Assignment 1: Macroeconomics for Developing Countries
Write a 2500 (+/- 10%) word essay on one of the following topics. The word limit doesn’t include references and footnotes. The essay is due on 28th April 2025.
Topic 1:
By referring to the relevant literature, critically evaluate the evidence on Solow’s theory of income convergence. In what way does the new growth theory proposed by Romer differ from Solow’s growth theory?
Topic 2:
Argue, using recent empirical literature, whether the experience of colonialism has long term effect on development. What are the possible channels of this long term effect?
Topic 3:
What does the literature in Development Economics say about the relationship between institutions and development? How do the different authors take into account the problem of endogeneity?
Topic 4:
Does the Human Development Index truly reflect the spirit of the “Capabilities Approach” put forward by Sen? What are the alternative indices that have been introduced in the literature?
Instructions
Your essay should be well structured (with an introduction, the main body and a conclusion). Make sure the work is well researched and not plagiarized. You are expected to conduct a thorough literature review as part of your assessment.
The essential readings can be your starting points for your literature review, though you will be expected to go beyond these.
The following outline plan is suggested:
1 Introduction: Comment on the topic, the treatment proposed and the limits of the study. Keep it concise and informative. You may explain the focus of your essay, define any key terms, etc. It is often useful to summarise briefly the overall theme or argument of the essay, listing the main points that you are going to make. Remember, this is the first thing that the reader sees. You have to convince them that your essay is interesting enough for them to continue.
2 Body: A comprehensive and coherent treatment of the topic as stated in the introduction. This will develop the main points/arguments and provide supporting evidence, in a logical order. It contains a critical evaluation and discussion of the material.
3 Conclusion: This should briefly summarise the argument or theme and indicate the conclusions drawn from it. You may add any final comments where relevant, e.g. main lessons, deductions, consequences. Conclusions are short, unambiguous and convincing.
4 Tables/Figures: In addition to the written section, you may provide supplementary figures, tables, etc. All exhibits provided should be referenced in the text, explained and add to your discussion.
5 Bibliography/References: All sources (e.g. books, articles, Internet sites,…) which you have used in the preparation of an essay must accurately be listed in a bibliography at the end. It is essential that references are given, indicated in the text by author's name and year of publication. I have no preference on the citation system, as long as you are consistent.