EC9C0: Topics in Development Economics
Sharun Mukand
Module Leader
Marta Santamaria
Module Lecturer
Principal Aims
The module aims to develop the skills and knowledge of development economics necessary for a career as an academic economist and in all areas where advanced research skills in economics are required. Specifically, it aims to teach the students to understand, appreciate, and ultimately contribute to, frontier research. It is intended to be comparable to modules taught in the best research universities in the USA and elsewhere in Europe.
Principal Learning Outcomes
Have a good overview and a thorough understanding of development economics. Develop a critical knowledge of recent research in some key areas of development economics and enable students to pursue their own research agenda in the field.
Syllabus
Illustrative topics include:
Inter-relation between trust and regulations; collectivist versus individualist organisations; inter-relations between institutions, comparative advantage and patterns of trade.
Macroeconomics of development: Growth accounting, globalisation and development, productivity differences across countries, misallocation of resources, within countries, structural transformation, state capacity and corruption, civil war and violence.
Microeconomics of Development: Household behaviour, human capital, behavioural economics, applications in development, credit and insurance markets, agrarian economies, imperfect contracting and reputation, microenterprises, labour markets, public finances.
Context
- Optional Module
- L1PJ - Year 2
- Pre or Co-requisites
- Satisfactory completion of MRes year 1
Assessment
- Assessment Method
- Coursework (100%)
- Coursework Details
- 2 assessments (worth 50% each)
- Exam Timing
- N/A