EC335-6-SP-CO:
Strategies of Economic Development
2024/25
Economics
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Monday 13 January 2025
Friday 21 March 2025
15
20 August 2024
Requisites for this module
EC111 or EC100 or EC101 or EC115
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
BA L900 International Development
This module examines the distinctive features of the economies of the less developed countries and introduces you to the literature that attempts to explain the persistence of poverty in those economies. We start with a historical analysis of the growth process to examine why there has been a divergence in the performances between the developed and the developing countries.
The module will then elaborate on the role of institutions and incentives in shaping long run economic development. In particular, we shall examine the role of market imperfections, non-market institutions (such as social norms) and governance institutions. For instance, the ability of poor people to acquire skills may relate to credit constraints (which are a feature of imperfect financial markets), the distribution of wealth within an economy, and investments made by the government in schooling (which in turn may be determined by particular political institutions).
The module combines economic theory with case studies to understand observed phenomena such as child labour, extreme inequality in wealth and income, and high population growth. Particular attention is given to how one can evaluate and determine appropriate policy options.
The aims of this module are:
- To give students a good understanding of the functioning of the economies of the less developed countries and of the policy options that could potentially alleviate poverty.
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
- Have a good understanding of the functioning of the economies of the less developed countries and of the policy options that could potentially alleviate poverty.
- Apply analytical reasoning to problems facing the developing countries and make informed contributions to debates and discussions about possible ways to enhance welfare in these countries.
Employability skills
This course will provide a range of employability skills:
- In particular you will gain academic skill, professional working skills, and external awareness.
- The models discussed in class with provide you with numeracy skills while the ability to do a term paper and read current research work will allow you to develop working skills.
- Finally, given the topic of the course, you will be exposed to issues facing people in other countries and differences between other cultures that will increase your external awareness.
No additional information available.
The module will be delivered via:
- One 2-hour lecture per week.
- One 1-hour class per week
In one term.
-
Ray, D. (1998q)
Development Economics. New Jersey: Princeton University Press. Available at:
https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/j.ctvcm4hmx.
-
Acemoglu, Daron (no date) ‘The Colonial Origins of Comparative Development: An Empirical Investigation’,
American Economic Review, 91(5), pp. 1369–1401. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.91.5.1369.
-
Rafael Di Tella, Sebastian Galiani, Ernesto Schargrodsky (2007) ‘The Formation of Beliefs: Evidence from the Allocation of Land Titles to Squatters’,
The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 122(1), pp. 209–241. Available at:
https://www-jstor-org.uniessexlib.idm.oclc.org/stable/25098841.
-
Nunn, Nathan (no date) ‘The Slave Trade and the Origins of Mistrust in Africa’,
American Economic Review, 101(7), pp. 3221–52. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.101.7.3221.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
Coursework |
EC335 Mid-term Moodle Test - 21/02/25 09:00-11:00 |
|
|
Exam |
Main exam: In-Person, Open Book, 120 minutes during Summer (Main Period)
|
Exam |
Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Open Book, 120 minutes during September (Reassessment Period)
|
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Francesca Salvati, email: francesca.salvati@essex.ac.uk.
Lectures and Classes: Dr. Francesca Salvati
For further information, send an email message to fineco@essex.ac.uk.
Yes
Yes
No
Dr Sanna Piritta Nurmikko-Metsola
University of Surrey
Senior Lecturer in Economics
Available via Moodle
Of 13 hours, 13 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
Economics
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