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This course is distributed over two modules. The first module begins with a discussion of alternative conceptions of development and their justification. It then proceeds to aggregate models of growth and cross -national comparisons of the growth experience that can help evaluate these models. The axiomatic basis for inequality measurement is used to develop measures of inequality and connections between growth and inequality are explored. The course ends by linking political institutions to growth and inequality by discussing the role of the state in economic development and the informational and incentive problems that affect state governance.
The second module begins with basic demographic concepts and their evolution during the process of development. The governance of communities and organizations is studied and this is then linked to questions of sustainable growth. The course ends with reflections on the role of globalization and increased international dependence on the process of development.

This course has two primary objectives: First, it provides students with a solid overview of what we know about key topics of global development, such as the trends in poverty around the world, inequality, access to education and healthcare, international migration, world hunger and population growth. Second, it equips students with tools to critically assess statistical claims and analysis about these issues of global development, by providing an introduction to commonly used empirical methods. In other words: how to spot when someone lies with data? Students will have some opportunities to try out these methods themselves in a hands-on way.

The course Macroeconomics deals with GDP, Inflation, IS-LM, etc.