Bachelor
2025/2026
Development Economics
Type:
Elective course (International Programme in Economics and Finance)
Delivered by:
International College of Economics and Finance
When:
3 year, 3, 4 module
Open to:
students of one campus
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
4
Contact hours:
64
Course Syllabus
Abstract
Prerequisites: Microeconomics 1-2, Macroeconomics 1-2, Calculus, Econometrics 1. This course is aimed at bachelor students in economics. It discusses the key theoretical models and empirical applications to understand the heterogeneity in economic development across and within countries. The course topics include exogenous and endogenous growth models, demography and economic development, unified growth theory and the role of human capital, institutions and culture, the role of inequality, geographical factors and migration. Additionally, the course provides an overview of the modern empirical methods in estimating causal effects of policy interventions aimed to reduce poverty. The course is taught in English.
Learning Objectives
- Gaining a comprehensive understanding of various economic development theories and frameworks
- Developing skills to understand modern econometric tools in empirical studies of the causes of development and income heterogeneity
- Learning to evaluate policy decisions aimed at reducing and eliminating poverty
- Engaging in critical discussions about contemporary development challenges and solutions
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Knowledge of economic models suitable for analyzing economic development in the long run (neoclassical models and models of endogenous growth)
- Knowledge of contemporary development challenges and related policy debates
- Knowledge of modern quantitative methods (e.g., econometric methods)
- Skills to perform exploratory data analysis and hypothesis testing
- Skills to solve analytical problems (numerical tasks)
- Skills to navigate scientific literature (academic articles) and analyze it
- Presentation skills: preparing presentation slides and developing public debate skills
Course Contents
- Global economic development: brief overview of the developing world, major stylized facts about poverty
- Exogenous and endogenous models of economic growth
- Demography and growth
- Inequality and growth
- Migration and development
- The role of institutions in development
- Geography and development
- Which policy tools help in reducing poverty? Overview of the empirical methods in modern development economics
Assessment Elements
- In-class group projectGroups of 2-3, students will analyze a recent academic article related to a course topic. A list of approved topics and articles will be provided. You should prepare presentation slides with a summary of the paper's: research question; data sources; methodology; key results. During your presentation, you will receive feedback from your peers. Your group should provide a written response to this feedback.
- In-class quizzesAdministered both during lectures and seminars
- Final ExamIn order to get a passing grade for the course, the sudent must sit (all parts) of the examination.
- Home Assignments
Interim Assessment
- 2025/2026 4th module0.6 * Final Exam + 0.15 * Home Assignments + 0.2 * In-class group project + 0.05 * In-class quizzes
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Todaro, M. P. . (DE-588)120058022, (DE-576)163325057. (2006). Economic development / Michael P. Todaro; Stephen C. Smith. Harlow: Pearson Educational, Addison Wesley. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edswao&AN=edswao.120376784
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Handbook of economic growth. Vol.1A: ., , 2005
- Handbook of economic growth. Vol.1B: ., , 2005