EC319NU-Development Economics

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Semesters in which taught: Semester 1 module
Pre-requisites: EC201NU Intermediate Microeconomics EC202NU Intermediate Macroeconomics
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

NUIST Module Lead: Burak Sungu
Email: baraksungu@gmail.com

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 developing and less-developed countries. This module primarily focuses on the application of both microeconomic and macroeconomic theory to understanding causes and consequences of underdevelopment and it studies the behaviour of societies and governments, including their choices and constraints when institutions are inefficient and endowments are unfavourable. 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 economic tools needed to analyse issues facing developing and underdeveloped economies.


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


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


• analyse the deeper determinants long-run economic development and the nature of institutional path dependencies


• assess the importance of institutions, both formal and informal, on long-run economic development

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.


• Have a proper understanding of the idea of long-run development trajectories

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

The topics covered may include:

• Human and social capital in developing/underdeveloped countries.


• Financial Development


• Poverty and inequality in developing/underdeveloped countries


• Institutions and Culture


• Geography, resources, and endowments


• 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.

Contact hours:

	Semester 1	Semester 2
Lectures	84
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	40
Exam revision/preparation	20
Advance preparation for classes	20
Revision and preparation	16
Essay preparation	20
Total hours by term	200	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One 2-hour unseen written paper.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One 3000 word essay/project.



 

Formative assessment methods:

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.





Re-assessment is by examination only; coursework is not included at the second attempt.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: None

2) Specialist equipment or materials: None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None

4) Printing and binding: None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 2 October 2023