The course covers the following general topics within developing countries. Refer to the Class Schedule for subtopics within these areas:
- Poverty traps
- Fundamental Causes of Growth
- Corruption
- Property Rights
- Health
- Education
By the end of this semester, students are expected to be able to:
- Demonstrate command of the theoretical and empirical foundations of development economics
- Evaluate the effectiveness of various policies aimed at improving outcomes in the developing world.
- Analyze and interpret data to assess the conditions and challenges faced by populations in poverty.
Grading: Your grade is based on two exams, five problem sets, and the research idea (except for the Final exam, the scheduled times may change)
- Idea (5%)
- Problem Sets (25%)
- Midterm 1 (20%)
- Midterm 2 (20%)
- Final exam (30%)
Grades:
- A: 90 - 100
- B: 80 – 89
- C: 70 - 79
- D: 60 - 69
- F: <60
Although I will not take attendance regularly, you are expected to be present at every lecture. Absences should be justified. The most important predictor of success in this class is regular attendance.
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. All work submitted must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in immediate consequences as outlined in the university's academic integrity policy.
This is a Core IMPACTS course that is part of the Social Sciences area.
Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course will help master course content, and support students’ broad academic and career goals.
This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question:
- How do I understand human experiences and connections?
Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcome:
- Students will effectively analyze the complexity of human behavior, and how historical, economic, political, social or geographic relationships develop, persist or change.
Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies:
- Intercultural Competence
- Perspective-Taking
- Persuasion