DEC-90306 Macroeconomic and International Development Policy

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch and/or English

Assumed knowledge on:

ECH-20804 Macroeconomics and International Trade; DEC-20804 Agrarische en Rurale Ontwikkeling: Economische Perspectieven

Continuation courses:

DEC-30304 Central Themes in Development Economics; DEC-80316/80328 Thesis Development Economics

Contents:

The course focuses on processes of globalisation, trade liberalisation and macroeconomic reform in developing countries. The theories behind these policies are discussed, the roles played by international organisations (World Bank, IMF, WTO), as well as the consequences for economic growth, income distribution, poverty, and environmental quality. Special attention is paid to the agricultural sector (trade in agricultural commodities, rural incomes, food security, natural resource use). During the practicals, students will prepare some exercises and analyse available data (from the internet, CD-ROM) on international trade flows, macroeconomic development and policy indicators, and poverty and environmental indicators for various developing countries.

Aims:

- to obtain a thorough understanding of economic theories behind international trade liberalisation policies and macroeconomic policy reforms in developing countries;
- to obtain insights into the potential effects of globalisation and structural adjustment programmes on economic growth, income distribution, poverty, and environmental quality;
- to improve analytical capabilities with respect to recent empirical trends in globalisation processes, international trade flows, macroeconomic policy reforms, economic growth, poverty, and environmental quality change in developing countries.

Activities:

Lectures, exercises, assignments (data collection and analysis)

Examination:

Based on written exam, exercises and assignments

Literature:

The course guide and the reader containing course materials can be obtained from the secretariat of the Developomnet Economics Group.