Development Economics: Policies and Empirical Techniques

Within this course you will cover key topics in development economics, in particular poverty, social protection, human capital, access to financial services, and income generating activities (labor, entrepreneurship, agriculture). In analyzing these topics, you will apply a variety of micro-economic theoretical tools and empirical methods using real-world case studies taken from around the developing world. We will consider what policies work to improve the well-being of vulnerable populations. To do so, we will cover the current state of research applying micro-econometric techniques to evaluate the effects of policy interventions in areas ranging from education to social assistance, from agricultural technology adoption to access to credit and micro-enterprise growth

• Understand key policy issues and current research in development economics
• Analyze and evaluate policy options to address challenges in developing countries
• Apply empirical and econometric tools to assess public policy impacts
• Use microeconomic models to understand economic problems in developing contexts

• No deep prior experience required, basic computer and internet skills helpful
• Ability to read course instructions in English and complete short practice activities