Polytechnic University of the Philippines

College of Social Sciences and Development (CSSD)

Syllabus: Development Economics (3 units)

Emy Ruth D. Gianan // erdgianan@pup.edu.ph

Course Description:
This course intends to understand the interdependent nature of development and economics—how
economic concepts and theories may be used to help improve the quality of human lives and their
capabilities through increased levels of living, self-esteem, and freedom. This covers discussions of
concepts and theories of economic growth and development, comparative approaches to understanding
issues that affect both developed and emerging economies today, and the role of institutions in shaping
development agenda. Towards this end, the students are exposed to several case studies particularly in
Asia to anchor theories, analyze developmental issues common in the region, policy implications, and
prospects to address the same.

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the course, the students should be able to gain the following competencies:
1. Use important economic concepts especially when explicated in the context of a development
problem;
2. Identify contemporary development issues and problems in emerging economies and the global
economy as well;
3. Analyze aforementioned issues and problems from a combined empirical, theoretical and policy-
oriented perspective; and,
4. Formulate independent judgment and policy conclusions about possible solutions and prospects
to address the same.

Grading System:
COMPONENT PERCENT SCORE GRADE
Attendance 5% 100-96 1.00
Class Participation
35% 95-91 1.25
(quizzes, recitation, class activities)
Midterm Exam (exams and midterm
30% 90-86 1.50
requirement)
Final Exam (exams and final requirement) 30% 85-81 1.75
Total 100% 80-76 2.00
75-71 2.25
70-66 2.50
65-61 2.75
60-56 3.00
55 - below 5.00
General Reading Material/s:
Todaro, Michael P. and Stephen C. Smith. Economic Development (12th ed). Boston: Pearson, 2015.
Course Content Outline:
WEEK TOPIC
1-2 Overview
 Class rules and regulations
 Introduction to the course
 Recap of relevant macroeconomic
concepts
3 Determinants of Development
 Definitions & concepts
 Measures & determinants; factors
affecting economic growth &
development
4–6 Theories of Growth & Development
 Classic theories of economic growth
& development
 Contemporary & alternative theories
of growth, development, &
underdevelopment
 Role of institutions in pursuing
growth & development
7 Poverty & socio-economic inequalities
 Concepts, dimensions, &
measurements
8 MIDTERM EXAMINATIONS
9 - 11 Interrogating Development
 Population growth
 Labor & Unemployment
REFERENCES
 Todaro & Smith, Chapter 1
 Payumo, et.al. Understanding
Economics, Chapter 8
 Todaro & Smith, Chapter 2, 11
 Payumo, et.al. Understanding
Economics, Chapter 13
 Bello, “Post-2015 Development
Assessment: Proposed goals &
indicators,” Development
 Birdsall, Rodrik, & Subramanian,
“How to help poor countries,”
Foreign Affairs
 Sen, “Introduction,” Development as
Freedom
 Todaro & Smith, Chapter 3-4
 Payumo, et.al. Understanding
Economics, Chapter 13
 Chang & Evans, “The Role of
Institutions in Economic Change”
 Todaro & Smith, Chapter 5
 Acemoglu & Robinson, Why Nations
Fail, Chapter 2 (“Theories That
Don’t Work”)
 Cook & Pincus, “Poverty, Inequality,
& Social Protection in Southeast
Asia,” Journal of Southeast Asian
Economies
 Stiglitz, The Price of Inequality,
Chapter 2-3
 Todaro & Smith, Chapter 6-8
 Payumo, et.al. Understanding
Economics, Chapter 9
  Education, Health, & Social Welfare
 Housing & Urbanization
12 - 14 Towards Sustainable Development
 Nutrition & Food Production
 Agricultural Transformation & Rural
Development
 Environment & Natural Resources
15 - 16 Globalizing Markets & Changing Patterns of
Development
 International trade & globalization
 Global financial crisis
 Foreign debt & development aid
 War on terror & other conflicts
 Technology & Innovations
 Shiraishi, “The Rise of New Urban
Middle Classes in Southeast Asia:
What is its national & regional
significance?” RIETI Discussion
Papers
 Pernia, “Is labor export good
development policy?” The Philippine
Review of Economics
 Tigno, “Overseas Employment from
the Philippines: The Nexus Between
Development & Governance,”
Philippine Politics & Governance
 Sadiman, “Challenges in Education
in Southeast Asia,” SEAMEO
 Monteiro, “Metro Manila as The
Happy City: The Present State &
Future Prospects of Philippine Urban
Life,” The Manila Review
 Nebrija, “Cities as Narrative: Urban
Life in Manila & Bonifacio Global
City,” The Manila Review
 Sassen, “The Global City: Enabling
Economic Intermediation & Bearing
Its Costs,” City & Community
 Todaro & Smith, Chapter 9-10
 Payumo, et.al. Understanding
Economics, Chapter 14
 Khidhir, “Building a sustainable food
future,” The ASEAN Post
 Teng & Darvin, Food Reserve
Management & Policies in Southeast
Asia
 Quizon, Land Governance in Asia
 Johnson, “E-waste dump of the
world,” The Seattle Times
 Todaro & Smith, Chapter 12-15
 Payumo, et.al. Understanding
Economics, Chapter 12
 Beeson, “Globalization, Governance,
& the Political Economy of Public
Policy Reform in East Asia,”
Governance: An International
Journal of Policy and Administration
 
Vatikiotis, “Catching the Dragon’s
Tail: China and Southeast Asia in the
21st Century,” Contemporary
Southeast Asia
 AFRODAD, Illegitimate Debt &
Underdevelopment in the
Philippines: A Case Study
 FDC, Sustaining the Momentum of
Debt & Underdevelopment
 Olsen, “How memes are being
weaponized for political
propaganda,” Salon
17 SYNTHESIS: Perspectives on Development & Underdevelopment
18 FINAL EXAMINATIONS & COMPLETION OF REQUIREMENTS

Some Ground Rules:


1. Attendance is 5% but may just save your grade. Attend the classes as much as possible. You
can max the allowable number of absences; beyond that, your grade would be in peril. For
absences related to health, extra- curricular activities or personal emergencies, excuse letters
signed & noted by the Guidance Office are required. You are responsible for the lessons you’d
miss if you fail to attend the class. Should the lecturer be absent or fail to meet the class, make-up
classes may be scheduled to ensure that lessons are up-to-date.
2. Class assignments may be too elementary but it will help you learn. This is a not major course
but take this seriously. Or not, it is up to you. As always said, you chart your own college destiny
and we copiously compute your grades.
3. Participate. Because this course is practical as much as it is conceptual, you’d have to take part
in class activities. Your participation justifies your presence in class, earns you points and boosts
your grades. But more than that, participation follows the long-held principles of equality,
inclusiveness and democracy. I would very much appreciate questions and interaction during
lectures.
4. Trolls exist in the web not inside the classroom. Basic courtesy means listening to those who
speak, not fiddling with your phones in the classroom, and waiting until break time before you
ask your seat mate who liked your latest IG post or what episode are they watching in that latest
TV series. You also show respect by coming to class prepared— that means you’ve read and
understood the lesson, and ready when asked to discuss it in class. Disrespectful people would be
asked to leave the classroom for the remainder of the class and marked absent. Continued
disrespect would merit a failing grade.
5. Google is a friend, and so are actual books. Several reading materials are uploaded in the
designated Google Classroom / Drive Folder for your course. Please access and read the materials
to prepare for class. The rest may be downloaded. But students are encouraged to visit libraries
and read actual books. I have several books, magazines and journals I can lend, just let me know
via email or approach me personally. Students may also consult through email every time, and
expect responses within 1-2 working days.
 6. Honesty is the best policy; and copy-pasting is next to failing. Please do not download huge
chunks of your paper from the web because there will always be a way to detect plagiarized
material. Be responsible adults. Do your research and learn in an honorable way. Plagiarized
materials would automatically get a failing grade following the rules from the PUP Student
Handbook. 


That should be all for now. Should you have clarifications or suggestions to improve the syllabus, that is
most welcome. Thank you and enjoy learning!