PP454
Development Economics
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Prof Robin Burgess 32L.3.03 and Dr Gharad Bryan 32L.3.10
Availability
This course is available on the MPA Dual Degree (LSE and Columbia), MPA Dual Degree (LSE and Hertie), MPA Dual Degree (LSE and NUS), MPA Dual Degree (LSE and Sciences Po), MPA Dual Degree (LSE and Tokyo), Master of Public Administration and Master of Public Policy. This course is not available as an outside option.
Students may not take both this course and EC428 Development and Growth.
Pre-requisites
The expectation is that students will have previously taken PP440 and PP455 or other equivalent courses. Students who have not taken PP440 and PP455 will require permission from the course lecturer to attend the course.
Course content
In this course, students will apply their understanding of economics and econometrics to the task of policy making in developing countries. The focus 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 political economy, trade liberalization, growth, access to finance, technology adoption, education, health, infrastructure, property rights, land reform, gender, environment, mass media and political accountability. The emphasis will be on combining theory and data to evaluate the effectiveness of policies in these different areas.
Teaching
This course is delivered through a combination of classes and lectures totalling 40 hours of lectures and 20 hours of seminars in the Michaelmas Term and Lent Term. This year, some or all of this teaching will be delivered through a combination of virtual lectures, a mix of online and in-classroom seminars, and office hours. This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of Michaelmas Term and Lent Term.
Formative coursework
Students to complete weekly exercises based on course readings with one of these exercises being marked in a given term.
Indicative reading
A reading list will be distributed at the start of the course.
Assessment
Exam (100%, duration: 3 hours, reading time: 15 minutes) in the summer exam period.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: School of Public Policy
Total students 2019/20: 29
Average class size 2019/20: 15
Controlled access 2019/20: Yes
Value: One Unit
