Bachelor

The lecture covers the principles of modern development economics and, using various examples from the current literature, highlights the core topics, the methodological challenges, and the key findings derived in this sub-discipline of economics. The lecture has a microeconomic focus, i.e. it covers mostly decisions of individuals and households. A core topic of the lecture is why poor individuals and households are often struggling to leave poverty and to advance to more adequate living conditions, and which policies can help to overcome poverty traps. In the exercise course accompanying the lecture, the focus is on empirical methods, their applications and replications of selected studies from the literature. Overall, the module is of a very applied nature.

The module provides a thorough introduction to the linear regression model using formal techniques. It introduces and discusses the univariate regression model, inference in the univariate regression model, the multivariate regression model, inference in the multivariate regression model, non-linear regression functions, and the validity of regression models. Throughout the discussion, the focus is on the identification of causal effects. The lecture provides concepts and theory. In the exercise course, students apply the concepts and techniques and work with a variety of data sets covering examples from management, business administration, and economics.

During the seminar, participants discuss topics related to economic policy. A specific topic is communicated before each semester. Participants mostly work on one study from the academic literature and write a seminar thesis covering this source under the close guidance of a supervisor.

During the seminar, participants discuss topics related to economic policy. A specific topic is communicated before each semester. Participants mostly work on one study from the academic literature and write a seminar thesis covering this source under the close guidance of a supervisor.