ECON 580

TOPIC: You have the choice of writing a paper on any issue(s) related to international finance. Pick a topic that you are deeply interested in and would like to learn more about. Show some intellectual curiosity and do not recycle a project that you may have worked on for another class. One place to start looking for a topic is the reading list for the course; you may also want to spend a few hours browsing current periodicals at Parish Library. LAS students should write on an issue relevant and applicable to Latin America. Let me know if I can be of assistance in selecting a suitable paper topic.

You are expected to produce a substantive research paper that contains your own analysis of an economic theory and/or economic data. Starting with a review and critical assessment of the existing academic literature, your paper should identify and analyze the major issues/problems of your chosen topic, possibly drawing some policy conclusions. Most of your sources should come from scholarly publications (i.e., journal articles, monographs, or research reports) rather than the popular press or other mass media. Remember -- "to write is to think" and "seeing is believing." This paper gives you an opportunity to sharpen your writing and presentation skills, both indispensable "tools of the trade" not just for economists.

PROPOSAL: You are required to turn in a proposal that (1) motivates your choice of topic, (2) identifies the major issues/problems, (3) provides a brief outline of the paper, and (4) indicates the data source(s) and references to be used. The proposal should not exceed three typed, double-spaced pages.

PAPER FORMAT & LENGTH: Write this paper as if you are planning to submit it for possible publication in an academic journal. Following the basic format of a journal article, the paper (including title page, abstract, text, tables, graphs, and references) should not exceedtwenty-five (25) pages total. It must be typed in a legible font, double-spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides. Tables and graphs may be integrated into the text or attached at the end of the paper. Be sure to include complete references for all sources.

GRADING: Your work will be evaluated on the basis of substance as well as originality and presentation. The proposal is worth 20 points and the paper 120 points; together they account for 35% of your final grade.

DUE DATES: Proposals are due in class on Tuesday, October 22, 2002. Complete papers are due in class on Tuesday, November 19, 2002.