ECON42600 Development Economics

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module will look at a range of issues that are central to economic development in the world’s poorest countries. The module will focus mostly on issues around input markets, specifically, the market for land, the market for labour and the market for credit in developing countries. The module will have a mix of (i) Theoretical models (ii) Analysis of the extensive range of empirical studies on development issues that has taken place in recent decades and the debate on the best way to proceed in empirical studies of issues in development.
Topics covered on land markets will include the economics of tenancy arrangements (Shareholding, renting ownership) and the economics of land reform (land distribution and land certification). Topics on labour markets will include models of the formal and informal sector in the developing world, the impact of regulation (minimum wages, employment protection etc) on labour markets in developing countries, the impact of internal and international migration on development. The empirical literature in development has been dominated by the extensive use of Randomised Controlled trials in recent decades. Arguably we have learnt a lot from these studies. We will discuss the benefits and what some prominent economists argue are the limitations of RCT’s.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

The aim of the module is that students will cover a range of important issues which are central to economic development and develop a solid grounding in the theoretical literature which provides a framework for trying to understand how markets work in the developing world, as well as a good knowledge of the empirical literature.

Indicative Module Content:

Labour Markets in Developing Countries
Markets for Land in Developing Countries
The evaluation of policies in Development Economics
The role of migration in development

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Autonomous Student Learning

100
Total

124
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Face to face lectures, regular assessments and in class discussion
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: Final 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

70
Assignment: In class test during week 6 Week 6 n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

30

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Thurs 09:00 - 10:50