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CS92PROD
Political Economy of Developing Countries

GOVT 271
Spring 2023
Section: 01  
Crosslisting: LAST 271, CEAS 271
Course Cluster and Certificates: Health Studies

Students will study issues related to economic development and its sustainability, primarily focusing on lesser-developed, developing and middle-income countries. Students will examine how political norms, government institutions, and state capacity create incentives that shape political behavior, government policies, and ultimately policy outcomes.

Over the course of the semester, students will analyze the factors that influence the persistence of poverty and economic inequality in some countries. Additionally, students will evaluate specific factors that inhibit countries' economic growth and development, such as dependence on commodities, foreign aid or natural resource rents; systematic discrimination against women or religious and ethnic minorities; systemic corruption or criminal violence; the negative externalities of informal economies; and indebtedness to international financial institutions. Students will also review case studies to evaluate specific policy innovations to determine which succeeded or failed and why. By the end of the semester, students should be able to make a case for particular approaches to governance and public policy that that will promote political and economic development in poorer countries and help all citizens to achieve their full capabilities and improve their happiness and overall well-being.
Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS GOVT
Course Format: Lecture / DiscussionGrading Mode: Graded
Level: UGRD Prerequisites: None
Fulfills a Requirement for: (CEAS-MN)(CEAS)(CEAS-Polit Econ)(EDST)(GOVT)(GOVT-Comparativ)(GOVT-Intl.)(HRAD-MN)(LAST)
Past Enrollment Probability: 50% - 74%

Last Updated on DEC-21-2024
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