Development Economics
Code
2176
Teacher in charge
Pedro C. Vicente
Teaching language
Objectives
This course will give students an overview of current research on development economics. Both theory and empirics will be tackled, with a strong applied focus. In the process it will introduce the main evaluation methods used in impact measurement of development interventions. The course also aims to offer basic research skills, as it will give the student the perspective of a researcher in this field.
Prerequisites
Subject matter
Bibliography
Teaching method
There will be two classes of 1 hour and 20 minutes per week, based partly on slides and blackboard notes. For each topic, a general overview of the theoretical and empirical issues will be given, and some examples taken from recent research will be studied in greater detail. The participation of students will be strongly encouraged to foster discussion. Individual written work will encourage students to gain research skills.
Evaluation method
Presentation of a research paper (20% of the grade): To be done in groups of 2/3 (depending on class size) for the duration of approximately 30 minutes (20 minutes presentation, 10 minutes discussion). Each group will prepare slides that will then be posted on the class website. The presentation should:
(i) Provide motivation to the research question and highlight the main results;
(ii) Produce a clear and organized presentation of theory and evidence (if applicable);
(iii) Be critical of the results, (iv) provide appropriate responses to questions from the class.
Writing two proposals for research designs (30% of the grade): To be done individually. Each student will prepare two 5‐page (IGNORE size 12pp) research proposals. Each one should include:
(i)Research question;
(ii)Motivation relating to literature, including theory (if applicable);
(iii)Empirical method used (e.g. field experiment, lab experiment, natural experiment, instrumental variables);
(iv)Details of measurement namely main outcome variables. Importance of research question, appropriate choice of method and feasibility of the project will be important criteria in assessing the research proposals.
Please send me (by email) the first research proposal by October 27 and the second by December 13.
Participation in class (10% of the grade): All students are required to read the papers in advance, and to comment on the presentations and topics during class. Final exam (40% of the grade).