AEM 6390 - Research Methods in International Development

Spring. 3 credits.

Enrollment limited to: graduate standing. Co-meets with AEM 3390.

A. K. Basu.

This is a research methods course that uses basic statistics and quantitative techniques to analyze selected topics in international development. The aim of this course is to expose students to the various methodologies used by researchers in the field of international development: (i) core concepts such as poverty and inequality measurement (use of basic statistics); distributive justice (use of basic game theory) and governance issues in developing economies (use of basic public economics/welfare theorems/voting theories) and (ii) study of specific topics that are at the frontier of international development research where students will be required to gather data, design surveys and use basic econometrics tools in their assignments. Graduate students will be required to undertake an original survey, write an analysis of their findings, and present their research to the class.

Outcome 1: Attain analytical competency in applied economics.

Outcome 2: Demonstrate quantitative skills in basic math and statistics.

Outcome 3: Demonstrate ability to solve problems in development economics.

Outcome 4: Develop effective communication skills in applied economics.

Outcome 5: Demonstrate strategic thinking skills in applied economics.