Development Economics II

Teaching semester

Irregular

Objectives and Content

More than a billion individuals, mostly in low and middle income countries, live on less than $1.25 a day. The aim of this course is to broadly address the question: why are poor countries poor? In particular, we seek to identify both features of the organization of a poor economy as well as its external environment that could generate, perpetuate, and alleviate poverty at the macro-level. A mix of theoretical and empirical studies are utilised for this purpose. Among other topics, the following are highlighted:

• What are the relationships among growth, inequality, and poverty?
• What are the empirical patterns of growth?
• What are the deep determinants of economic development?

Learning Outcomes

A candidate who has completed his or her qualification should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate

• Has an understanding of the long-run drivers of differences in income levels across countries
• Can outline the main patterns of development in the world in recent decades
• Is able to explain how to measure poverty and inequality as well as how these phenomena influence and are influenced by economic growth
• Can provide an overview of major structural characteristics of poor economies
• Knows the big picture in terms of financial flows to and from developing countries
• Understands important drivers behind international economic migration

Skills

The candidate

• Has the ability to formulate precise and relevant problems within development economics
• Is able to investigate, analyze, and present topical issues within the field
• Master analytical methods in the form of relevant economic models
• Can acquire and develop further knowledge and skills within the field

Recommended Previous Knowledge

A good knowledge of economics is recommended.

Access to the Course

Master's Programme in Economics, Professional Studies in Economics, Master's Programme in Information Technology and Economics, or equivalent.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

One compulsory assignment. Graded approved or not approved.

The grade for the course is based on the written examination provided that the students have passed the assignment. Approved compulsory requirements do not have time limits.

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.

Forms of Assessment

4 hours written exam

Examination Support Material

Mathematical Formula Collection of K Sydsæter, A. Strøm and P. Berck or Mathematical Formulas for Economists of B Luderer, V. Nollau and K. Vetters and calculator. The following simple, non-programmable calculators without graphical display are allowed to be used for written tests:

All models of the type:

• Casio FX-82, Casio FX-82ES PLUS or Casio FX-82EX
• Hewlett-Packard HP30
• Texas Instruments TI-30

The Department of Economics can conduct a sample of aids in the examination room.

Assessment Semester

Assessment in teaching semester. New exam the following semester only for students who have avalid document of absence.

Course Evaluation

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