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Political Economy of Development (368-0-20)

Instructors

Daniel Encinas Zevallos

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-339: Mon, Wed 5:00PM - 6:20PM

Overview of class

Why are some countries rich and others poor? This course explores key factors that shape the development trajectory of nations, drawing on work from political science, economics, and sociology. We will examine various aspects of development, including but not limited to economic growth. A primary focus of the course is how political institutions influence development outcomes. Topics covered include the relationship between democracy and development, the role of the state, consequences of natural resources and corruption, and the impact of foreign aid. Lectures and readings will include examples from various countries around the world. We will also explore such conceptual areas as gender, the environment, ethnicity, and war and examine how they apply to developing countries and their development processes. To make these concepts more tangible, we will draw examples from several cases including China, Brazil, Mexico, Sierra Leone and Malaysia. It is the goal of this course that, by the end, we are able to think critically and creatively about the reasons for and ways out of underdevelopment.

Registration Requirements

Recommended prerequisite class: Introduction to International Relations (Poli Sci 240)
Attendance at first class required

Learning Objectives

  • Distinguish between key concepts and measurements of development.
  • Compare patterns of major development outcomes from a historical and comparative perspective, analyzing structural transformations and regional disparities.
  • Critically evaluate competing theoretical perspectives that explain the major causes of development across time and space, considering institutional legacies, economic structures, and geopolitical factors.
  • Design an academic project that integrates concepts, theoretical frameworks, and methodological approaches to address a major research question on contemporary development issues.

Teaching Method

Lecture, group work, and discussion section

Evaluation Method

Attendance and participation:20%
Midterm Exam: 30%
Milestones for Final Paper: 15%
Final Paper: 35%

Class Materials (Required)

None

Class Notes

This course adopts a global comparative perspective

Class Attributes

Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area