MSc Global Development (Politics, Governance and Development Policy)

This course provides an advanced treatment of recent controversies and progress on the role of governance and institutions in raising standards of living in the world.  The analysis draws on cutting-edge economic theory and empirical evidence, emphasising the importance of political economy factors to understand the functioning of states and markets and their systemic effects on the process of economic development.  Emphasis is also placed on the importance of carefully using empirical evidence to inform policy discussions.

This course seeks to provide an advanced treatment of recent theories, policy issues, controversies and progress on the role of governance and institutions in raising standards of living in the developing world. The analysis draws on cutting-edge economic theory, without neglecting history, and emphasises the importance of political economy factors to understand the functioning of states and markets in developing countries and their systemic effects on the process of economic development. Emphasis is also placed on the importance of carefully using empirical evidence to inform policy discussions.

Lectures and tutorials.

• Understanding cutting-edge economic theory and empirical evidence, and apply it to policy issues concerning economic development. 

• Present and defend an advanced economic argument in a clear and succinct manner.
• Achieve or maintain high standards of grammar and logical thinking.

• Be able to critically interpret and debate current issues.
• Develop a professional economist’s understanding of key controversies

• Demonstrate knowledge of a wide variety of statistical sources and policy issues concerning the process of economic development.

Feedback will be provided in written form via Blackboard and through class interactions.

Readings include mainly journal articles. The following references provide an introduction to this area:

• Baland J.-M., Moene K.-O. and Robinson J.A. (2009) “Governance and Development”, in Rodrik D. and Rosenzweig M. (eds.) Handbook of Development Economics, Amsterdam: North Holland.