Microeconomics for Developing Countries

Summary module description:

Aims:
This module focuses on microeconomic issues of development. It will provide a theoretical and empirical foundation to the microeconomics of developing countries.

Assessable learning outcomes:
On completion of the module students should:
- have developed an understanding of sources of market failures in developing countries, particularly in rural markets;
- be able to explain theoretical models of market failures in developing countries;
- be able to discuss empirical evidence regarding sources of market failures in developing countries.

Additional outcomes:
Students will develop general analytical skills and will also master the ability to work independently under pressure of restricted time frames and make their own decisions on the organisation of their work. They will also develop generic skills for future employment and career development.

Outline content:
1. Theories of factors markets in developing countries (labour market issues, nutrition).
2. Agricultural microeconomics - integrating producer, consumer and worker problems, choice of contracts within the rural sector.
3. Institutions: missing markets, risk and uncertainty etc.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Detailed guidance on the main topics of the syllabus and key references are provided in 10 x 2 hour sessions of lectures. Students are required to do a significant amount of reading of journal articles, chapters of books, statistical sources and websites of national and international organisations. Lectures will involve considerable student input, often in the form of presentations based on allocated readings.

Summative Assessment Methods:
Written exam 70%
Written assignment including essay 20%
Class test administered by School 10%

Other information on summative assessment:
One 2,500 word essay (worth 20% of the overall mark) and a written test (10%).

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Length of examination:
One 3-hour unseen written paper.
Part 3 examinations are held in the Summer term.

Requirements for a pass:
A minimum overall mark of 40%.