Development Economics

Code:

2ECON24

Acronym:

DE

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
CNAEF	Economics

Instance: 2016/2017 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Agrupamento Científico de Economia
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Economics

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
ME	35	Bologna Syllabus	1	-	7,5	56	202,5

Teaching language

English

Objectives

The course provides an introduction to selected issues in economic development including theory, evidence and policy. The main goal is identifying key features of the development process across countries and combining an analytical framework with rigorous empirical evidence to identify how public policies can enable economic development. The program starts with the conceptualization and measurement of development and goes through distinct topics such as poverty and income inequality, institutions and development, human resources and further issues such as technological change and structural transformation.

 

Learning outcomes and competences

A deep understanding of the meaning of economic development, which is relevant for a student that aims at getting better insights on the complexity of economies. This research line allows the student to deal with the world economy and the growing inequality between distinct parts of the world. Hence, they will acquire skills to develop their careers in companies or institutions whose main focus is economic development and social wellbeing.

 

Working method

Presencial

Program

I. Principles and concepts of development

1. Economic development and growth: concepts and measures
2. Poverty, income distribution and growth
3. Classical theories of economic development
4. Contemporary models of economic development

II. Problems and Policies: Domestic

5. Human resources and development
6. Environment and development

III. Problems and Policies: International and Macro

7. Structural change, innovation and development
8. Balance of payments, debt, financial crisis and stabilization policies
9. Foreign aid
10. Political economy, democracy, and corruption

 

 

 

Mandatory literature

Todaro, M. and Smith, S.; Economic Development, New York, Pearson, 2011 (11st edition)
Meier, G. M. and J. E. Rauch; Leading Issues in Economic Development, New York: Oxford University Pres, 2005
Nafziger, W.; Economic Development, Cambridge University Press, 2012 (5th edition)

Complementary Bibliography

Thirlwall, A. P. ; Economics of development : theory and evidence , New York : Palgrave Macmillan, 2011 (9th edition)
Ray, D.; Development Economics, Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1998
Rodrik, D. ; One Economics, Many Recipes: Globalization, Institutions and Economic Growth, Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2007
Acemoglu, D. and Robinson, J. A; Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity and Poverty, London: Profile Books, 2012

Teaching methods and learning activities

The course develops across a mix of theoretical and practical classes, with the presentation of concepts, theories and models being followed by examples of their application to real cases.

 

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Teste	70,00
Trabalho escrito	30,00
Total:	100,00

Calculation formula of final grade

Students may attend the distributed evaluation or the final exam.

To access the distributed evaluation, students must attend at least 9 lectures.

The final grade is computed according to the following formula:
Final grade = 30% * assignment (written report and oral presentation) + 70% * average mark of two tests. Or, students may attend the final exam.

Students are approved if the final grade is not inferior to 9,5 points. It is required a minimum grade of 6,5 points in each test for approval.

 

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

General assessment regime.

Classification improvement

General assessment regime.