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.