Why are some countries richer than others? Why have some countries experienced growth miracles while others have experienced stagnation or even growth disasters? Within developing countries, what does it mean to be poor? What are the challenges that the poor in developing countires face and what can be done to improve their living standards? The course will focus on explanations, such as differences in saving rates, capital stock, geography, institutions, foreign aid, international trade, and corruption in terms of trying to understand the large disparities across countries. Within countries, we will examine education and credit markets for the poor. The course will cover both theory and empirical evidence. Emphasis will be placed on not just knowing the empirical evidence, but also on understanding the challenges faced in collecting credible empirical evidence. 

On satisfying the requirements for this course, students will:

• understand some of the determinants of long-run differences in economic development between countries;
• be aware of factors that determine poverty in developing countries;
• use economic analysis to examine the impacts of policy on development.

By examination, an essay and a presentation.

Two lectures per week with tutorials throughout the semester plus private study time.

ECON1101 Microeconomics 1, and ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1 or ECON1100 Economics 1 (H)

Incompatible with ECHI 2013 Development, Poverty and Famine ( H)

Please refer to Course Website