Course content

The course introduces students to cutting-edge research in a number of subthemes within development economics. The course covers six overarching themes: (1) Randomized Control Trials and Impact Evaluation; (2) Behavioral Development Economics and the Psychology of Poverty; (3) Development and Migration; (4) Political Economy of Development; (5) The Economics of Culture; (6) Natural Resources, Climate, and Conflict. To study these topics, we use a combination of teaching and learning activities, including introductory readings, practical exercises, and independent research.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

You learn

• Methodological tools used in development economics research

• Theoretical and empirical developments in the field

• About research in development economics

Skills

You should be able to

• Critically engage with research and debates in the field

• Evaluate the ethical considerations involved in development research

• Apply theoretical models to real-world economic issues in developing countries

• Design and implement research projects in development economics

• Basic proficiency in R

• Clearly communicate the intuition behind theories, methodologies, and recent advances in development economics

General competence

You should be able to

• Engage with different literatures that are relevant to the field and synthesize their insights

• Contribute meaningfully to collaborative projects
• Use the content of the course in your own academic work such as your master thesis 

Learning methods and activities

2 hours of lectures every week. The course has compulsory activities. Specific requirements will be announced at the beginning of the term. The term papers can be written as a joint project. The course is an optional master's course and is not taught every semester. Check courses that are taught at https://www.ntnu.no/econ/valgfrie-masteremner. Students enrolled in ISØ's master programs can take the course any semester. Contact the department (kontakt@econ.ntnu.no) to get access to learning resources.

Compulsory assignments

• Mandatory activity

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Bachelor's degree in Economics

Required previous knowledge

None

Course materials

Announced at the beginning of the term.

Credit reductions