Introduction to Development Economics
The course aims to provide an outline of the main issues underpinning development economics today, by outlining simple theory and providing extensive applied evidence from developing countries.
5 ECTS Credits — Studies start 17 January 2022 — University of Helsinki
Course dates
17 January 2022 – 18 March 2022
Registration period
1 December 2021 – 31 December 2021
Coordinating university
University of Helsinki
Instructors
Credits
5 ECTS
Course dates: 17.1.2022-18.3.2022
Registration dates: 1.12.2021 - 31.12.2021
Coordinating university: University of Helsinki
Responsible teacher: David Lawson (moc.liamg@noceveddipinu)
Credits: 5 ECTS
Course offered: 3/3
Course summary
The course aims to provide an outline of the main issues underpinning development economics today, by outlining simple theory and providing extensive applied evidence from developing countries.
The lectures and supplementary reading will provide a theoretical understanding of the main development issues – with a strong focus on current issues of development economics – particularly poverty and extreme poverty, but also a focus on economic growth and the role of the public sector (i.e. taxation) in economic development.
The course will provide applied developing country examples, and individually assessed work exercises, focused around the abovementioned topics. For example, students will critique the relationship between economic growth and poverty and critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses associated with poverty and other measures of development.
No prior knowledge of development economics is assumed.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Understand, critique and apply the main theories and principles of economic development, particularly in relation to economic growth and poverty.
- Understand the linkage between theory and practice.
- Develop analytical skills relevant to the assessment of these different economic development principles.
- Examine the main sources of economic and social data relevant to economic development – particularly in relation to economic growth and (extreme/chronic) poverty analysis.
- Understand the knowledge and skills acquired to the study of the main forces sustaining and limiting economic development today, and the design of effective policy interventions.
Learning methods
- Reading
- Pre-course questionnaire
- Lectures (ppoint)
- Pre-course questionnaire (sent on the start date of the course)
- Focus work sheet exercises, from which students will be required to submit answers/one page summaries of reviewed evidence and literature and case studies all based on online sourcing
- Individual short work assignments based on the lectures/development economics literature readings
- Final assessment essay
All materials will be in English.
Study materials
Texts, www-materials, access to internet essential. Materials are presented via Moodle.
Recommended Reading:
- Lawson, D, D. Angemi, I Kasirye (2020) What Works for Africa's Poorest Children: From Measurement to Action https://practicalactionpublishing.com/book/2366/what-works-for-africas-poorest-children
- Todaro, M. P. & Smith, S. (2006) Economic Development 9th ed. Pearson, London
- Meir, G. & Rauch, J.E. (eds) (2005) Leading Issues in Economic Development 8th edition Oxford UP
Assessment
Grade 0-5.
The final mark will consist of:
1) One short essays (1000 words each) - 25% for each essay
2) One final essay (3000 words). – 75%
Additional information
The maximum number of students is 40. The targeted level of students is at the BA level 2nd or 3rd year students, or MA level students.