Development Economics
| Module title | Development Economics |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEE3052 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Surajeet Chakravarty (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 100 |
|---|
Module description
An advanced course in development economics you will be given a thorough exposition of concepts, policy issues and controversies on the causes and characteristics of the wealth and poverty of nations. These series of lectures, without being exhaustive, will draw on classic themes in the subject and will cover recent developments in the literature. It will emphasise the importance of political economy factors, missing and incomplete markets in developing countries and the systemic effects this has on the process of economic development.
After an introductory part on concept and theories of underdevelopment, the course will focus on distribution and poverty, institutions, human resources (health, education and population), conflict and behavioural factors affecting development and gender. You will also learn about cash transfers, corruption and governance.
Additional Information:
Internationalisation
This is a very theoretical module that is internationally relevant, because it deals with development economics mainly in developing countries using examples from various counties.
Employability
You will have the opportunity to develop your writing and logical thinking skills.
Sustainability
All of the resource materials are available through the ELE (Exeter Learning Environment).
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module seeks to provide an introduction to the theories, policy issues, controversies and progress in raising standards of living in the developing world. The analysis draws on recent economic theory, without neglecting history, and emphasises the importance of political economy factors, missing and incomplete markets in developing countries and the systemic effects this has on the process of economic development. Emphasis is also placed on the importance of carefully using empirical evidence to inform policy discussions.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. apply economic theory to policy issues concerning economic development in low-income countries
- 2. have a professional economist's understanding of key controversies
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. demonstrate a knowledge of a wide variety of statistical sources and policy issues concerning developing countries
- 4. present and defend an advanced economic argument in a clear and succinct manner
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. achieve or maintain very high standards of grammar and logical thinking
Syllabus plan
- Development: introduction, concepts, and comparisons
- Poverty Traps
- Financial Markets in Developing Countries Education and health
- Micro finance
- Property rights
- Gender and Development
- Conflict and development traps
- Social Networks and Informal Institutions
- Public Goods Provision
- Education and Health Provision
- Early life interventions
- Entrepreneurship
- Cash Transfers
- Behavioural Interventions
- Corruption and Governance
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | 125 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Contact hours | 20 | Lectures |
| Contact hours | 5 | Seminars |
| Guided independent study | 125 | Private study |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 sets of questions. Feedback during tutorials/revision sessions | Discussion. 60 minutes | 1-5 | Oral/online |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 80 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Essay | 20 | 2,000-2,500 words | 1-5 | Written |
| Examination | 80 | 2 hours | 1-5 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Essay | Individual Essay (20%) 2000-2500 words | 1-5 | Referral/Deferral Period |
| Examination | Examination (80%) 2 hours | 1-5 | Referral/Deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 40%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Ray D., (1998), Development Economics, Princeton University Press.
Banerjee, A.V. and E. Duflo, (2011) Poor Economics. Penguin
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | (BEE2038 and BEE2039) or (BEE2025 and BEE2026) |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/09/2011 |
| Last revision date | 02/02/2024 |
