F1ID 4100 - Economics of Development

This course presents a broad conceptual and methodological map of Development Economics. It starts with a discussion of long-term growth across the world, the legacy of colonization and the ‘state-led’ growth models till the 1980s. We shall then move to the core policy issues that have shaped the current policy debate: trade liberalization, international finance and microcredit, aid and foreign direct investments. Then are more transversal topics, like the natural resource curse, inequalities and social policies, urbanization, public health and Covid. The last two lectures focus on the specific cases of China and India.

LEARNING OUTCOMES :

• A broad mapping of how the Economics of Development evolved since the postwar decades till today: themes and issues, policy implications, significant country-cases.
• The main directions of current research in the field (objects and methodology).
• Focus on given policy themes, like foreign debt, regional development, urbanization, public health

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

A capacity to orient oneself in the broad and diversified field of Development Economics; and, when needed, to invest more into specific sub-fields while not losing sight of the broader social, economic and policy context of development.

Some background in economics is required though certainly not a full curriculum. For instance, students should have basic notions on growth, foreign trade and protectionism, macroeconomic policy, inflation or the balance of payments. Econometric skills are welcome though not necessary. Same thing with reading mathematical models.

(i) A Midterm Essay of circa 5000 words, on a subject chosen by each student (70% of total mark)

(ii) A Final Take-Home Exam in 3 hours (one question to be chosen out of 3 options)

FEEDBACK:

Office hours: I open as much time-slots as necessary for students who want to come and discuss their work, even on short notice. Comments on the Mid-term essays and Final exam are provided together with the marks. Students are also welcome to come and talk of their work and assessments early in the following term.

• Attendance: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 6 hours a week / 72 hours a semester
• Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: circa 72 hours a semester Attendance: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester