ECON BC3029 Development Economics

Instructor: Prof. Sanjay Reddy, Fall 2002

1. Course Description:

This course will attempt to survey key issues in the expansive and important field of development studies. It will endeavor both to foster understanding of the main debates and approaches to study within the field of development economics narrowly considered - involving the theory and 'empirics' of growth and structural transformation, the analysis of income distribution and poverty, the impact on developing countries of international economic relations, household behavior, and the role and nature of government - and to further awareness of development theory and practice as a field of contention encompassing a broad range of social and political concerns. Although the course will include a significant technical component, it will strongly encourage a critical and historical understanding of development studies.

No special topical knowledge is assumed. However, the course requires familiarity with economic principles at the intermediate level. Students should bring an index card or page containing their name, email address, year, major, prior background in economics and other social sciences relevant to the course, their reasons for taking the class, and a firmly attached photograph to the instructor by the beginning of the second week.

2. Course Requirements:

The requirements for the course are a midterm and a final exam. The midterm will receive a 40 percent weight and the final exam a 60 percent weight in the calculation of the course grade. Students with alternative proposals as to how they should be assessed are strongly encouraged to raise them with the instructor. Any serious proposals will be welcomed. This must be done at the beginning of the course.

3. Prerequisites:
Econ BC3033 Intermediate Macro or Econ BC3035 Intermediate Micro, or permission of the instructor.