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The Economics of Less Developed Countries A

Module Code: ECU33041

Module Title: Economics of Less Developed Countries A

  • ECTS Weighting: 5
  • Semester/Term Taught: Semester 1
  • Contact Hours: 22 hours of lectures and 4 hours of tutorials
  • Module Personnel: Lecturer - Professor Michael King

*Please note that this outline has not been finalised and is subject to change.

Module Learning Aims

Building on the classic models of economic development covered in the first module, this module uses contemporary models of economic development to investigate why some countries are rich and others are poor. The inherent challenges of development policymaking will be considered, before the success and failure of trade, finance and aid policies in less developed countries is examined. The central role of macro and micro institutions in economic development is then considered in detail. The module concludes with a discussion of the key challenge of environmental sustainability.

Module Content

  • Contemporary Theories of Economic Development
  • Policymaking: What Role for the State in development?
  • Trade: Engine of growth or obstacle to development?
  • Domestic and International Finance: Opportunities and instability
  • Aid: Does it work?
  • The Role of Institutions in Development
  • Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability

Recommended Reading List

Michael Todaro and Stephen C. Smith, Economic Development, (12th edn.), Addison Wesley Longman, 2014.

Assessment Details

15% Group Presentation
35% Essay Assignment
50% Final Examination

Module Website

Blackboard