Economics of Africa Sub-Saharan Africa is home to some of the poorest and some of the fastest growing economies in the world. In this course, we will explore the opportunities for sustained, inclusive economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa, the challenges that must be overcome in realizing these opportunities, and the policy options for overcoming these challenges. Topics may include demography, institutions, infrastructure, agriculture, urbanization, climate change, health, natural resources, mobile technology, trade, and regional integration. Students will be exposed to relevant economic theory and recent empirical economic research on Africa.

International Economics International trade and financial flows are increasingly important in today’s interconnected world. In this advanced course we will use tools from introductory and intermediate courses to help us analyze the causes and consequences of these flows. We will investigate why countries trade, what they trade, who gains (or loses) from trade, and the motives and effects of trade policies. We will then consider the monetary side of the international economy, including the balance of payments, the determination of exchange rates, and financial crises. This course is not open to students who have taken ECON 0240 or IPEC 0240.

International Economics: Theory and Policy This course provides an overview of international trade and finance. We will use economic theory to help us understand how and why countries interact in the global economy and evaluate the effects of different trade, exchange rate, and macroeconomic policies. Topics covered will include the reasons for trade, the winners and losers from trade, trade policies, trade agreements, exchange rates, the balance of payments, causes of and solutions to financial crises, and the role of the WTO and IMF. IPEC 0240 does not count towards the ECON major or minor requirements. (ECON 0150 and ECON 0155)

Growth and its Limits What is economic growth? Is it limited in a world of finite resources? In this seminar we will explore these questions from a multidisciplinary perspective, drawing on readings from 18th century philosophers to 21st century research on climate change and artificial intelligence. Particular attention will be paid to the role of demography, agricultural productivity, and fossil fuels. We will develop simple mathematical models of growth and seek out relevant data to help inform our discussions and writing.

Obie Porteous

Reviews and ratings for Obie Porteous at Middlebury College.Obie Porteous teaches Economics of Africa, International Economics, Int'l Econ: Theory & Policy and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Obie Porteous good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

The homework problem sets are graded pretty harshly but likely due to TA… the exams are not difficult if don’t skip lectures and attend some office hours or peer tutor sections. The professor is very helpful but you need to reach out. (For fall 25 but fall 25 reviews is not open yet)

Economics of Africa was a great econ elective. It is not very math based at all, so you need to be ok with reading a lot of academic papers. Exams were graded harshly but curved extremely high. Would recommend.

Obie Porteous is such a passionate professor and even though he moves through the material quickly, he makes sure that students understand it. I would definitely recommend going to his office hours, he's always willing to explain something further and is also just a really interesting person to talk to. 