EC319-Development Economics

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites: EC201 Intermediate Microeconomics or EC201NU Intermediate Microeconomics
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Samantha Benvinda Rawlings
Email: s.b.rawlings@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Development economics concerns the application of economic tools to the study of issues that are of particular importance to low-income countries. This module primarily focuses on the application of microeconomic theory to understanding causes and consequences of underdevelopment and it studies the behaviour of individuals, including their choices and constraints when markets are missing or incomplete. The module aims to equip students with an understanding of relevant economic theory, evidence, and implications for policy. Development economics is a broad field, so that the module will necessarily focus only on a selection of topics relevant for development. 

Aims:

The aims of this module are to:

• provide students with the key microeconomic tools needed to analyse issues facing developing economies;


• illustrate and evaluate the empirical evidence surrounding economic models of various aspects of development;


• discuss policy implications of economic problems arising in developing countries.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that the student will be able to

• demonstrate their understanding of the key issues facing the poor in developing countries;


• explain theoretical models of economic issues arising in developing countries;


• discuss and analyse the empirical literature regarding such models;


•  be able to analyse the effectiveness or otherwise of different policy options regarding economic development.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

Examples The topics covered may include:

• Human capital in developing countries.


• Credit markets and development finance.


• Poverty, inequality and/or institutions in developing countries


• Risk and insurance


• Gender and intrahousehold allocations of resources


• Population and fertility


• Randomized control trials and development policy

Global context:

This module will consider the economics of development, and evidence and policy examples will be drawn from a wide range of countries from Asia, Africa and South America. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

During the course of the term there are 10 weekly two hour lectures, during which there will be time for discussion and interactive activities.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20	2
Guided independent study:		160	18
Total hours by term		180	20
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	60
Report	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:

There is no examination for this module.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One 2,000 word written assignment (40%).

One 2,500 word essay (60%).

Formative assessment methods:

In class exercises and group activities.

Optional essay plan submission for feedback.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A minimum overall mark of 40%.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination for all modules takes place in August of the same year. Reassessment is through a piece of coursework, testing all learning outcomes; this will not be a re-submission of earlier coursework, rather a new assignment will be set. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  

4) Printing and binding:  

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  

Last updated: 30 March 2023