of data from two sources that are adequately referenced). For example: your table ( which is the excel filed I have attached to this task) may compare statistics from several states and/or by gender, or a line graph might show how a trend has changed over time, if you have these statistics). Write a short memo (2-3 pages single-spaced) that 1) explains theory from at least one perspective related to the topic (different perspectives will be assigned by the instructor to different topics) 2) summarizes trends over time as captured by the data 3) discusses the economic impact of the trend e.g., what other economic measures, indicators, or phenomena does it affect? The memo will address economic theory, statistics/trends, an DEBT: Perspectives: Keynes: Read the six numbered points the authors call Post-Keynesian economics. The authors find that the kind of Keynesian economics often taught is a version of neoclassical economics.: Readings: Scott III, R., & Pressman, S. (2025). The Seven Debtly Sins: An Institutionalist Explanation of Why Consumer Debt Levels are So High. Journal of Economic Issues, 59(1), 124-139 Choose one of the very short sections from this section on debt from a book on building wealth, (PDF ATTACHED) Boshara, R., & Rademacher, I. (2021). The Future of Building Wealth. Brief Essay on the Best Ideas to Build Wealth – for Everyone. Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and Aspen Institute. (PDF ATTACHED) Data: Downloadable data available at this Urban Institute interactive map: Economics, Stratification: &variable=totcoll

POSSIBLE TOPICS FOR PAPER

1. Which is better as a hedge against inflationstocks, gold or bitcoin?
2. Is Wall Street Another Las Vegas? Similarities and differences between gamblers and investors.
3. Regulating Wall Street: Pros and Cons of the Securities & Exchange Commission.
4. Beating the Street: Finding a System that Overperforms the Market Indexes.
5. Should insider trading be illegal?
6. Can technical (charting) analysis pick the tops and bottoms of markets?
7. Which is riskier, stocks or bonds?
8. Junk bonds: good or bad?
9. Is real estate a good inflation hedge?
10. Which is better: investing in individual income-producing rental properties or real estate investment trusts (REITs)? Pros and cons.
11. Emerging markets: Pros and cons.
12. Dangers and advantages of investing in collectibles.
13. Which is the best way to investing: open-end mutual funds, closed-end funds, or exchange traded funds (ETFs)? Pros and cons.
14. Which outperforms: Growth or value stocks?
15. Which best determines the long-term value of stocks: earnings or dividends?
16. Does the Dow theory work?
17. Does the 200-day Moving Average Trading System beat the market?
18. Is the stock market male or female?
19. Hedging vs Speculating: is the future market a zero sum game?
20. Which is a better money maker: selling call options or put options?
21. A Random Walk Down Wall Street: Pros and Cons of the Efficient Market Theory
22. Does contrarian investing work?
23. Mutual funds and investment managers who have consistently beat the market for 20 years or more: What is their secret?
24. The January Effect: What is it, and does it work?
25. Can you make money on the presidential election cycle?
26. Economists on Wall Street: Who has made it big?
27. How to use Feds monetary policy to make money on Wall Street.
28. Can the Permanent Portfolio Fund or Alexander Greens Gone Fishin Portfolio beat the market over the long run?
29. Other Peoples Money: How to Find a Good Money Manager and Avoid Fraud or Losing Big.
30. Which Internet investment service is the best? (Motley Fool, Zacks, etc.)
31. Should you be concerned about taxes on your investments when you buy or sell?
32. ESG Investing: Should Companies and Investors Limit their Investments to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria?
33. What is the best way to profit from financial bubbles? How can investors protect themselves from them?

Analysis Project InstructionsAnalysis Project Instructions

General Guidelines

Pick one of the two methods for your project analysis

Project Instructions

1. This is an application of economic theory discussed in lecture or in the textbook applied to a topic you find interesting.
2. Statistics, laws, or rules- cite the source.
3. This is a thought project with your opinions supported by economics.
4. There is possibly no one good answer for your question(s) or possibly multiple answers. If there are many answers, pick a few concepts and explain them well. It is better to explain fewer ideas well than to explain multiple ideas poorly.

Project Format/Delivery

Pick one of the two methods for your project analysis

A. paper-based project analysis

1. There is no page minimum, but there is a maximum. We’re not looking for quantity but quality! Don’t ask “how many pages should the analysis be?” Our response will be “write until your question is answered, but don’t write more than 10 pages” (graphs, charts, visuals do not count in the page count).
2. Concise and clear language should be your goal. Fluffed-up analysis will be downgraded. Just answer your question! There is no need to provide filler to make your pages longer.
3. Citations. You can write a proper reference page using any style, or you could use footnotes.

Analysis Project Format Directions PaperAnalysis Project Written Paper Directions

While there are generally no preferences regarding formatting or other stylistic writing choices, there is one thing to focus on… clear, concise writing. Many students finish their projects in ten pages. This does not include charts, graphs, or pictures. If you need more than 10 written pages, you are welcome to do so. But consider visiting Cindy during office hours to discuss your topic and how you are supporting your ideas. Sometimes students take on a project that is too large in scope, making the paper difficult to write.

There is no writing minimum! Sometimes courses have writing minimums based on page or word count. Not for this class. Clear, concise writing is your goal. Papers that waste time with “fluff” or extra information that does not relate to your question will be downgraded. You are budding economists and adding “fluff” wastes your time and the grader/readers time.

Write until you believe you have adequately explained your question. Your goal should NOT be “I need to write a 10-page paper” because that’s incorrect and you’re misleading yourself and anyone you talk to. Your goal is “I need to answer a question with development economics, and I need to write clearly and concisely”.

You can use any citation style you like. It’s also fine to put citations in the footnotes.

Three Rules

1. Aim for clear, concise writing. If you need more than 10 pages, come to office hours to discuss your analysis. It’s possible your question is complex and requires more than 10 pages to answer adequately.

2. Please do not “fluff” up your paper with time-wasting details or unnecessary details.

3. Your topic must relate to Development Economics. Submit your proposal early or at least on time so your ideas can be reviewed and feedback given as needed.

Analysis Project Grade RubricAnalysis Project Grade Rubric

Points for this project are applied across all facets of the analysis, possibly including on-time submission, the proposal, etc.

English, proper sentence structure, and proper paragraph structure will not be formally evaluated, as our background is not in the writing realm. However, poorly written papers will be downgraded if poor writing, sentence structure, or paragraph structure makes it difficult to understand your question or analysis.

Rubric 1: Thesis Statement

Fifteen (15) Points

The thesis statement is clearly written. This is the main question you will answer with your analysis. This is usually a single sentence in the first paragraph.

Rubric 2: Original Question

Five (5) Points

The question is interesting and/or original. Using a textbook question would NOT be interesting and would NOT be original. Please find your own question. Using your own ideas is considered interesting and original.

Rubric 3: Economic(s) Concept is the Best Choice(s)

Twenty (20) Points

The economic concept(s) used is the best choice(s) to answer the question.

Of the course Modules, which one(s) best work as an answer to your question(s)?

Please do not use all the course Modules, as this could result in a shallow analysis (see Rubric 4).

For example, from a lower-division economics course:

Analysis: Why are there bike lanes around the University?

Student used: Demand, Supply, and Equilibrium.

The student should have also included: Substitutes goods or bikes in relation to parking or buses at UCSB, elasticity, and so on. There is no single way to explain what is needed for the project, as it depends on the question, assumptions, data availability, statistics, etc.

Rubric 4: The Relationship(s) is Fully Developed

Fifteen (15) Points

The relationship between the question and the concept is fully developed and explained. Avoid shallow analysis, which doesnt develop or use the chosen economics to the fullest.

Rubric 5: The Analysis Makes Sense

Used winter 2025. Drop for next course.

Ten (10) Points

This is an evaluation of the entire analysis. Was it appropriate for the level of understanding expected of someone in an upper-division economics course?

Rubric 5: The Project Makes Sense

Fifteen (15) Points

Is the project clear and organized? Is the project developed so that the beginning, middle, and conclusion flowed (were coherent)?

Are paragraphs readable? Are sentences structured so it is readable? Are words spelled correctly? Are paper sections appropriately placed?

Rubric 6: Difficulty

Twenty (20) Points

Was the analysis the most basic concepts or was the analysis harder, more challenging? This doesn’t mean you need a challenging or hard question. But if your analysis consists of material learned during the first few weeks and makes no use of materials in later weeks, this may not be treated the same as someone who used later materials.

Could the project be written without making use of development concepts? If the answer is yes, then this rubric is not satisfied.

Rubric 7: References

Ten (10) Points

References can be

a) A reference page in any style.

b) Footnotes in a written paper.

c) Included in the paragraphs of a written paper.

These are my topics:

Topic 1: Moroccos Economic Development

I want to examine Moroccos development and explain why it has experienced moderate economic growth but is still considered a developing country. I will use the Solow Growth Model, GDP per capita, HDI, growth accounting, and inequality measures to explain Moroccos level of development. I plan to analyze capital growth, labor growth, productivity, and income distribution to understand what is driving growth and what is holding development back. I will write a paper.

Topic 2: How Inequality Affects Development in Morocco

I want to examine how income inequality affects development in Morocco. I will use the Gini coefficient, Lorenz Curve, HDI, and human capital theory to explain how inequality may impact long-run growth and productivity. I will analyze whether unequal income distribution limits education, opportunity, and economic development. I will write a paper.