11483 - Development Economics

Learning outcomes

The course aims to present a comparative analysis of the dynamics and stages of contemporary economic development in the various areas of the world. After completing the course, the student:

- knows the historical phases of world economic development, the main international organizations working in the field of development, the major issues in economic and international development;

- has the key concepts for the understanding of economy contemporary: industrialization, development and underdevelopment, colonialism, globalization, development issues; the role of the state and the transition; Environment and modern economic development

- is able to read and understand graphical representations of the main economic models - is able to assess and manage issues relating to development policies and governance.

Course contents

This is an introductory course to economic development, with particular focus on developing countries.
The course is divided into four thematic areas, which are summarized here.

1. What is and what development economics is about. The concepts of development and underdevelopment and the approaches to development in economic theories.

2. Modern theories of economic development and growth.

1. the historic approach and the theory of linear stages of Rostow
2. The theory of development of W.A. Lewis and its variants
3. the theory and Harrod Domar
4. the neoclassical theory and the growth pattern of R. Solow
5. Schumpeter and growth theories "endogenous"

3. The historical phases of economic development in the long run and the modern capitalist development.

1. Economic epochs of A. Maddison
2. The economic history of the world G. Clark
3. Phases of capitalist development

4. The contemporary economic development: colonialism, decolonization and globalization.

1. First and second colonialism
2. Independence and decolonization
3. Legacy of colonialism and underdevelopment
4. Emerging economies, globalization and neocolonialism

Readings/Bibliography

All material, articles and texts will be available on-line.

There are no mandatory text-books.

Teaching methods

1. Lectures
2. On-line materials, including lecture slides

Assessment methods

A written exam, with 4 to 6 essay questions

Teaching tools

Video projector and a computer connected with internet.

Office hours

See the website of Pier Giorgio Ardeni