University of San Francisco

Department of Economics
Directed Study: Coastal Oceans and the Commons
Spring 2017

Instructor: Professor Jesse K. Anttila-Hughes

Office: Cowell 407
Office Phone: (415) 422 - 6453
Email: jkanttilahughes@usfca.edu

CLASS DESCRIPTION AND OVERVIEW:

This course is a 2 credit-hour directed study in the economics of the coastal oceans and common
access resources. The course is crafted to provide coverage of a variety of empirical and theoretical
material in the economics of the commons, and to then allow the student to develop a term paper
using understandings gleaned from that material to understand the current state of California coastal
management.

The first half will focus on classical readings on the tragedy of the commons. Including:

Early articulations from Lloyd to Samuelson to Hardin

Ostrom Governing the Commons
Bowles work on conflict and cooperation
Political economy in the regulation of common pool resources

The second half of the course will focus on applications of theories of commons management:

Review of topics in modern fisheries economics

Selected recent research papers on fisheries management in California and related contexts
Selected journalistic research on California fisheries

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

The student will meet with the professor once every week to discuss assigned readings, identify next
steps, and ensure the timely development of the term paper. The student will be required to turn in
an original term paper at semesters end on the subject California coastal management through the
lens of common access resource theory that will be the basis of the students final grade.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand economic theories surrounding commons governance

2. Compare and contrast theories of coordination and cooperation
3. Develop knowledge in empirical fisheries economics literature
4. Use academic research to interpret and analyze journalist sources and reports
 5. Compare and contrast the California coastal oceans management experience with both
empirical and theoretical views on commons management

Students with Disabilities: If you are a student with a disability or disabling condition, or if you
think you may have a disability, please contact USF Student Disability Services (SDS) at 415 422-2613
within the first week of class, or immediately upon onset of disability, to speak with a disability
specialist. If you are determined eligible for reasonable accommodations, please meet with your
disability specialist so they can arrange to have your accommodation letter sent to me, and we will
discuss your needs for this course. For more information, please visit: http://www.usfca.edu/sds or
call (415) 422-2613.