The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Joseph M. Bryan School of Business and Economics
Department of Economics
Course Number: ECO100
Course Title: Economics of a Global Sustainable Society
Credits: 3:3
Prerequisites: None
For Whom Planned: Undergraduates
Instructor Information: Dr. Jeffrey K. Sarbaum
Phone: 336 334-4866
Email: jksarbau@uncg.edu
Office Hours: By appointment, Bryan 466
Catalog Description: Explores basic economic principles used to analyze challenges and
alternative solutions associated with achieving a global sustainable society. Topics include:
pollution, natural resources, green production, and rural and urban development.
General Education Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this
course, students will have met the Student Learning Objectives (SLOs) for a General
Education course in the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GSB) and for a Global
Perspective Non-Western (GN) marker:
 GSB SLO 1: Based on empirical information, describe or explain individual behavior or
social conditions, contexts, or institutions. (This SLO links with the General Education
Program’s Learning Goal 4 with a focus on social conditions.)
 GSB SLO 2: Using the theories of the social and behavioral sciences, analyze
individual behavior or social conditions, contexts, or institutions. (This SLO links with
the General Education Program’s Learning Goal 4 with a focus on social conditions
and the General Education Program’s Learning Goal 1 with a focus on critical thinking.)
 GN Marker SLO 1: Find, interpret, and evaluate information on diverse cultures. (This
SLO links with the General Education Program’s Learning Goal 1)
 GN Marker SLO 2: Describe interconnections among regions of the world. (Must
include substantial focus on cultures, nations or sub-nationalities in the Caribbean,
Latin America, Middle East/North Africa, Asia, Africa, Pacific Islands, or indigenous
peoples around the world). (This SLO links with the General Education Program’s
Learning Goal 3.)
 GN Marker SLO 3: Use diverse cultural frames of reference and alternative
perspectives to analyze issues. (This SLO links with the General Education Program’s
Learning Goal 5.)
Course Learning Outcomes: To achieve these GSB and GN SLOs within the context of this
course, students who successfully complete this course will be able to critically analyze global
sustainability issues through achievement of the following course specific SLOs:
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ECO 100 SLO 1: Identify important positive economic sustainability issues present in
the global economy. (Links to GSB SLO 1, GSB SLO 2, GN SLO 1)
ECO 100 SLO 2: Identify important public policy and other normative economic
sustainability issues present in the global economy. (Links to GSB SLO 1, GSB
SLO2, GN SLO 3)
ECO 100 SLO 3: Choose appropriate models and other frames of reference for
addressing global sustainability issues. (Links to GSB SLO 2, GN SLO 3)
ECO 100 SLO 4: Gather information appropriate to addressing global sustainability
issues. (Links to GSB SLO 1, GSB SLO 2, GN SLO 2)
ECO 100 SLO 5: Use appropriate information, models, and other frames of reference
to analyze global sustainability issues. (Links to GSB SLO, GSB SLO 2, GN SLO 1,
GN SLO 3)
Course Material:
1. Beyond Economic Growth: An Introduction to Sustainable Development, 2 nd Ed.
http://www.worldbank.org/depweb/english/beyond/global/beg-en.html
2. ECO100 Learning Area. The class has a Learning Area Website accessible through
Blackboard that is divided into 9 Units, or content areas. Each Unit contains written text
and links to a variety of additional resources (E.g. TED talks, interactive maps and
data, short articles, etc.). The Website also contains information related to the group
project and the textbook.
Grading:
20% World Bank Book and Unit Exam 1
20% World Bank Book and Unit Exam 2
20% World Bank Book and Unit Exam 3
20% Group Project (5 parts)
20% Unit Quizzes (~40 very short quizzes)
The following course grades correspond to the following percentage of total points:
A+
100% and above
A
93% to 100%
A90% to 93%
B+
86% to 90%
B
83% to 86%
B80% to 83%
C+
76% to 80%
C
73% to 76%
C70% to 73%
D+
66% to 70%
D
63% to 66%
D60% to 63%
F
below 60%
Grades are not rounded-up. An average of 89.999% is a B+. An average of 90.000% is an AExams: The course will have three exams based on the textbook and Unit content to provide
students an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding and ability to empirically and
theoretically analyze issues associated with global economic sustainability.
Quizzes: The course will have a significant number of short quizzes to give students the
chance to show their familiarity with the online multimedia content that is designed to promote
a deeper understanding and appreciation of development and sustainability issues in the
global economy.
Commodities/Resources in Economics Team Assignment (ECO 100 SLO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5):
Student teams (of 4-5 students) produce a website about the economics, and sustainability
issues surrounding a specific commodity in the world economy. The project must address the
significance of the commodity in both the western and non-western world.
Some examples of commodities that may be assigned for the project include: coal, sugar,
cotton, timber, oil, fisheries, steel, alternative energies, water, medicines, etc.
Website should analyze the following key issues:
 Role of individuals (including entrepreneurs and consumers; don’t forget the role of
women and the role of both western and non-western influence)
 Role of companies
 Role of the state (both western and non-western influence)
 Role of technology
 Economic impacts (both western and non-western)
 Ecological/environmental impacts (both western and non-western)
Website should include the following materials:
 Annotated bibliography (include scholarly books and journal articles; may also include
appropriate websites)
 Maps
 Graphs and tables
 Historical timeline
 Case studies/examples that address the key issues
Student Expectations: Learning to think--as opposed to memorizing material--requires
active involvement in the learning process. It is important that you:
1. Read the textbook and unit readings without delay
2. Turn in all assignments on time
3. Be an active and engaged member of your group
4. Attend and participate in all classes
No makeup quizzes will be given. No makeup exams will be scheduled. No late group
assignment materials will be accepted. Failure to actively participate in your group may result
in an “F” for your project grade. Failure of the entire group to function may result in an “F” for
some or all members of the group depending on the circumstance.
Academic Integrity Policy: Each student is required to sign the Academic Integrity Policy on
all major work submitted for the course. Refer to UNCG Undergraduate Bulletin/Graduate
Bulletin or: http://sa.uncg.edu/dean/
In addition, the Bryan School Faculty Assembly and the Bryan School Student Advisory
Council have adopted a set of Faculty and Student Guidelines that defines expected behavior
for both faculty and student. For more information about these Guidelines consult:
http://bae.uncg.edu/students-resources/