The Economic Foundations of Global Development

This course provides a foundational understanding of the role of economic theory in shaping the discourse and practice of global development. It is designed for students who want to understand economics not only as an academic discipline, but as a practical way of thinking that informs everyday decision-making, professional work, and policy design. From theories of industrialization and modernization to sustainable development and socioeconomic equity, economic frameworks sit at the core of how development challenges are defined, debated, and addressed. Students explore how global development depends on economic reasoning across theory building, policymaking, project design, and impact evaluation. The course offers a curated journey across the major strands of economics, including macroeconomics, microeconomics, behavioral economics, finance, and econometrics. Topics include macroeconomic policymaking, global trade and finance, government expenditures and the Keynesian multiplier, game theory and incentive structures, and the economic logic underlying impact evaluation. The course is built around three mastery paths, allowing students to choose their challenge level. Whether a student seeks conceptual fluency, applied analytical competence, or deeper technical engagement, each path provides a structured way to build mastery. Weekly readings include core economic papers, with opportunities for students to select and analyze articles aligned with their interests and professional goals. By the end of the course, students not only understand how economic principles shape global development debates, but are able to apply economic reasoning to real-world problems in their own work and decision-making.