MSc Global Development (Politics, Governance and Development Policy) / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Economics of Governance and Development

Course unit fact file
Unit code MGDI72152
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 Global Development Institute
Available as a free choice unit? Yes

Overview

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.

Aims

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.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures and tutorials.

Knowledge and understanding

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

Intellectual skills

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

Practical skills

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

Transferable skills and personal qualities

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

 

Employability skills

Analytical skills
Research
Develop research and analytical skills as a professional economist.

Assessment methods

Method Weight
Written exam 20%
Written assignment (inc essay) 80%

Feedback methods

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

Recommended reading

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.

 

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Assessment written exam 2
Lectures 20
Tutorials 6
Independent study hours
Independent study 122

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Antonio Savoia Unit coordinator

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