TAFAECO15U Compulsory course: Economic Development in Africa

Volume 2017/2018
Education

MA programme in African Studies

Content

The course will examine major current issues in development economics with special emphasis on how they relate to economic growth and poverty reduction in Sub-Saharan Africa. The course will cover macroeconomic issues (key sectors, growth determinants and international capital flows) and microeconomic issues (such as health, human capital and poverty dynamics).

In addition to presenting stylized facts about the economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa, the course will pay particular attention to the different economic theories about economic growth and development and the policy implications that follow.

Learning Outcome

The aim is for the student to acquire the following qualifications:

  • Knowledge of key concepts and a clear understanding of economic theory and methodology of relevance to economic development problems and economic policy in Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Knowledge of central theories of economic development and the effects of the most important economic policy measures.
  • Knowledge of the economic development and structures of African countries.
The course is only open for CAS MA students and professional master students.
Primary teaching is class lecturing 4 hours a week combined with class interacting on relevant topics from the syllabus. It is important that students interact during classes. I the latter part of the semester students prepare a group essay. The selection of topic and writing is supervised by the teacher.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Class Instruction
  • 56
  • Course Preparation
  • 244
  • Exam
  • 1
  • Exam Preparation
  • 119
  • Total
  • 420
Credit
15 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
Oral examination, 30 min.
Exam registration requirements

Please see the Study Curricula at www.teol.ku.dk/cas/studentinformation/study_curricula

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
External censorship
Exam period

Winter Exam

For more information please see here: https://intranet.ku.dk/africanstudies_ma/examination/examinationtimeschedule/Pages/default.aspx

Criteria for exam assesment

The grade 12 is given at the exam when the student demonstrates:

  • In-depth knowledge of the prerequisites and implications for economic development issues as well as key socio-economic trends inAfrica,
  • Strong knowledge of the different theories used to explain and forward economic growth and development,
  • Solid understanding of both the macroeconomic and microeconomic issues (e.g. health, human capital, poverty dynamics).
  • Ability to understand and use economic theories and tools to analyse relevant policies and outcomes of relevance to the region.