This course focuses on the economics of development in rural areas of North America and Europe. The critical role of the local community is emphasized, and it is modeled as another economic agent. Economic theories of development are presented, and you will get to use the tools of development analysis.

You will not learn how to make development happen. If someone claimed that they could make it happen, then you could respond "If you're so smart, then why aren't you rich?" Places are usually underdeveloped for very good reasons.

We will examine the causes of persistent economic disparity. You will achieve a better understanding of which economic development strategies have a better chance for success. You will also understand that strategies sometimes have unintended side effects.

Warren Kriesel, Assoc. Prof.   Click here to e-mail me or for my web page.

The irrelevance of theory, Saplelo Island, Georgia.  By historical accident and state legislation, the most desirable land has been successfully preserved as wild and undeveloped.  The same applies to 90% of Georgia's coast.

News

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Course materials

Click here for Note Set 1     PDF version

Click here for Note Set 2     PDF version

Click here for The Economist reading on growth theory     PDF version

Click here for Note Set 3     PDF version

Click here for The Economist reading on buying jobs     HTML version

Click here for the reading on industrila location     PDF version

Click here for the Course Syllabus     PDF version