Development Economics

Economics 340 will examine some of the major economic issues faced by individuals and governments in poorer countries, and introduce students to the field of development economics. The course will study the concepts and measurement of development, poverty and growth, and how economists use theory, empirical analysis and experiments to address issues in these areas. Topics surveyed will include poverty and inequality, population growth, urbanization and migration, agriculture and rural development, investments in education and health and the role of women, governance and institutions, credit and insurance, foreign investment and aid, and international trade policy. In the process, students will be exposed to the ongoing debates in development economics.