This course introduces students to the study of microeconomic aspects of economic development, with a particular focus on households. The goal is to familiarize students with key research questions and methods in development economics. Emphasis is placed on empirical results and methodologies, requiring a solid understanding of cross-section econometrics.

The course covers both foundational and topical aspects of economic development:

• Foundational

  • Theories of comparative development
  • Surveys and the measurement of poverty and inequality
  • Causal inference

• Topical (the provided list are a starting point, *-topics may be added upon request, and dropped to ensure feasibility)

  • Poverty and poverty traps
  • Aid and cash transfers
  • Credit markets and microfinance
  • The personell economics of the (developing) state
  • Public econics in poor countries
  • Social networks
  • * Gender
  • * Democracy and political accountability
  • * Education
  • * Climate change and health
  • * Environment

The course involves (~weekly) reading assignments of papers.

The applied part of the course emphasizes the use of data to analyze questions related to economic development, particularly through micro-level data from household surveys. Students will gain:

• An understanding of fundamental empirical facts about economic development.
• Insights into survey data collection (questionnaires, sampling, etc.), with a focus on household-level microdata.
• Knowledge of difficulties in identifying causal effects and methods to address them (e.g., randomized controlled trials).

Classroom attendance is mandatory, as active participation is essential for mastering the material and engaging with the course content.

Up to three absences will be tolerated, but students are expected to independently review and catch up on any material covered during missed sessions. While attendance is mandatory, I do not record attendance except on assessment days.

Absences on assessment days are excused only with a doctor’s note that specifies the exact date and confirms you were unfit to attend; no further medical details are required. Please do not share those.

The course assessment is based on three components:

• Participation: 10%
• Assignments: 40%
• Final exam: 50%
  

   

Each component must be passed independently. The final grade will be determined by the weighted average of the three scores, based on the following grade scale:

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The course readings are paper-based.