Department of Economics & International Development, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
EC50124 Development & transition (microeconomic issues) |
Credits: 6 |
Level: Masters |
Semester: 1 |
Assessment: EX 100% |
Requisites: |
Aims: To create an awareness of required microeconomic changes to transform an administrative to market economy, by a study of some of the key required microeconomic changes. To create a deep understanding of several key research and policy areas of development microeconomics.
Learning Outcomes: * To be able to critically appraise the theoretical models and empirical methods applied in (micro) Transition Economics; * To have sufficient skills to critically appraise policy instruments and recommendations; * To critically appraise several key areas of constraint to microeconomic development in low and middle income countries. Skills: Ability to develop rigorous arguments through precise use of concepts and mathematical models (Taught/Facilitated/Assessed) Ability to select, summarise and synthesis written information from multiple sources (T/F/A) Ability to select and use appropriate ideas to produce a coherent response to a pre-set question (T/F/A) Comprehensive and scholarly written communication (T/F/A) Concise and effective written communication (e.g. briefings / written exams) (T/F/A) Effective oral communication (e.g. lecture question and answer) (F) Ability to apply theory to policy areas (T/F/A). Content: Review key theories of economic development including, household economics, race and gender, inter-linkage, human capital and income distribution, poverty measurement, labour markets, and dual economy models, Privatisation and restructuring of firms; reforming state enterprises; legal issues; firm genesis; financial markets; virtual and hidden economies; the market for land; tax-benefit systems and the labour market. |