Development Economics

Module description

This module aims at providing a fairly rigorous and mathematical introduction to Development Economics.  Approximately half the module is on growth models and half is on selected topics in Micro Development theory such as credit and microfinance, gender and development, trade/environment and development. 

Assessment details

2-hour in-person exam (90%), Attendance and Participation in seminars (10%).

SEM1-only students will be given an appropriate alternative assessment for In person January exams.

Educational aims & objectives

- To develop students' knowledge of the key microeconomic issues facing developing economies. - To deepen students' familiarity with modern analytical and empirical approaches to development economics with an emphasis on the most recent advances in the field.

Learning outcomes

Successful students will be able to demonstrate: - A systematic knowledge of the key issues facing developing countries. - Advanced knowledge of the main theoretical approaches to growth, poverty traps, knowledge of how markets function in developing countries. - Advanced knowledge of historical approaches to development emphasising institutions. - Advanced knowledge of political economy issues particular to developing countries.

Teaching pattern

Provisional Lecture Schedule

Lecture 1: Overview, Leading development indicators, measuring GDP, relationships between per capita income and other development indicators.

Lecture 2: Growth Theories (based on factor accumulation)

Lecture 3: Solow model with technical progress and the convergence debate.

Lecture 4: Institutions vs Geography to explain growth.

Lecture 5: Structural Change models: the Lewis model and the Harris Todaro model.

Lecture 6: Growth and inequality.

Lecture 7: Credit markets in developing countries:

Lecture 8: Microfinance: Theory and Practice.

Lecture 9-10: Behavioural Development Economics.

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.