Course 2017-2018 a.y.

Go to class group/s: 31 - 32

CLMG (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - M (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - IM (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - MM (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - AFC (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - CLEFIN-FINANCE (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - CLELI (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - ACME (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - DES-ESS (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - EMIT (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - GIO (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01)

Course Director:
ELIANA LA FERRARA

Course Objectives

The purpose of this course is to provide students with analytical and empirical tools that enable them to understand the functioning of markets and institutions in Developing Countries. The methodological approach emphasizes the role of information and incentives in examining from a microeconomic point of view how developing countries cope with market imperfections. We analyze in depth the informal sector and the emergence of social norms that can be interpreted as a rational response to the economic environment.
Particular emphasis is placed on the evaluation of the effectiveness of education, health, agriculture and microcredit policies as well as governance reforms. In this context, we introduce the empirical approach of program evaluation and we illustrate how this approach can be applied using micro level data.

For each topic, recent theoretical contributions are proposed and compared to existing empirical evidence, in order to train the student to develop a research process that goes from the formulation to the test of hypotheses.
The last part of the course examines the historical origins of differences in economic development, showing how culture and institutions serve as channels through which history affects present day development. This part draws on literature not only from economics, but from history, anthropology, and psychology.

Course Content Summary

Detailed Description of Assessment Methods

The final written exam consists of analytical exercises and discussion of empirical results.

Textbooks

The reading list and lecture notes are provided at the beginning of the course.

Exam textbooks & Online Articles (check availability at the Library)

Prerequisites

Last change 19/05/2017 09:37