PP454E Half Unit
Development Economics
This information is for the 2018/19 session.
Teacher responsible
Prof Robin Burgess LRB.R524 and Prof Oriana Bandiera LRB.R526
Availability
This course is available on the Executive Master of Public Administration and Executive Master of Public Policy. This course is not available as an outside option.
Pre-requisites
There are no formal pre-requisites, but the course is only available by prior agreement with the Executive MPA and Executive MPP Programme Directors if students haven't completed Empirical Methods for Public Policy (PP455E) and Economic Policy Analysis (PP440E) prior to this course.
Course content
The main focus of this course is on acquiring the necessary theoretical and empirical skills to engage in the rigorous analysis of public policies in developing countries. Topics at the forefront of development economics will be covered. These include growth and poverty, governance and accountability, motivation of bureaucrats, firms and markets, determinants of productivity, jobs and labour markets, shocks and insurance, infrastructure, connectivity, education and health, trade and globalization, the value of exporting, delivering public services, incentivising teachers and health workers, environment and climate change, management of natural resources, taxation and state capacity. The emphasis will be on combining theory and data to evaluate the effectiveness of policies in these different areas.
Teaching
A one-week modular teaching block.
Formative coursework
One mock essay opportunity will be provided.
Indicative reading
A reading list will be distributed at the start of the course.
Assessment
Essay (50%, 2000 words) and online assessment (50%).
Please note that online assessments take place on the third Friday after module teaching concludes. Essays are due on the sixth Friday after module teaching concludes. Further details will be provided at the Executive MPA/ Executive MPP programme inductions.
Key facts
Department: Economics
Total students 2017/18: Unavailable
Average class size 2017/18: Unavailable
Controlled access 2017/18: No
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Problem solving
- Application of numeracy skills