EC4419 Development Economics

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

20

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

When confirmed, check online https://timetables.st-andrews.ac.uk/.

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module Staff

To be confirmed

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module explores the microeconomic foundations of development economics. We will discuss topics such as poverty traps, labor markets, human capital, gender, public goods/service delivery and taxation, infrastructure, among others. In studying each of these topics, we will ask: what determines decision-making in low- and middle-income countries? What constraints do agents face? Is there scope to improve livelihoods through the actions of market participants, governments, international organisations (e.g. World Bank) and NGOs? What policies have been tried in different countries and how have they fared? This module places emphasis on developing analytical understanding of applied issues, while combining theory and empirical evidence. We will ultimately seek to draw useful policy conclusions.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

PERMISSION OF THE ECONOMICS HONOURS ADVISER

Assessment pattern

Written Exam = 60%, Coursework = 40%

Re-assessment

2-hour Written Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

20 hours of lectures over 11 weeks, 1-hour tutorials (x 5 weeks).

Scheduled learning hours

25

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

175

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Be familiar with economic approaches to development, both theoretical and empirical.
  • Be able to discuss policies aimed at unlocking development in low- and middle-income countries.
  • Appreciate and understand the evaluation of developmental policies and interventions.
  • Be familiar with key issues in contemporary development economics