Economic Development in Africa (327-0-20)

Instructors

Christopher R Udry

Meeting Info

Technological Institute L160: Mon, Wed, Fri 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

This course will examine the central issues of development economics with a geographical focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. Our methodological approach will be to use primary data and rigorous empirical methods to examine patterns of economic activity and to evaluate the effectiveness of development policies and programs. The class will be organized around weekly presentations of student research on 8 key questions of development in Africa. This year, the focus of our work will be on Ghana.

Registration Requirements

ECON 281-0, ECON 310-1, ECON 310-2

Teaching Method

Each week, you will be paired (randomly) with two other students. Using primary data provided to you, every week each trio will investigate a specific question (e.g., what is the relationship between child health and poverty in Ghana?) and write a short report of your results. In addition to the report, each trio will submit a 3-10 slide presentation deck in case you are called upon to present your results. In typical weeks: Tuesday will be devoted partly to student presentations of the previous week's findings, and partly to an introduction of the next assignment. Thursday will begin with a discussion of the reading for the week, and then you will begin work with your partners on the current assignment.

Evaluation Method

Evaluation will be based on the 8 research reports. Each paper will count for 10% of the grade. Class participation will count for 20%.

Class Materials (Required)

The data analysis will require the use of Stata.

Class Attributes

SDG Responsible Consumption

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-requisite: Students must have taken ECON 310-1 or MMSS 211-1 and ECON 281 or ECON 381-1 or MATH 386-1 or IEMS 304 or STAT 350 to successfully enroll in this course.