Topics in Development, Public and Gender Economics

We address different topics in development and gender economics:

• Comparative development: what explains income differences between countries? Institutions? Geography? Culture?
• Education: what are the long-run effects of school construction programs? How can we erase racial stereotypes at school?
• Health: Which technologies work to prevent malaria?
• Microfinance: A tool to fight credit constraints of the poor?
• Politics: Which voting tools help to increase political participation of the poor?
• Gender and norms: Are gender norms a barrier for gender equality? What are the effects of gender quota in politics?
• Environment and climate change: how are individuals in developing countries affected by weather shocks? What are their coping strategies?

The course presents frontier research in development and gender topics. The students will learn how to measure a countries' development over time, and how to compare it with other countries. Students will also be able to compare the effectiveness of policy interventions aimed at reducing poverty. 

• No poverty
• Zero hunger
• Good health and well-being
• Quality education
• Gender equality
• Clean water and sanitation
• Affordable and clean energy
• Decent work and economic growth
• Industry, innovation and infrastructure
• Reduced inequalities
• Climate action

In presence

The professors present research papers in class. Students are encouraged to read some papers beforehand, and to be ready for a discussion in class. 

Assessment: 

•  Written exam at the end of the course (90% of the final grade) 
• ⁠Class participation (10% of the final grade).