
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 |
Offered by | |
Available as a free choice unit? | Yes |
Overview
The global context of microfinance
The institutional Basis - Basic theory; how is it supposed to work, and how does it work?
Microfinance products - product diversification. The 'customer centred approach; competition and linkage with commercial banking
Microinsurance - Causes of failure in insurance markets; microfinance models and their history
Microfinance Regulation and Social Protection
Gender and microfinance - reasons for 'female bias' of microfinance
Microfinance and poverty
The macroeconomics of microfinance
Case studies from Asia, Africa and Latin America
Future of microfinance
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:
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
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures, discussion and independent learning
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
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Written assignment (inc essay) | 80% |
Oral assessment/presentation | 20% |
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.
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
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Yin-Fang Zhang | Unit coordinator |
Additional notes
Information
Programmes on which course unit is offered:
DF(core); DEP; PID
Timetable
Semester 2
Tuesdays, 14:00-16:00