96425 - Institutional Economics, Democracy, Development

Learning outcomes

The course introduces the key topics and methods of Political Economics analysis and the theory of institutional change. By the end of the course, students are expected to have acquired the methodological foundations of positive analysis and to be able to conduct independent research in the field of political economy. They should also be capable of independently gathering the information necessary for a critical evaluation and analysis of issues related to the aggregation of conflicting individual preferences and institutional change.

Course contents

• Causality in social sciences
• Institutions, culture and economic development
  
• Democratization, development and inequality
  

Readings/Bibliography

References:

• Acemoglu D., and J. A. Robinson (2006) Economic Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy, Cambridge University Press
  
• Journal publications in English, of which a complete list will be made available on the course’s VIRTUALE platform prior to the beginning of classes.

Teaching methods

Class lectures where students' active involvement will be encouraged.

Assessment methods

• Final written exam.
• Students may refuse the grade only once.
• For more details on the exam, please see the syllabus posted on Virtuale.
• In the case of online exams envisaged by the University of Bologna, the final exam will be written rather than oral.
• The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is prohibited in all assessments. Any use of AI will be considered a violation of the University's academic integrity policy.
  

Grading:

<18 failed
18-23 sufficient
24-27 good
28-30 very good
30 e lode excellent

Teaching tools

Slides and teaching materials will be available after each lecture on the Virtuale platform.

Office hours

See the website of Massimiliano Gaetano Onorato