This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Sandra Sequeira CON.6.05
Availability
This course is available on the MRes/PhD in International Development. This course is not available as an outside option.
This course is available as an option for students enrolled in the MRes/PhD in International Development only.
Course content
This course examines the microeconomic foundations of economic policy-making in developing countries. Classes will combine economic theory and rigorous empirical analysis to better understand the impact of economic development policy on development goals. We will focus on specific examples chosen from development cases worldwide to learn which policies have worked, which ones have not, and how a rigorous analysis of these experiences can inform the design of better economic development policies in the future
The course is structured around three main themes:
(i) Human Development: health policy, education policy and intra-household dynamics
(ii) Institutions and Markets: labour markets, state capacity for public service delivery and private sector development
(iii) Behavioural Economics and Development Policy Design: the importance of psychology in explaining economic behaviour and how it can inform better development policy design
Through in class discussions, lectures and coursework, students will develop analytical and quantitative skills for the study and practice of international development policy. These skills will enable students to interpret and critique both conceptual arguments and the empirical evidence used in the development economics literature and discourse.
Coursework will include a combination of class discussions with guest lecturers engaged in international development, problem sets, presentations and computer-lab based sessions for students to explore programming and statistical skills.
Teaching
20 hours of lectures, 15 hours of seminars and 9 hours of workshops in the LT.
Formative coursework
Students will be expected to produce 1 piece of coursework in the LT.
A plan for the research paper (1500-2000 words) on which the student will receive feedback and topic approval
Indicative reading
Indicative reading: The bulk of the course will be taught using journal articles. A reading list will be handed out by the lecturers at the beginning of their sessions. Useful reference texts include D Ray, Development Economics (1998) which will serve as the course text, and W Easterly, The Quest for Growth.
Assessment
Essay (100%, 5000 words) in the ST.
Key facts
Department: International Development
Total students 2019/20: Unavailable
Average class size 2019/20: Unavailable
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
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.