ECON 282S - African Economic Development

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: Prerequisite: ECON 100 and instructor consent. Taught by W&L faculty at the University of Cape Coast as part of the W&L in Ghana. This course introduces issues in African economic development, with an emphasis on Ghana as a case study. The course reviews the classic theoretical models of economic development and presents contemporary models of economic development. We discuss the importance of health and education in economic development, especially the importance of educating girls and the potential importance of adult-literacy programs in economic development in Ghana. While some of this addresses historical experiences, a major focus is on the future challenges and opportunities. As an integral part of the course, students work together to produce a public policy proposal for a specific region in Ghana, of their choice. Throughout the course, we emphasize the importance and relevance of readings for public policy.