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Oxford University Free Online Course on Economic Development

Oxford University has announced its first “massive open online course” or so-called MOOC in a partnership with a US online university network. Oxford University free online course will focus on the government’s role in economic development.

In this six-week course, applicants will learn about the role of government and the key political, social, and economic processes that elevate any society from poverty to prosperity.

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Course At A Glance

Length: 6 weeks
Effort: 2-3 hours per week
Subject: Economics & Finance
Institution: Oxford University and edX
Price: Free
Certificate Available: Yes. Add a Verified Certificate for $49
Session: Open

 Providers’ Details

Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. It has been at the forefront of understanding the world – and shaping it – for centuries. Students at Oxford enjoy studying at an internationally renowned university with a centuries-old reputation for innovation and outstanding academic achievement.

About This Course

How can poor societies become prosperous and overcome obstacles to do so? Professor Sir Paul Collier is one of the world’s leading scholars on this question, and in this economics course, you will have the opportunity to learn from him directly.

Why Take This Course?

This course will discuss and examine the following topics:

  • The role of government and the key political, social and economic processes that affect development;
  • Why societies need polities that are both centralised and inclusive and the process by which these polities develop;
  • The social factors that are necessary for development, including the importance of identities, norms, and narratives;
  • The impact of economic processes on development, including discussion about how government policies can either promote or inhibit the exploitation of scale and specialisation;
  • The external conditions for development, including aid, trade, migration, military interventions, and international rules for governance.

Enrol in this course to understand the factors that influence economic development and the different development paths that countries across the world have taken.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • Identify internal political, social, and economic factors that influence development;
  • Understand how external influences can impact the internal political, social, and economic processes;
  • Understand the varied paths of development that different countries have taken;
  • Apply the concepts learned by completing an assignment that requires you to compare the development path of two chosen countries.

Course Syllabus

  • Module 1: From Anarchy to a centralised State
  • Module 2: From centralised to the Inclusive States
  • Module 3: Power, Identities and Narratives
  • Module 4: Growth through Urbanisation and Industrialisation
  • Module 5: Natural Resources and Aid
  • Module 6: External Influences: Trade, Migration, International Governance Rules, and Military Intervention

Instructors

Sir Paul Collier

Sir Paul Collier is Professor of Economics and Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government (BSG).

Requirements

None

How To Join This Course

  • Go to the course website link
  • Create an edX account to SignUp
  • Choose “Register Now” to get started.
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