Economics of development

Course objectives

The aim of the course is to introduce the students with a basic knowledge of economics to the analysis of development processes. The course intends to provides the students with the theoretical and analytical tools to explore the development and underdevelopment processes. A major aim is also the development of a historical and economic perspective to the analysis of development and underdevelopment. Successful students will have a basic knowledge: i) on the basic theoretical tools for the analysis of development and under-development; ii) on the trajectories of change and growth of developing and emerging countries; iii) on the major issues related to economic development and social change.

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MICHELE DI MAIO Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
Introduction to development economics Development economics: Concepts and definitions Measuring development Structural characteristics of developing countries Theories of growth and development Poverty: measurement and stylized facts Economic growth and inequality Demography and economic development Education and economic development International trade and economic development Economics of conflict
Prerequisites
Basic knoweledge of micreconomics, macroeconomics, and statistics
Books
Suggested textbooks: 1) Franco Volpi (2007). Lezioni di Economia dello Sviluppo (2nd edition). Franco Angeli, Milano, 2) Michael P. Todaro and Stephen C. Smith (2014). Economic Development (12nd edition). Pearson (Harrow, UK). Parts 1, 2 e 3
Teaching mode
The course is organized in 24 lectures of two hours each
Frequency
In person.
Exam mode
The assessment of the students' preparation will be done based on a written exam. The exam will last 75 minutes and will consist in both open questions and exercises. There will not be mid-term exams.
Lesson mode
The course is organized in 24 lectures of two hours each
  • Lesson code98422
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseEconomics and Finance
  • CurriculumEconomia e cooperazione internazionale
  • Year3rd year
  • Semester1st semester
  • SSDSECS-P/01
  • CFU9