Global Course in Major

INTSTDS 4535: Econ Development 

Class Description as Written in Course Syllabus 

“This course provides an introduction to the issues surrounding development, with a focus on economic factors and policies. We begin with a discussion of what constitutes “development”, the relationship between development and economic growth, and how growth and development can be measured. Next, we consider the impediments to development and how they can potentially be addressed. Both microeconomic (health, education, credit, etc.) and macroeconomic (savings, industrial policy, trade, etc.)issues will be addressed. Class meetings will be a combination of lecture and discussion. Students are expected to have reviewed assigned readings before lectures.”

Class Reflection

This class was especially interesting to me because I had a study abroad experience in Nicaragua, a developing country.  I was able to relate the concept taught in class to what I experienced while abroad.  One example of this was in class we learned that fertility rates in developing countries are much higher than those in developed countries.  This is credited to the advances in birth control technology, availability and affordability.

I found this course very applicable to understanding the global issues around the world.  In addition, I appreciate the time that we spent discussing global agriculture and the worlds availability to food.  We discussed agricultural innovation and what that looks like in countries of various economic and developmental status.  I couldn’t have picked a better course to dive into some major issues of current developing countries.  Overall, this was a very productive addition to my Global Option.