University of San Diego
School of Business Administration
ECON 337
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF ASIA
Dr. Kokila Doshi
Office: OH 110
Phone: (619) 260-4843
E-mail: kdoshi@sandiego.edu
Office Hours: Th: 10:40 – 12:40PM
Wed: 12:00 – 3:00PM
or by appointment
Course Description
An analysis of the determinants of economic development and growth in Asia and the
Pacific Rim, along with associated problems and policies. Topics include theories and
policies concerning industry, agriculture, domestic savings and investment, human
resources, international trade, foreign capital, and external debt. Prerequisite: ECON 102.
Course Objective
The course aims at exposing students to the economic and socio-cultural characteristics
of the countries in Asia and Pacific region. More specifically, it endeavors to increase an
awareness of the issues and policies associated with the development experience of
various countries in the region. Special emphasis will be given to the UN millennium
goals of poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability.
Learning Objectives
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Students will be able to:
Explain and evaluate one’s own cultural background, while comparing and valuing
cultures of distinct others.
Review cultural differences and apply different theoretical frameworks from existing
research in the analysis of a specific issue or a country.
Construct and devise alternative solutions to an issue or problem in relation to countryspecific, location specific or historical context.
Understand global interdependence and its effects on a country’s economic development
and government policies; with an awareness of poverty and marginalized groups.
Increase awareness of and knowledge about cultural worldview frameworks, particularly
as they relate to value system and conflict management.
Develop written and oral communication skills, along with professional skills of survey
taking techniques.
Course Method
This class will be taught using a varied format: lectures, interactive discussions,
international experiences and the experiences of the students and the instructor.
Meaningful student participation, reflection on critical issues and oral
presentations are highly encouraged. A guest speaker from South Korea will be invited
to provide a first- hand perspective on South Korea’s economic growth.
Course Material
“Economic Development in Asia” by Malcolm Dowling and Ma R. Valenzuela (2nd Edition)
“Economic Development in the Third World” by M. Todaro (10th Edition)
World Bank Tables
Asian Development Bank Resources
Videos and Film
Course Requirements and Grading
Points
%
Midterm Exam
100
25%
Final Exam
100
25%
Policy Paper
100
25%
Conflict Management Survey
60
15%
Reflection Assignments
40
10%
Total
400
100%
Examinations
Examinations will include essay questions. You will be required to include data/statistics
and graphs in your answers. The final exam will cover all material subsequent to the
midterm exam. All the exams must be taken when they are scheduled. (i.e. neither earlier
nor later) No make-up exams will be given unless prior arrangements are made. Ten
points will be deducted from your score on a make-up exam. The date for the final exam
is announced well in advance. Permission to take the final exam at any time other than
that which is scheduled is almost never granted.
Policy Paper
Each student is required to submit a (10-12 page) policy paper. Part 1 of the policy paper
requires you to provide key statistics on the economic development of a selected Asian
country. For Part II, you will be required to select a development problem faced by the
selected country, critically examine the current policy solutions and recommend
alternative solutions based on the short-comings of the current policy. Specific
guidelines for the assignment are forthcoming.
Conflict Management Survey
Students will survey 5 individuals (two from the U.S. and 3 from different Asian
countries) and write a report (4-5 pages) on how they manage conflicts and the role of
their culture (religion, education, gender, or any other dimension of diversity). For the
survey, you will be required to prepare about 5-6 questions and a hypothetical scenario of
conflict. More details will be provided during the semester.
Reflection Assignments
Two assignments will be given during the semester. You will be asked to evaluate tradeoffs involved in a specific development policy and to make a choice, reflecting on the
consequences for marginalized groups or less developed countries.
Course Conduct
Academic Integrity
Ethical behavior is expected of all the students. Acts of academic dishonesty are taken
seriously and dealt with harshly. Please refer to the Undergraduate Bulletin for more
information on the Policy. Cheating on the class assignments or unauthorized assistance
or collaboration on examinations will automatically result in grade F for the course.
Attendance and participation
Regular attendance and meaningful class participation are highly encouraged. More than
two days of missed classes will lower your grade, as two points will be deducted for each
additional absence.
Expectations for Preparation
Keep up with the readings. Late submissions are subject to penalty. Allow enough lead
time for assignments so that you can prepare a quality product. If you need any
additional help, please stop by my office during my office hours. An attitude of
“excellence in learning” is expected.
Special Assistance
Students with special needs who require specific examination-related or other course
related accommodations should contact Director of Disability Services at 619-260-4655
(see http://www.sandiego.edu/disability). This office will provide the student with a
letter for the instructor that will specify any recommended accommodations. The
university also offers student counseling services, available at the Counseling Center at
619-260-4655.
School of Business Administration Mission Statement
To develop socially responsible business leaders with a global outlook through
academically rigorous, relevant and values-based education and research.
Course Outline
Week
1
Dates
9/2
Topic
Where in the World is Asia? - Game
Introduction and Overview
UN Millennium Goals
Reading
1(a), 1(b)
2
9/7
Characteristics of Developing Countries
2(a), 1(b)
9/9
Measuring Development
2(a), 1(b)
3
9/14
9/16
3(a)*,2(b)*
4(a)*, 2(b)
4
9/21
9/23
Theories of Economic Growth
Big Push Theory, Asian Growth Miracle
Policy Paper Part 1 – Country Profile Due 9/16
Poverty, Inequality and Development
Kuznet’s Hypothesis, Measurement of Poverty
5
9/27
9/29
Population and Economic Development
Demographic Transition, Malthusian Population
Trap
6(a), 8(b)
6(a), 8(b)
6
10/5
10/7
7(a), 5(b)
7(a), 5(b)
7
10/12
10/14
Urbanization and Migration
Labor Migration in Asia
Midterm Exam 1 10/7
Human Capital -Education
Human Capital -Health
8
10/19
10/21
Environment, Development & Poverty
Sustainable Development in Asia
10(a), 12(b)
10(a), 12(b)
9
10/26
10/28
7(b)
3(b)
10
11/2
11/4
Saving and Financial Systems
Asian Financial Crisis
Conflict Management Survey Due 10/28
International Trade Policy
Export Promotion v. Import Substitution
11
11/9
11/11
External Debt and Debt Crisis
IMF and Debtor Countries
13(a)
13(a)
12
11/16
11/18
Foreign Capital
Role of Multinationals in Development
14(a), 11(b)
14(a), 11(b)
13
11/23
11/25
Foreign Aid
Thanksgiving Holiday
14(a), 11(b)
5(a), 9(b)
5(a), 9(b)
(a) 8(a), 10(b)
(b) 8(a), 10(b)
15(a), 6(b)
15(a), 6(b)
Week
Dates
14
11/30
12/2
South Korea, Taiwan – Role of State
Singapore, Thailand
Handouts
Handouts
15
12/7
12/9
Malaysia, Philippines
India, China
Policy Paper Part II Due 12/9
Final Exams (Dec 15-21)
Handouts
Handouts
16
Topic
Reading
* - Selected topics or overview
(a)
(b)
Todaro
Dowling
This course outline is meant to be tentative. Changes may be made, if necessary, as the semester
unfolds.