EC351: Topics in Development Economics 2 for Finalists

Thomas Martin
Module Leader

15 CATS - Department of Economics

Summer Module

Spring Module

Introduction

EC351 Topics in Development Economics 2 for Finalists. This module allows students to develop an understanding of concepts at the core of development economics. The core material will be taken from papers from academic journals, so students will start to see what development economists spend part of their time doing. Within this discussion there will be ample use of econometric techniques (sometimes using STATA) applied to micro development issues.

Principal Aims

To introduce students to key issues facing developing economies. It is based on the modern analytical and empirical approach adopted by researchers, practitioners and international development institutions, with an emphasis on the most recent research advances in the field.

Principal Learning Outcomes

Professional skills: … Review the relevant literature and evidence.

Subject knowledge and understanding: … demonstrate an advanced awareness of the causes, consequences and possible remedies for Third World problems.

Cognitive skills: … Apply critical analysis to the topics of the module, formulate concepts and hypotheses, and show how they are tested in relevant literature.

Key skills: … Communicate their knowledge and understanding to others.

Syllabus

Topics covered may include (but are not limited to) some of the following in the context of developing regions:

• agricultural households

• behavioural aspects of poverty

• culture

• child labour

• comparative development

• determinants of growth

• education

• firms

• gender

• health

• institutions

• labour markets

• market failures and microfinance

• policy (migration, industrialization, etc)

• poverty and inequality

Context

Optional Module

V7ML - Year 3, V7MM - Year 4, R9L1 - Year 4, R3L4 - Year 4, R4L1 - Year 4, R2L4 - Year 4, R1L4 - Year 4, LA99 - Year 3, L1CA - Year 3, L1CB - Year 4, L1L8 - Year 3

Pre or Co-requisites

Any of:

EC106-30 Introduction to Economics OR

EC107-30 Economics 1

EC108-30 Macroeconomics 1 AND

EC109-30 Microeconomics 1

Summary:

Modules: EC106-30 or EC107-30 or (EC108-30 and EC109-30)

Restrictions

May not be combined with modules EC233-15

Assessment

Assessment Method: Coursework (20%) + In-person Examination (80%)
Coursework Details: Group project (20%) , In-person Examination (80%)
Exam Timing: Summer

Exam Rubric

Time Allowed: 2 Hours

Read all instructions carefully - and read through the entire paper at least once before you start entering your answers.

There are TWO sections in this paper. Answer ONE question in Section A (40 marks) and THREE questions in Section B (20 marks each).

Answer each whole question in a separate booklet.

Approved scientific (non-graphical) pocket calculators are allowed.

You should not submit answers to more than the required number of questions. If you do, we will mark the questions in the order that they appear, up to the required number of questions in each section.

Previous exam papers can be found in the University’s past papers archive. Please note that previous exam papers may not have operated under the same exam rubric or assessment weightings as those for the current academic year. The content of past papers may also be different.