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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "EC 341"
COURSE NAME: "Economics of Development"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2024
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Tulia Gattone
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: TTH 6:00-7:15 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS:
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisites: Junior Standing, EC 201, EC 202
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course focuses on the economics of development, with specific reference to developing countries. While drawing extensively on the tools of standard economic theory, it deals with development issues for which economic theories at best provide only partial answers. It offers a problem-oriented approach, with a historical and institutional perspective, to issues such as poverty, population, income distribution, international trade, investment, aid, and the debt problem.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

This course in Economics of Development unfolds across 15 weeks, delving into pivotal aspects shaping the trajectory of developing economies. Commencing with foundational concepts and theories in the first weeks, the journey encompasses economic growth, modern growth theories, historical influences, economic inequality, poverty, population dynamics, agricultural markets, credit and insurance, and international trade. Crucial moments of reflection through midterm reviews punctuate the schedule, fostering a deepening understanding of the intricate relationships within development economics.

 

Specifically, in the initial stages, students navigate through the introductory realms, understanding the nuances of development economics and dissecting the factors fueling economic growth. The course then propels into contemporary growth theories and the profound impact of history and expectations on development trajectories. Midway, an in-depth review consolidates comprehension. The latter half unfolds with a focus on critical themes—economic inequality and its interconnections with broader development issues, the complex challenges of poverty and undernutrition, and the pivotal role of population growth in economic development. A second review session precedes an exploration of markets in agriculture, the role of credit and insurance, and the implications of international trade on development. The penultimate weeks witness students presenting their research projects, providing a platform for in-depth discussions on diverse facets of development economics. The course culminates with a final research project, allowing students to apply their acquired knowledge to a specific area within the field.

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LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon completing this course, students will have acquired a nuanced understanding of key development economics concepts. They will be adept at applying economic tools analytically to address the intricacies of development challenges. Demonstrating a comprehensive grasp of fundamental mechanisms influencing economic development, students will analyze current economic outcomes and predict future effects of shocks on developing economies with precision. The course ensures students develop the skills to rigorously evaluate and analyze economic issues within the context of development, showcasing analytical proficiency. Additionally, students will learn how to analyze data and effectively communicate their findings in a comprehensive report format.

 

Note: This is just a preliminary draft of the syllabus.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Development EconomicsRay, DebrajPrinceton University Press9780691017068     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Midterm Exam n.1The exam will be worth 100 points. It will cover all the material taught until a week before the exam day: multiple-choice questions and open-ended questions. Regardless of the format, the questions will be analytical.25%
Midterm Exam n.2The exam will be worth 100 points. It will cover all the material taught from Midterm exam n.1 onward: multiple-choice and open-ended questions. Regardless of the format, the questions will be analytical.25%
Research Project PresentationThe project presentation provides an opportunity for students to succinctly showcase the main features and insights of their final research project.10%
Final Research ProjectThe final research project for this course constitutes a substantial 2,500-word paper where students engage in a comprehensive analysis of a development topic. The project involves the following key components: Research Question and Motivation; Literature Review; Empirical Strategy and Data Sources; Contribution to Literature; Challenges and Limitations.40%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until ____________
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE

Week

Topic

Chapter

1

Introduction to Economics of Development

Ch. 1 & 2

2

Economic Growth

Ch. 3

3

The New Growth Theories

Ch. 4

4

History, Expectations, and Development

Ch. 5

5

Review for Midterm n.1 & Midterm n.1

6

Economic Inequality

Ch. 6

7

Inequality and Development: Interconnections

Ch. 7

8

Poverty and Undernutrition

Ch. 8

9

Population Growth and Economic Development

Ch. 9

10

Review for Midterm n.2 & Midterm n.2

11

Markets in Agriculture

Ch. 11, 12, 13

12

Credit and Insurance

Ch. 14 & 15

13

International Trade

Ch. 16 & 17

14

Research Project Presentations

15

Final Research Project

 

***This course outline is not final and may be subject to change****