Learning objectives
The goal of this course is aimed at obtaining a solid background in Development Economics and also at obtaining the anlaytical tools to understand the facts and the determinants of globalization and further investigate its impact among countries.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
This course explores some of the major topics in development economics,looking at both empirical and theoretical points of view. It begins by defining the concepts and measurement of development, then proceeds with a more detailed exploration of inequality, poverty, and population growth, pointing out their interconnections with economic development, and the possibility of uneven growth paths. To this end, in order to understand the structural transformation that accompanies the development process, rural-urban interaction and migration are explicitly introduced. It also looks at the markets and institutions that influence the lives of people in developing countries, stressing the role of markets failures and their interrelations. Before concluding, it goes back to aggregate analysis, dealing with the role of initial conditions for development. The course focuses on history versus expectations, analyzing the role of complementarities and increasing returns. Finally, it provides a detailed analysis of the key issues concerning international trade and trade policy.
Full programme
Syllabus
A selection of the following chapters from Debraj Ray, Development Economics, 1998
Chapter 2: Economic Development: Overview
Chapter 5: History, Ecpectations, and Development
Chapter 6: Economic Inequality
Chapter 7: Inequality and Development: Interconnections
Chapter 8: Poverty and Undernutrition
Chapter 9: Population Growth and Economic Development
Chapter 10: Rural and Urban
Chapter 11: Markets in Agriculture: an Introduction
Chapter 12: Land
Chapter 13: Labor
Chapter 14: Credit
Chapter 15: Insurance
Chapter 16: International trade
Chapter 17: Trade policy
(See the lecturer’s web page for the detailed syllabus:
http://economia.unipr.it/docenti/home.asp?id=192
Bibliography
A selection of chapters from Debraj Ray, Development Economics, 1998,Princeton University Press. Further readings will be provided during the course.
Teaching methods
Lectures.
Assessment methods and criteria
The final exam is written. There are two questions, with similar weight, with a time limit of one hour.
One question deals with theoretical or empirical topics in broad terms, the other concerns an in-depth study labelled in the syllabus as box. Answers must be rigorous, pertinent and complete, because the aim is to show that a good understanding has been achieved.
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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