31E16000 - Development Economics II, Lecture, 24.2.2025-9.4.2025

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 learning outcomes of this course are to help students (i) become conversant with a number of active research areas in development economics and empirical approaches they use; (ii) be able to apply economics principles and research findings to (select) public policy issues facing developing countries today; and (iii) sharpen their academic writing skills in economics.

Credits: 6

Schedule: 24.02.2025 - 09.04.2025

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Ritva Reinikka

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:

    This course builds on the course Development Economics I, although the latter is not a requirement for attending this course. The course focuses primarily on (i) empirical analysis in development economics, and (ii) how such analysis/research can be applied to real-life policy questions facing developing countries. We will study economic behaviour under different types of market and government failures. We will cover several active research fields in development economics, including public economics of health care, taxation, corruption, education, and agriculture. The course will also delve into current debates regarding empirical methods in development economics.

Assessment Methods and Criteria

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    A final exam based on the lectures plus required readings (50% of the grade).

    A group assignment (2-4 students) consisting of a presentation of about 15 min. uring the last week of the course. We will focus these group assignments on the current debates on empirical methods/approaches in development economics (10% of the grade).

    A term paper/ an essay based on literature (40% of the grade)

Workload

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Lectures, group work assignment and presentation, essay/term paper and independent study, Exam

DETAILS

Study Material

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Specific book chapters and journal articles will be announced to course participants when the course is active (Reading List).

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    8 Decent Work and Economic Growth

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Language: English

    Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Spring IV
    2025-2026 Spring IV

Rules of Conduct - Students´ Rights and Responsibilities (in force from 1 August 2020)

Aalto University Code of Academic Integrity and Handling Violations Thereof