Unit information: Economics of Developing Countries in 2020/21

Unit name	Economics of Developing Countries
Unit code	ECON30071
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Siddique
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	EFIM20033 Intermediate Microeconomics AND EFIM20034 Intermediate Macroeconomics AND EFIM20011 Econometrics 1 OR EFIM20038 Microeconomic Analysis AND EFIM20037 Macroeconomic Analysis AND EFIM20010 Applied Quantitative Research Methods
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Economics
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

The main aim of the unit is to present selected key areas of development economics focusing on economic transformation of developing countries, and explore some of the major economic policy issues that contribute to such transformation.

This course develops the economic theory and empirical methods needed to address issues of particular interest to developing countries. Some big and unresolved debates will be covered using recent literature. Hence the course requires reading journal articles, besides text books. They will be made aware of the problems and the weakness of the theory, when it fails to fit the empirical evidence.

Performance in the examination will depend on ability to analyse problems, policies as well as the theory with respect to empirical evidence concerning development in the developing countries.

During the classes students are expected to discuss the empirical robustness of the theory. The course focuses on both the macro and microeconomic aspects of development.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students should::

• Be able to discuss the characteristics of developing countries’ economies and the underlying causes of underdevelopment with the help of appropriately selected economic theory and models.

• Be able to use economic analysis to assess alternative policy measures directed at improving the macro and microeconomic performance of developing countries

Teaching Information

Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions such as online teaching for large and small group, face-to-face small group classes (where possible) and interactive learning activities

Assessment Information

Group assessment (Policy report) (25%)

Online Exam (75%)

Reading and References

• Ray, Debraj, Development Economics, Princeton University Press.

• Thirlwall, A. P., Growth and Development: with special reference to developing economies , Palgrave Macmillan.

• Todaro, M. and Smith, S. C., Economic Development, Pearson Addison Wesley.