Contemporary Issues in Developing Countries University of Tsukuba
Course Overview
The goal of this course is to understand contemporary and important economic and social issues in developing countries. We also analyze statistical data related to the topics.
Learning Achievement
1. To understand the contemporary and important economic and social issues in developing countries by reading non-technical journal articles and book chapters.2. To be familiarized with data analyses by using statistical software (STATA).3. To understand the importance of empirical evidence in designing policies and understanding issues in developing countries."
Competence
1. General-propose competence: communicative ability, critical and creative thinking skills, data and information literacy.2. Special competence: understanding international development, analytical skills on international development, ability of logical expression on international development.
Course prerequisites
Introductory Microeconomics, Introductory Statistics, and Introductory Econometric are not prerequisite but strongly recommended as background knowledge.
Grading Philosophy
Midterm 50%, Final (or term paper): 50%.
Course schedule
In each session, handouts and the information on reading materials (e.g. book chapters, journal articles) will be provided. Reading these materials are highly recommended.What is development economicsAgriculture developmentEconomic development: OverviewPractical training by using STATA (1)PovertyStatistical review I (mean, variance, correlation)Statistical review II (regression, statistical inference)Statistical review III (hypothesis testing)InequalityStatistical review III (hypothesis testing) cont.Practical training by using STATA (2)Foreign AidPractical training by using STATA (3)Foreign Aid (2)How to write an empirical paperAgricultureAgricultureIndustrializationEducationHealth* Please note that the topics to be covered are subject to change.
Course type
Lectures
Online Course Requirement
Instructor
Nakano Yuko
Other information
Development Economics and Introductory Econometrics would be helpful but not mandatory.
Site for Inquiry
Link to the syllabus provided by the university