Department of Economics & International Development, Unit Catalogue 2006/07

EC30163 Development economics 3

Credits: 6

Level: Honours

Semester: 2

Assessment: EX100

Requisites:

Before taking this unit you must take EC20010 and (take EC20011 or take EC20156)

Aims:
* To illustrate the application of modern analytic tools in macro and microeconomics (learnt in previous units) to key development issues and problems
* To introduce new techniques and methods for the analysis of contemporary development issues and questions
* To encourage a questioning approach in the application of techniques.
Learning Outcomes:
Students should develop their appreciation of the power of economic analysis in addressing applied questions, here specifically in relation to development questions. They should also develop a critical ability in linking economic analysis to real issues, and also recognise its limitations.
Skills:
* Skills in explaining often complex ideas intuitively in writing or verbally
* The ability to read research articles in development economics critically and understand key arguments or messages
* An understanding of how to apply analytic skills to new questions.
Content:
Topics will include: conceptions of well being and Sen's capabilities framework; insights from growth theory, including new growth theory; measurement and determinants of inequality and poverty and their change over time; population growth and fertility; the nature of rural markets: land, labour and credit, and their interactions; risk and insurance in agriculture; trade; and trade policy; external debt and stabilisation.
Key text: Ray, D. Development Economics (Princeton 1998)

University | Catalogues for 2006/07