Unit information: Economics of Developing Countries in 2019/20

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	Mr. Jahir Islam
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	Intermediate Economics 1 (EFIM20008) and either Econometrics (EFIM20011) or Applied Quantitative Research Methods (EFIM20010)
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 models 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 mainly on the macroeconomic aspects of development, although some microeconomic aspects of development will also be covered.

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 assess alternative policy measures directed at improving the macroeconomic performance of developing countries.

Teaching Information

• 18 hours of lectures

• 8 hours of classes

Formative Assessment: Two essays will be submitted on questions similar to examination questions. The typical essay length is about 1500 words. Analysis of alternative policy issues is essential for these essays. The formative assessment will also test the learning outcomes.

Assessment Information

Summative Assessment: three-hour closed book examination. (Assesses all learning outcomes).

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.