Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course introduces students to central concepts in the study of developing countries and poverty. Students will:

  • Gain an overview of the field of development economics and major topics in policy and research within the field.
  • Practice the understanding and use of the most common statistical methods used in the empirical study of development economics, with a focus on causal inference.
  • Learn about ways to measure and define poverty, and the main explanations highlighted in the field of economics for differences in growth and income levels between rich and poor countries.

Credits: 6

Schedule: 13.09.2021 - 29.10.2021

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Miri Stryjan, Jerry Montonen

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The course will consist of classroom lectures and exercise sessions. It will cover topics such as:

    • How poverty is defined and measured
    • The livelihoods of the poor:
      • agriculture
      • small businesses
    • Credit and financial services
    • Health
    • Impact evaluation
    • Growth theories
    • Institutions

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Lectures, exercises, homework assignment, examination

Workload
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    • Lectures 24h
    • Exercises 12h
    • Independent study 121h
    • Exam 3h

DETAILS

Study Material
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    A reading list with selected book chapters and articles will be provided around one week before the start of the course.

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    8 Decent Work and Economic Growth

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Period:
    2020-2021 Autumn I
    2021-2022 Autumn II

    Course Homepage: https://mycourses.aalto.fi/course/search.php?search=31E15000

    Registration for Courses: In the academic year 2021-2022, registration for courses will take place on Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi) instead of WebOodi.