This is a course on microfinance and other financial innovations -- and how those innovations lead to financial and economic development. Since it is a reading course, the syllabus is big. However, the course is a delight if you like thinking about why finance is important.
Much thanks go to Hans-Christian Lauer and Abhinaya Konduru who proposed what became this course -- and then marshaled student interest to make sure it happened.
Disclaimer: You are free to use these in an academic setting — provided you are not in Illinois. If you find these useful, just cite them. There may be errors and you accept that liability.
Syllabus (BIG; lots of paper references for each week: this is a reading course)
Week 1: Growth/Development Theory, topic 1.3 summary (Schumpeter and Shocks)
Week 2: Ag, Industrialization, and Trade, article notes
Week 3: Measuring Success, topic 3.2 summary (Efficiency), article notes
Some Thoughts on Assessing Policy Effects (reading for week 3)
Week 4: Risk Alleviation and Automation, article notes
Week 5: Hyper-Capitalism, Corporatism, and Laws, article notes
Presentation Feedback (some suggestions after five weeks)
Week 6: Social Problems and Economic Solutions, article notes
Week 7: Education and Health, article notes
Week 8: Payments and Remittances, article notes