Development Economics

The course is a 7.5-credit advanced course in economics within the first-cycle level.

The course can be part of the following programmes: 1) Bachelor's Programme in Business and Economics (S1EKA)

Admission to the course requires 45 credits completed in Economics from both basic- and intermediate level.

Prior knowledge corresponding to 7.5 credits in Econometrics or 15 credits in Statistics is recommended.

The overall objective of the course is to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of Development Economics. Development Economics deals with the economic transformation of developing economies. The course aims to give a broad understanding of the theories and methods used when analyzing economic issues in development contexts.

Examples of topics covered in Development Economics include the factors that are crucial for economic growth, such as the causes of poverty, population growth, the consequences of trade liberalization, etc. Additionally, the course will provide students with knowledge on how to use economic theory and methods to analyze economic problems.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

1. Describe and discuss economic theories used in development economics.

2. Describe and discuss empirical development economic literature.

3. Apply economic methods and theories to analyze topics dealt with in development economics.

4. Identify limitations of economic theories and methods used in development economics.

5. Critically assess scientific and popular science development economic texts.

The course content is primarily presented through lectures and group exercises. A significant part of the knowledge acquisition in the course is achieved through independent work by the student.

Language of instruction: English

All learning outcomes are assessed through compulsory seminars, a written individual assignment related to the first seminar, an oral group presentation at the second seminar, a written (group) report in the format of an advisory report to an NGO, and a final written exam. A student who fails to attend when attendance is mandatory will need to make up for this through a special written assignment.

If a student who has failed the same examined element on two occasions wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be submitted to the department in writing and granted unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6, Section 22 of the Higher Education Ordinance).

If a student has received a recommendation from the University of Gothenburg for study support for students with disabilities, the examiner may, where it is compatible with the learning outcomes of the course and provided that no unreasonable resources are required, decide to allow the student to sit an adjusted exam or alternative form of assessment.

In the event that a course has ceased or undergone major changes, students are to be guaranteed at least three examination sessions (including the ordinary examination session) over a period of at least one year, though at most two years after the course has ceased/been changed. The same applies to work experience and VFU, although this is restricted to just one additional examination session.

If a student has been informed that they meet the requirements to be a student at the National Sports University (RIU student), the examiner has the right to decide on adjustments during examinations, provided this is done in accordance with the Local Regulations for RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E) and Fail (F).

Course evaluation is done digitally and anonymously at the end of the course.

The survey material is compiled and the results from the course evaluation and proposals for possible improvement measures are discussed at the course committee meeting. After the course evaluation is completed, the results will be published at the course homepage.

If changes to the course are made based on the course evaluation, this will be communicated at the course introduction for the upcoming student group.

Limitations: The course may not be included in the same degree as the sub-course "Development Economics,7.5 credits", which is part of NEG300 and NE0300, as well as HNE495.