Course Overview

The heterogeneity of African economies is stressed and students are expected to focus their written work (i.e., the seminar paper) on particular countries, sectors, and issues. The course also emphasizes the importance of a detailed grasp of economic history as a basis for critically assessing generalized debates on the determinants of recent economic performance. The Lecture and the seminar intend to explain the reasons for the continued widespread poverty throughout the continent. Topics covered include, among others, human capital, geography and health, trade and foreign direct investment, HIV/AIDS, institutions and governance, ethnic and linguistic divisions, and conflicts.

Learning Achievement

Qualification targets: The aim of this course is to increase the capacity of students to use their knowledge of economic theory and development economics in rigorous analysis of a subset of the critical issues facing policy makers in sub-Saharan Africa. The focus is on sectoral and microeconomic, as well as macroeconomic issues in Africa. Imparted soft skills: Analytical thinking, Independent studying and learning, Literature research and documentation, Presentation of scientific results, Presentation techniques/language competencies, Team work and capacity for team work, Critical thinking

Competence

Qualification targets: The aim of this course is to increase the capacity of students to use their knowledge of economic theory and development economics in rigorous analysis of a subset of the critical issues facing policy makers in sub-Saharan Africa. The focus is on sectoral and microeconomic, as well as macroeconomic issues in Africa.

Course prerequisites

Good knowledge of “Econometrics”, “Microeconometrics” or “Econometric Evaluation of Economic Policies”; knowledge of “Growth and Development Economics” is helpful.

Grading Philosophy

50 % Written exam (90 min); 25 % Term paper (12-15 pages); 25 % Presentation (20-40 min)

Course schedule

Week1: Introduction
Week 2: followed by Week 3 to the Final Week

Course type

Tutorium

Online Course Requirement

communication platform: moodle

Instructor

Prof. Dr. Matthias Busse

Other information

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