Course Number HS 304

Course Credit 3-0-0-6

Course Title Development Economics and Policy
Learning Mode Offline
Learning Objectives 1. To systematically and comprehensively understand how
concepts related to economic development, industrialization,
structural change and growth can account for inequality and
poverty.

2. To understand how modern theoretical methods can be used to

study institutional transformation and growth of nations.

3. To use economic models to understand how the old and new

theories of causal relationships in development economics
shape growth and development of nations.
Course Description As a field of study, Development Economics has both a long history and
a rapidly expanding set of issues that is considered to be within its
domain today. The Foundation of Development Economics will provide
a long-term perspective to the field, covering topics such as the
meaning of development, the measurement of poverty and inequality,
economic growth, structural transformation, industrialisation,
institutions and trade. Students will be exposed to classical texts to gain
an understanding of how the economic approach to these topics have
evolved over time; as well as debates and theories on modern
economic approaches to empirical analysis in the study of Development
Economics.
Course Outline 1. The distinction between Growth and development
2. The Neo-classical Model and Convergence of Income
3. Coordination and Persistent Poverty
4. Credit, Inequality in the Divergence of Incomes
5. Health and Nutrition
6. The Role of Institutions in Development
7. Political Economy and Corruption
8. Property Rights and Investment Incentives
9. Informal Economy and Development barriers
10. International Aid and Economic Growth
11. Microfinance
12. Land Redistribution
13. Social Networks and Social Capital
14. Role of Regulation in Development
Learning Outcome 1. Articulate informed opinions on advanced topics and build
convincing argumentation on controversial matters of economic
policy.

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 2. Solve complex analytical problems through the use of the
different models studied within the curriculum
3. Link different and contradictory theories and identify their
strengths and shortcomings describing complex socio-economic
phenomena.
Assessment Method Problem sets,
Presentations,
Quizes
Mid/End term
Note: Font type – Calibri, Font size - 12

Suggested Readings:

1. Banerjee, A. & E. Duflo, (2012), Poor Economics,Public Affairs

2. Bardhan, Pranab and Christopher Udry. (1999), Development Microeconomics. Oxford
University Press.
3. Janvry, A. and E. Sadoulet (2015), Development Economics: Theory and Practice.
4. Meier, G., and J. Stiglitz, (2001), eds. Frontiers in Development Economics: The future in
perspective. World Bank group.
5. Ray, Debraj, (1998), Development Economics, OUP
6. Sen, Amartya, (2000), Development as Freedom, OUP

Readings will also include recent research papers on each topic will be made available to class.

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