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EC9C0: Topics in Development Economics

  • Sharun Mukand

    Module Leader
  • Stefano Caria

    Module Lecturer
12 CATS - Department of Economics
Spring Module

Introduction

EC9C0-12 Topics in Development Economics

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 strategic overview and a detailed understanding of complex issues in development economics. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Seminars and background reading. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Submitted assignments.

Develop a critical knowledge of recent research in some key areas of development economics. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Seminars and background reading. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Submitted assignments.

Autonomously pursue their own research agenda in the forefront of the development economics field. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Seminars and background reading. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Submitted assignments.

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
L1PL - Year 2
Pre or Co-requisites
Satisfactory completion of MRes year 1

Assessment

Assessment Method
Coursework (100%)
Coursework Details
Assessment 1 (50%) , Assessment 2 (50%)
Exam Timing
N/A

Reading Lists