The Poor vs the Rich: Is it Possible to Solve Development Problems?



Overview

Economic development is a wonder and a mystery.

The wonder is the ability of poor countries to catch up with rich one and the mystery is why some countries manage and others struggle.

We will look at development trends around the world and at some of the leading theories about what works and what doesn't. Topics for study and discussion include globalisation, migration, urbanisation and foreign aid.

The last week will be dedicated to ethics: the responsibilities of both poor and rich to improve lives, and not just incomes.

Programme details

Course starts Tuesday 30 September 2025

This is an in-person course which requires your attendance at the weekly meetings in Oxford on Tuesdays, 4.30-6.30pm.

Week 1: Then and now: the changing global prosperity gaps

Week 2: Cause of growth: capital, property, history, work ethic 

Week 3: Globalisation, urbanisation, migration, integral development 

Week 4: Corruption, education, the middle income trap

Week 5: Foreign aid under threat: NGOs and the ordo amoris

Certification

Digital badge

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford. In order to be issued with your badge, you will need to have attended at least 80% of the course.

After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add this badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so.

Fees

Description Costs
Course fee £180.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. See details of our concessionary fees for short courses.

Tutor

Mr Edward Hadas

Edward Hadas is a Departmental Tutor in Political Economy in the Department for Continuing Education. He also teaches philosophy, economics, and social theory to visiting American undergraduates. He is the author of Money, Finance, Reality, Morality (2022) and Counsels of Imperfection: Thinking through Catholic Social Teaching (2020). 

Course aims

To understand the basic facts and controversies of economic development 

Course objectives

  • Understand how economists think about development and inequality.
  • Discover the leading explanations for development success and failure.
  • Become familiar with important development-related issues such as globalisation and economic migration.

Teaching methods

The class will be a mixture of lecture and discussion, with ample time for student participation.

Learning outcomes

  • Explain how economists think about development and inequality.
  • Describe the leading explanations for development success and failure.
  • Explain the leading development-related controvies about globalisation and economic migration.

Assessment methods

This course is not accredited, so there are no assessments or coursework.

Application

Please use the 'Book now' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an enrolment form.

Level and demands

The Department's Weekly Classes are taught at first year undergraduate level.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support