African economies 1: applied microeconomic analysis
- Course Code:
- 15PECC024
- Unit value:
- 0.4
- Taught in:
- Term 1
Term 1 - Regional Course
The aim of this course is to increase students’ capacity to use their growing knowledge of economic theory, development economics and econometrics in rigorous analysis of a subset of the critical issues facing policy makers in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on sectoral and microeconomic issues. Attention is paid to data quality and the statistical problems that are a feature of the best applied economic literature covering these countries. The heterogeneity of African economies is stressed and students are encouraged to focus their written work on particular sub-regions, countries and sectors.
The course also emphasises the importance of a detailed grasp of economic history as a basis for critically assessing generalised debates on the determinants of recent economic performance. Topics covered include:
- demographic data and analysis;
- land degradation and environmental constraints;
- nutrition and undernutrition;
- famine;
- HIV/AIDS;
- agriculture;
- poverty and gender;
- education;
- labour markets and unemployment;
- the role of NGOs.
Objectives and learning outcomes of the course
- On successful completion of this course, students will be able to understand the major and minor strands in debates on African micro- and sectoral-economics. They will be able to apply their knowledge in constructing a critical analysis of the issues for a particular African country, and will be able to use economic data appropriately.
Method of assessment
Assessment weighting: Exam 70% / coursework 30%. All coursework is resubmittable.Suggested reading
1. Austin, Gareth (2008), 'Resources, techniques, and strategies south of the Sahara: revising the factor endowments perspective on African economic development, 1500–2000’. Economic History Review, Aug2008, Vol. 61 Issue 3, p587-624
2. Arrighi, Giovanni (2002), ‘The African crisis: World Systemic and Regional Aspects, New Left Review, 15, p5-36
3. Sender, J. (1999), “Africa’s Economic Performance: Limitations of the Current Consensus”, Journal of Economic Perspectives, No. 3, Summer
