11483 - Development Economics

Learning outcomes

The course is taught in Italian. It presents the dynamics and stages of contemporary economic development in the various areas of the world:1) how the world economy has come about; 2) the lasting importance of colonialism; 3) the development of capitalism; 4) the post-colonial experience; 5) how economic models have shaped economic policy and processes; 6) the current international economic order

After completing the course, the student:

- knows the historical phases of world economic development, the main international organizations working in the field of development, the major issues in economic and international development;

- has the key concepts for the understanding of economy contemporary: industrialization, development and underdevelopment, colonialism, globalization, development issues; the role of the state and the transition; Environment and modern economic development

- is able to read and understand graphical representations of the main economic models - is able to assess and manage issues relating to development policies and governance.

Course contents

This is an introductory course to the economics of development, with particular focus on developing countries.
The course is divided into various thematic areas, which are summarized here.

1. The historical phases of economic development in the long run and the modern capitalist development.

1. Economic epochs of A. Maddison
2. The economic history of the world G. Clark
3. Phases of capitalist development

2. How economic development unfolded: first and second colonialism

3. How development economics theories shaped economic development  

1. Modernization and the linear-stages theory of W.W. Rostow
2. The Harrod-Domar growth model and its application to economic development policies
3. The theory of development of W.A. Lewis and its variants
4. Balanced vs unbalanced growth
5. The Solow-Swan neoclassical growth model
6. Schumpeter and the "endogenous" growth models

4. Independence and decolonization

1. Legacy of colonialism and underdevelopment
2. Emerging economies, globalization and neocolonialism

5. The new international economic order

Readings/Bibliography

All material, articles and texts will be available on-line.

There are no mandatory text-books.

Teaching methods

1. Lectures
2. On-line materials, including lecture slides

Assessment methods

A written exam, with 4 to 6 essay questions

Teaching tools

Video projector and a computer connected with internet.

Office hours

See the website of Pier Giorgio Ardeni