Course unit details:
Microfinance
Unit code | MGDI60362 |
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Credit rating | 15 |
Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
Available as a free choice unit? | Yes |
Overview
This module provides students with an understanding of the history of microfinance and challenges faced by the industry. It explores the theoretical base and practices of microfinance, and major debates in the area. It also helps students develop a critical thinking on the effectiveness of microfinance as a poverty reduction tool in less-developed countries.
Aims
During the last four decades, a `microfinance industry' has developed that seeks to provide low-income people with micro-financial services while being financially self-sustaining. The literature on microfinance has been characterised by different trends during this period and this module aims to analyse these trends in detail, particularly in developing countries and to explore key contemporary issues in the sector. This is done by exploring the history, theoretical base, development and challenges in the sector.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this course unit, students will be able to
- demonstrate the awareness of current issues and debate in the field of microfinance
- analyse and evaluate microfinance experiences and case studies, and critically assess proposals for microfinance initiatives.
Syllabus
introduction to microfinance
macro aspects of microfinance
microfinance and poverty
microfinance and gender empowerment
microfinance innovation and micro insurance
regulation of microfinance
microfinance and financial inclusion
governance of microfinance institutions
performance of microfinance institutions
impact assessments of microfinance
Teaching and learning methods
Identify the supplementary methods used in the provision of teaching and learning on this course unit.
This is additional to that identified by the Scheduled Activity Hours and Assessment Methods fields.
The major teaching and learning strategies for this course are lectures, discussions and independent learning. Lectures will be used mainly for the exposition of concepts and methodologies thereby contributing to the primary objective of providing students with an in depth knowledge of the major issues in microfinance. Students are expected to go through some of the reading materials before the lectures in order to benefit during the discussion. In-class discussion is an important part of the teaching and learning strategy and the students will have an opportunity to consolidate, develop and apply the knowledge acquired from the lectures and independent learning. In independent learning students are encouraged to broaden and deepen their understanding of the module by studying on their own main, and utilise and snowball the resources mentioned and discussed in the classes.
Knowledge and understanding
obtain the knowledge of the origin and development of microfinance, develop an understanding of the theoretical base and different models of microfinance, and obtain a comprehensive understanding of empirical evidence of microfinance’s impact on poverty reduction.
Intellectual skills
• Critically demonstrate the awareness of current issues and debate in the field of microfinance
• Analyse, and evaluate microfinance experiences and case studies and critically assess proposals for microfinance initiatives
Practical skills
Critical thinking
Transferable skills and personal qualities
Presentation, teamwork, essay writing
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
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Written assignment (inc essay) | 80% |
Oral assessment/presentation | 20% |
Feedback methods
Written feedback will be given through Turnitin.
Recommended reading
Specific readings are given at individual lectures. It is important that you read them before going to the classes.
General readings on microfinance
- David Hulme and Thankom Arun (2009), Microfinance - A Reader, Routledge.
- Beatriz Armendariz and Jonathan Morduch (2010), The Economics of Microfinance (second edition), MIT Press.
- Ditcher Thomas and Malcolm Harper (2007) What’s wrong with Microfinance?, Practical Action Publishing.
- Roodman, D. (2012), Due Diligence: An Impertinent Inquiry into Microfinance, CGD Books.
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
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Lectures | 20 |
Independent study hours | |
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Independent study | 130 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
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Yin-Fang Zhang | Unit coordinator |