course-details-portlet

SØK8637

Advanced Development Economics

New from the academic year 2025/2026

Credits 5
Level Doctoral degree level
Course start Autumn 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim

About

About the course

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
  • aboutt 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

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 not taught every semester. Check courses that are taught at https://www.ntnu.no/econ/valgfrie-masteremner.

Further on evaluation

Compulsory activity must be completed in the semester the course is taught. The approval also applies to later semesters.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Economics (MSØK)
Economics (MSØK/5)
Economics and Management (PHOL)

Required previous knowledge

None

Course materials

Announced at the beginning of the term.

Subject areas

  • Economics
  • Social Sciences

Contact information

Course coordinator

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Economics

Examination

Examination