Academics and policymakers increasingly recognize that political factors can affect economic performance in developing countries. This class covers recent scholarship pertaining to the political economy of development predominantly from an international relations and historical political economy perspective. We will focus on how political processes affect economic performance from both a “macro” and “micro” perspective, including such factors as: institutions, historical legacies, colonialism, political regimes, sources of poor governance (e.g., corruption, ethnicity, civil conflict, religion), and the role of geopolitics, foreign aid, and international trade. The topics covered in this seminar scratch the surface on topics related to the political economy of development. Thus, the class will also provide an opportunity for each student to pursue an independent research project.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 15

Crosslisted Courses: ECON 391

Prerequisites: POL 299 or ECON 203.

Distribution Requirements: SBA - Social and Behavioral Analysis

Typical Periods Offered: Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

Notes: Ann E. Maurer '51 Speaking Intensive Course.