No formal requirements other than those prerequisites required to be admitted to this Master's degree program, but knowledge of essential concepts of economics that are relevant to understanding development problems is highly recommended.

GOALS - This module will introduce students to some of the main concepts, theories and perspectives that inform analysis and policy making in the field of development economics. To that end, the module is divided into three parts. Part I focuses on the nature and meaning of development, its various manifestations in developing nations, and introduces the classic theories of development. Parts II focuses on major domestic development problems and policies such as population, migration, education, health, agriculture, environment, and institutional roles. Finally, Part III covers international issues including trade, debt, financial crises, aid, investment, and fiscal policy for development.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES - Students who take this module will be familiar with the meaning and application of most of the major concepts in development economics. Most importantly, students will develop reasoning skills to draw independent conclusions as they confront development problems and real-life development policy choices, using language that convey relevant ideas and concepts clearly.

The module covers the following parts and topics:

Part I - Principles and Concepts

• Introducing Economic Development
• Comparative Economic Development
• Classic Theories of Economic Growth and Development

Part II - Domestic Development Problems and Policies

• Population Growth and Economic Development
• Urbanisation and Rural-Urban Migration
• Education and Health in Economic Development
• Agricultural Transformation and Rural Development
• Environment and Development
• Development Roles of Market, State, and Civil Society

Part III - International Development Problems and Policies

• International Trade and Development
• Balance of Payments, Debt, Financial Crises, and Sustainable Recovery
• Foreign Finance, Investment, Aid, and Conflict
• Finance and Fiscal Policy for Development

(A); Todaro M. P., Smith S. C.; Economic Development; Pearson, Harlow, United Kingdom; 2020; Pages/Chapters: chs. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15; 9781292291154, 9781292291192

Students are encouraged to regularly check the course website for ongoing information. Lecture slides and additional teaching materials will be accessible via the module’s Microsoft Teams channel. The password required to access the materials can be requested from the instructor, exclusively via the institutional UniMC email address.

• The lectures, which combine both theoretical and empirical content, follow a traditional, instructor-led format and are supported by slides prepared by the lecturer.

• The final exam consists of a single written test, which also includes questions related to the "Inequality" module. Students are required to answer a total of 6 questions: 3 open-ended and 3 multiple-choice. The final grade will be determined by the sum of the scores earned on each individual question.

  Each correct answer to the multiple-choice questions is worth 1 point. No points are lost for incorrect or unanswered questions.

  Each open-ended question is worth up to 9 points, based on the following evaluation criteria:

  • relevance to the question (max. 2 points);
  • completeness of the answer (max. 2 points);
  • ability to establish appropriate connections (max. 2 points);
  • conciseness (max. 1 point);
  • proper use of language (max. 1 point);
  • clarity of exposition (max. 1 point).

  No midterm assessments are scheduled.

English is the only language used for teaching activities.

English