Cursos / 1º Ciclo / Faculty of Economy and Business Management :: Economics

Versao Portuguesa

ECONOMIA DO DESENVOLVIMENTO - 2016/2017

3º curricular year
Semestralidade: 2nd semester
ECTS: 6

Teachers

Leading Teacher: Prof. Doutor Nuno Torres
Assistant Professor: Prof. Doutor Nuno Torres

Class type and School hours

Orientação Tutorial : 1 Horas
Teórico-prática : 2 Horas

Teaching Language

Portuguese

Main Aims/Objectives

Understand the concept of economic development.
Study the evolution of theories, ideas and concepts, as well as the different stages of development across countries and time.
Understand economic development as a continuum process and the ultimate goal of economic politics.
Compare the different development stages across countries and grasp the vulnerability and dependence of developing countries towards developed countries.

Specific Aims/Objectives

Highlight the importance and role of public aid and cooperation by development organizations.
Analyze the structural and stabilization programs applied to developing countries
Study the globalization phenomenon and the importance of public and private investment for sustainable development.

Skills to be acquired

In the end of the semester, students should have acquired a general and specific understanding of economic development and posses an analytical and critical sensibility in this domain, thus understanding why several countries are still behind in many of the new Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. They should also understand pubic aid as an important part of countries´ external policy.

Teaching Procedures

Close articulation between concepts and theory with economic reality (always trying to find examples in the Portuguese context if possible), so as to familiarize students with development economics as a means to understand the need of sustainable development for all countries and development countries in particular, namely those speaking Portuguese.

Programme

Chapter 1 – Principles and concepts of Economic Development
1.1. A global perspective
1.2. Comparative Economic Development
1.3. Classic Theories of Economic Growth and Development
1.4. Contemporary Models of Development and Underdevelopment

Themes briefly covered in chapter 1 that may be further developed depending on the available time and shown interest or inspire the group works:

Chapter 2 – Problems and Policies: Domestic

2.1. Poverty, Inequality, and Development
2.2. Population Growth and Economic Development
2.4. Urbanization and Rural-Urban Migration
2.5. Human Capital: Education and Health in Economic Development
2.6. Agricultural Transformation and Rural Development
2.7. The Environment and Development
2.8. Development Policymaking and the Roles of Market, State, and Civil Society

Chapter 3 – Problems and Policies: International and Macro

3.1. International Trade Theory and Development Strategy
3.2. Balance of Payments, Developing-Country Debt, and the Macroeconomic Stabilization Controversy
3.3. Foreign Finance, Investment, and Aid: Controversies and Opportunities
3.4. Finance and Fiscal Policy for Development

Evaluation Type

Two tests.
A group work.
Participation in classes.

Teaching Resources

Powerpoints (Moodle), selected bibliography, internet.

Sustainability Objectives

Keywords

Development
Capitalism
Theory
Dependence
Cooperation
Portugal
UN
World Bank
IMF
Africa
Angola
Brasil
Mozambique
China
India

Main Bibliography

Author Todaro, Michael P.; Smith, Stephen C.
Title Economic Development
Edition 12ª
Place Harlow, England
Editor Pearson
Year 2014
Author Balassa, Bela
Title Reforma da Política Económica nos Países em Desenv
Place Lisboa
Editor Clássica Editora
Year 2010
Author Banco Mundial
Title World Development Report 2016: Digital Dividends
Edition 2016
Place Washington, EUA
Editor The World Bank
Year 2016

Complementary Bibliography

Author Nações Unidas
Title Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustai
Edition 2015
Place Nova Iorque, EUA
Editor United Nations
Year 2015
Author PALMA, Elisabete Cortes
Title Cultura, Desenvolvimento e Política Externa – Ajud