INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS AND DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

The course is among the interdisciplinary ones of the Bachelor's Degree Programme in Philosophy, International and Economic Studies. Its aim is to introduce students to some of the main topics in development economics by adopting an international perspective and providing them with the basic theoretical and empirical tools to understand the pattern and determinants of economic development. In particular, the course covers the following topics: meaning and measurement of economic development; poverty and income distribution; fertility and population growth; growth theories; structural change; other determinants of development: institutions, geography, culture; education in developing countries.

1. Knowledge and understanding:
1.1 Understanding the multidimensional nature of economic development
1.2 Understanding the main empirical indicators used to describe economic development
1.3 Understanding the main factors that can affect economic development, their empirical characterization, their theoretical modelling and their interconnections

2. Ability to apply knowledge:
2.1 Using economic models to identify the channels which policies can affect development through
2.2 Using economic models to identify the effects of policies on development

3. Making judgements:
3.1 Assessing the effects that a policy can have on economic development and the channels producing these effects
3.2 Understanding the current debate on development economics and critically assessing the advantages and the limits of the models studied

Familiarity with the contents of the course in Introduction to Economics is extremely recommended.

1) The development gap
2) The dynamic of poverty and inequality
3) Population growth and the economic determinants of fertility
4) Economic growth: the Solow model of economic growth and elements of endogenous growth theories
5) Structural change
6) Other drivers of growth and development: institutions, geography, culture

Gerard Roland, "Development Economics", Routledge, 2014.

Assessment consists in a written exam consisting of a set of questions and exercises on theoretical aspects or numerical applications of the topics in the course programme. The use of books, notes and electronic devices (with the only exception of a calculator) is not allowed during the examination.

Regarding the grading, the exam will be marked on a scale ranging from 0 to 30. The minimum passing grade is 18. Honors ("lode") will be granted only for exceptional capacity of judgment and excellent knowledge of the topics under evaluation.

written

30L (30 cum laude): Excellent ability to go beyond topics covered in lectures and textbooks, critical ability in prioritizing information; excellent use of technical terminology.
28-30: Mastery of the topics covered in lectures and textbooks; ability to prioritize information; use of appropriate technical terminology.
26-27: Good knowledge of the topics covered in lectures and, to a lesser extent, in textbooks; fair ability to organize information and present it; familiarity with technical terminology.
24-25: Knowledge not always in-depth of the topics covered in lectures and textbooks; ordered presentation but with not always correct use of technical terminology.
22-23: Often superficial knowledge of the topics covered in lectures and textbooks; unclear presentation and lacking in technical terminology.
18-21: Sometimes incomplete knowledge of the topics covered in lectures and textbooks; confused presentation, with limited use of technical terminology.

The course consists of:
- Lectures;
- Individual study.

All the teaching material made available to students will be uploaded on the Moodle page of the course.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Poverty and inequalities" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development