Cmty Dev & Apld Econ: Evolving Trends in Int'l Devel

Examines how donor countries have approached international development since World War II. Includes focus on a range of issues including health, agriculture, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, shifting terms of trade and globalization's effects on international development. Prerequisite: CDAE 1020 or POLS 1300 or POLS 1200 or POLS 1500 or POLS 1700 or ENVS 1510.

Open to degree and PACE students

CDAE 2730 “Evolving Trends in International Development” is an engaging seminar-style course which addresses key themes and concepts that underpin contemporary international economic relations, especially relating to development. This is a topic of primary importance, especially in light of the advent of the second Trump Administration. Some of the questions addressed include: How effective is international development? How much is it impacted by foreign aid and trade? Have there been different types of international development at different times? To what extent has the international community sought to promote and facilitate development? What has motivated it to do so? How successful have efforts at development been? Do different parts of the world have different needs in terms of development? What is the present state of international development? Who are the “winners” and losers”? What are the actual and potential impacts of the second Trump Administration’s attitude towards international development? Through this course you will develop an understanding of the various phases and trends in international development. By the course’s end you will be conversant with key literature and have developed your own perspectives on various policies. More broadly, you will have developed expertise in analyzing and assessing the policy implications of important and complex public policy issues.

This course combines lecture and discussion formats. It emphasizes in-class interaction, including discussions, debates, role-playing, and outside speakers. Students should expect to spend approximately 6 hours per week on coursework and course-related research and writing outside of class. Required texts are the following: Abhijit Bannerji and Esther Duflo. Poor Economics: A Radical Rethinking of the Way to Fight Global Poverty, PublicAffairs, 2011. ISBN: 978-1610390934. Jeffrey Sachs. The Age of Sustainable Development, Columbia University Press, 2015. ISBN: 978-0231173155. Clayton Christensen, Efosa Ojomo, and Karen Dillon. The Prosperity Paradox: How Innovation Can Lift Nations Out of Poverty, Harper Business, 2019. ISBN: 9780062946737. Daniel P.L. Chong and Capri Gutierrez. Debating Global Development, Lynne Rienner, 2024. ISBN: 9781962551014.

Course Requirements: Course grades will be determined as follows: 25% - Class Participation 25% - Book Report 25% - Research and Analysis Paper 25% - Course Reflection Portfolio