ECM171-Development Economics

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: IDM063 Macroeconomics for Developing Countries and IDM070 Microeconomics for Developing Countries
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Neha Hui
Email: n.hui@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module focuses on both microeconomic and macroeconomic issues of development. It will provide a theoretical and empirical foundation to the economics of developing countries. The module will also expose students to research in different facets of development economics that use a wide range of research methods.

Aims:

The module aims to impart an understanding of a wide range of economic issues related to developing countries. It also aims to provide students with tools to critically analyse empirical research and the ability to assess different areas of policy making.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Ability to discuss and critically assess different areas of policy and empirical research.

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop general analytical skills and will also master the ability to work independently.

Outline content:

The macroeconomic topics may include:

• Introduction to growth and development


• Theories of growth


• Colonialism and Development


• Role of institutions in development


• Capability theory and well-being

The microeconomic topics may include

• Migration and Displacement


• Land tenure systems and productivity


• Labour relations in developing countries


• Intrahousehold bargaining

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will use a blended learning approach. There will be a combination of pre-recorded lecture that the student will view in advance, class-room lecture and class discussion. Each week the students will be expected to view a pre-recorded lecture and read a set of required readings. The class-room lecture and the class discussion will build on the pre-recorded material and required readings. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20
Guided independent study:		160	20
Total hours by term	0	180	20
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

There is no examination for this module.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will be required to submit two pieces of coursework, each weighted at 50%. One piece of coursework will be set to cover the topics on macroeconomics of development, and the other will cover topics on microeconomics of development.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
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 50%.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment is by coursework submission. 

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: 12 July 2023