Development Economics I

Undergraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

This course introduces the students to the central issues of economic development in poor countries. It is observed that there are large differences in the material well-being between rich and poor countries, and further, this difference continues to grow over time. In addition to introducing the students to the relevant economic concepts and variables, this course will go through different theories that explain economic development and growth (or the lack of development and growth).

The key issue here is the large and ever-increasing income differential between rich and poor countries. Data will be presented that show these income differentials and how these evolve overtime, and in addition, we will discuss theories that shed light on the causes of these. The course will also give an introduction to how different economic institutions and markets, (e.g., labour and credit markets), function in poor countries, and discuss the existence of certain economic mechanisms that reproduce and reinforce poverty - poverty traps.

Learning Outcomes

A student who has completed the course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

  • can explain inequalities between rich and poor countries, how the differences have evolved over time and how other measurements of quality of life correlates with per capita income.
  • can explain the concept of economic growth.
  • has knowledge of different measurements of poverty and inequality, and pros and cons of the different measurements. The student shall understand different characteristics of world demographics and explain how population growth affects other economic circumstances.
  • can explain the development of international trade patterns and central theories of international trade.
  • has knowledge of central multilateral humanitarian organisations and their role.

Skills

The student

  • can use models as tools for analysing e.g. differences between rich and poor countries and effects of economic growth on inequality and poverty.

Semester of Instruction

Autumn
Access to the Course
Open
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures/seminar
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

There is one assignment in the course that is compulsory. The assignment is to be graded approved or not approved. The grade for the course is based on the written examination provided that the students have passed the assignment.

Compulsory assignments that are not accepted on the first try, may be handed in a second time. To be able to get this opportunity, the student must have made a sincere effort the first time around; that is, the student must have tried to answer most of the assignment.

Approved compulsory requirements do not have time limits.

Forms of Assessment

4 hours written exam

The exam will be given in the language in which the course is taught.
The exam can be submitted in English. It is also possible to submit in Norwegian, Swedish or Danish.

Grading Scale
Grading A-F
Assessment Semester

Assessment in teaching semester.

A resit exam is arranged for students with valid absence according to UiBs study regulations § 5-5.

If a resit exam is arranged, it is available for students with the following results/absences:

  • Medical certificate/valid absence
  • Interrupted exam
  • Fail/Not passed

If you have the right to take a resit exam and a resit exam is arranged for students with valid absence, you can register yourself in StudentWeb after January 15th/August 1st.

Course Evaluation
All courses are evaluated according to UiB's system for quality assurance of education.