This course will provide an introduction to the developmental challenges in
Asia. The course will begin with introducing the distinction between concepts
of economic growth and development. The course will have a strong emphasis
on understanding the lives of the poor in Asian countries. We will attempt
to diagnose the causes of poverty by analysing its components such as lack of
sufficient access to education, savings, and nutrition, and study how these can
cause the persistence of poverty. We will also look at dimensions of identity
such as gender and how development policy can be designed in the presence of
discrimination and prejudice. We will also study the constraints to the delivery
of public goods such as state capacity, corruption and political institutions.
Policy implications emerging from the material we have studied will be also
discussed.
1. To understand the factors that lead to persistence of poverty and underdevelopment in the empirical context of Asia.
2. Learning how to examine the evidence on policy relevant interventions.
This will involve looking at tables with statistical output. By the end of the course you should be more comfortable making inferences based on statistical output that is presented to you.
3. To develop and sharpen your analytical and presentation skills by participating in class discussions and group debates.
4. To acquire an appreciation of the issues involved in designing and evaluating developmental policies.
