IDM070-Microeconomics for Developing Countries

Module Provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Neha Hui
Email: n.hui@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Study the microeconomic issues of development. Learn how asymmetric information, risk aversion, asset inequality and intrahousehold bargaining power affect microeconomic outcomes and well-being for informal sector workers, migrants, and women and children within a household.

Aims:

This module focuses on microeconomic issues of development. It will provide a theoretical and empirical foundation to the microeconomics of developing countries.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of the module students should:

• be able to explain theoretical models of market failures in developing countries particularly in rural markets;


• be able to critically analyse cutting edge theoretical and empirical literature associated with microeconomics of developing countries;


• be able to discuss the policy relevance of such microeconomic issues for developing countries.

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop general analytical skills and will also master the ability to work independently under pressure of restricted time frames and make their own decisions on the organisation of their work. They will also develop generic skills for future employment and career development.

Outline content:

1. Economic Migration and Displacement


2. Theories of factors markets in developing countries


3. Land tenure systems and agricultural productivity


4. Intrahousehold bargaining and wellbeingÌý
   
   

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Detailed guidance on the main topics of the syllabus and key references are provided in 5 x 2 hour sessions of lectures. In addition to that, students will be provided with recorded screencasts and other learning material that they will be required to engage with prior to the lecture every week.

Contact hours:

Ìý	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		10
Guided independent study:		90
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours by term		100
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Assessment will be based on a written coursework.Ìý

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A weighted average coursework mark of 50%.

Reassessment arrangements:

By the submission of an essay on a new topic by the last Friday in August of the same academic year.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:Ìý

2) Specialist equipment or materials:Ìý

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:Ìý

4) Printing and binding:Ìý

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:Ìý

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:Ìý

Last updated: 17 July 2023