Course content

The course provides an introduction to the causes of economic underdevelopment and the conditions for economic development. The main features of economic underdevelopment are illustrated with empirical material. The course provides an overview of various theories of economic growth, and further considers topics like income distribution, measurement of poverty, interaction between traditional and modern sector, international trade and development aid.

Learning outcome

Knowledge
You learn
- how to measure standards of living, extent of poverty and degree of inequality
- different theories of growth and development, including models emphasizing the role of human capital, international trade and rural-urban migration
- about factors affecting productivity in agriculture and industry
- about the role of foreign aid in economic development

Skills
You should be able to
- compare and evaluate different measures of living standards, poverty and inequality
- apply analytical and graphical models to analyze development issues and assess how economic policies can affect economic development
- use empirical evidence on the motivation behind aid allocation and the growth effects of aid to evaluate the role of foreign aid in economic development

General competence
You should be able to
- follow economic reasoning related to the course in the public debate and professional reports

Learning methods and activities

2 hours of lectures every week and 2 hours of practical assignment every other week. Compulsory activity: 1 approved term paper that can be written as a joint project by up to four students.

Compulsory assignments

• One approved term paper.

Recommended previous knowledge

SØK1000, SØK1001, SØK1002, SØK1011 and SØK1012

Required previous knowledge

None

Course materials

Announced at the beginning of the term.

Credit reductions