This course examines who gives and receives foreign aid, and whether it works? Using theories and methodologies from political science, economics, and statistics, the course will probe how international and domestic interests influence how foreign aid is disbursed and its consequences. By focusing on foreign aid, the course will examine core topics in political economy, such as how gender shapes political institutions, how leaders remain in power, and the relationships between race and foreign interventions, how voters assess their political leaders, bargaining among political actors. Throughout the semester, we will also use the case of foreign aid to learn how social scientists study causal relationships. Students will learn techniques involved in “causally-identified” research designs; an approach at the core of the “credibility revolution” in the social sciences and public policy evaluations. Students will have opportunities to apply these techniques by critiquing contemporary research in political science and economics and writing their own research paper.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 28

Crosslisted Courses: ECON 294

Prerequisites: POL 299 or ECON 203. POL3 221 is recommended.

Distribution Requirements: SBA - Social and Behavioral Analysis

Typical Periods Offered: Spring

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered; Spring