Not offered 2007-2008
ECON 521 Urbanization and Development (Same as Economics 388 and Environmental Studies 388)
If current rates of growth persist, the combined population of urban areas in developing countries will double in the next 30 years. The land area devoted to urban use is expected to
double even more quickly. The costs of providing housing and infrastructure to accommodate this growth are enormous, but the costs of failing to accommodate urban development
may be even larger. The decisions made in response to these challenges will affect the economic performance of these countries and the health and welfare of the urban residents.
This course will focus on these challenges. What are the economic forces that drive the process of urbanization, and how does the level of urbanization affect economic development?
How are housing, transportation, fiscal and development policies affected by urbanization?
What policy choices are available, and which are likely to be most successful in dealing
with the challenges of urban growth?
Format: lecture/discussion. Requirements: a midterm and a final exam, plus two short papers
that evaluate specific problems, policy alternatives, and provide some analysis of relevant
data.
Prerequisites: Economics 251, 253, 255 or 510 or 511. Expected enrollment 25-30. Undergraduate enrollment limited and requires instructor's permission.
S. SHEPPARD