This course analyses the main theories and concepts which seek to explain economic development or its absence. It critically evaluates different measures and models of economic growth and development such as the Solow model, the endogenous growth, the Lewis dual economy model, population, migration, openness and institutions from both theoretical and empirical perspectives. A lot of insightful examples will be drawn from China, one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

A 2-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks, five 1-hour tutorials.

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ILO (covered)

This course aims to promote the understanding of how the economies evolve from less developed to developed status by critically analysing the main theories and empirical evidence of economic growth and development. The course will also provide an analytical framework for evaluating strategies of growth and development, including an assessment of how investment, human capital, structural change, openness and institutions may contribute to these. Course objectives are interdependent and a high premium is placed on a critical approach to the models considered and an understanding of their empirical basis.

The Intended learning outcomes of this course are to:

■ Assess how the economies evolve from less developed to developed status from both theoretical and empirical perspectives;

■ Implement an analytical framework for evaluating development and growth strategies for developing countries;

■ Select and apply the economic knowledge needed to critically evaluate the literature in economic growth and development;

■ Critically analyse some of the main issues current in development economics.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.