Development Economics at the University of Tokyo (a portal site of the development economics network at the University of Tokyo)
Recommended courses taught by my collaborators at Public Policy (not listed on the portal site)
Mayuko Onuki, Behavioral Science for Public Policy, A1A2 Term
Keitaro Aoyagi, International Development Policy and Evaluation, A1A2 Term (in Japanese)
Public Policy Students
I organize three development microeconomics courses for a wide range of students who are interested in international development: Development Economics: Microeconomic Approach (DEM), Case Study (Development Economics and Policy I) (DEP1), and Case Study (Development Economics and Policy II) (DEP2). DEM is a lecture course that covers the basic concepts and methods of development microeconomics using an excellent textbook: de Janvry, A. and E. Sadoulet (2021). Development Economics: Theory and Practice.
I also offer another lecture, Environmental Economics (EE). EE is for a broad range of students interested in the environment and natural resources, including those who have no economics background.
Economics Graduate Students
I offer three lecture courses: Development Economics: Microeconomic Approach (DEM) (cross-listed with Public Policy), Advanced Development Microeconomics (ADM), and Environmental Economics (EE) (cross-listed with Public Policy). In ADM, I presume you are familiar with the materials covered in de Janvry & Sadoulet (2021). If you are unfamiliar with those materials, I would suggest that you first take DEM. DEM is for a wide range of students who are interested in international development. ADM is an advanced course for students who seek a research career and are designing their research. You are very welcome to take DEP1 and DEP2.
My contribution has appeared in a new book, "Future Exploration 2050 (Mirai Tankyu 2050)" (in Japanese)
Keizai Seminar, e-Book no.3, 2018 (in Japanese) has a feature on development economics, including my tripartite talk.
Advanced Development Microeconomics
Economics Graduate and Public Policy Doctoral, S1S2 Term, Wed. 1st period, IAR 516, Syllabus (updated on April 8)
The objective of this course (ADM) is (1) to have a good understanding of the literature of development microeconomics, and (2) to develop a good research idea and design building on the literature. The course is for students who seek a research career and are designing their research. The course mainly discusses empirical papers on selected topics. Both experimental and quasi-experimental studies are covered. A good understanding of graduate-level econometrics and program evaluation methods is presumed. Students write referee reports, conduct a replication project, and develop a proposal for their empirical research. This lecture course is offered in English.
Prerequisite: Graduate-level microeconomics, graduate-level econometrics, and upper-division undergraduate-level development economics are prerequisites. Graduate-level microeconomics/econometrics means those offered in the Graduate School of Economics, not the Graduate School of Public Policy.
Development Economics: Microeconomic Approach
Public Policy and Economics Graduate, A1A2 Term, Tue. 1st period, IAR 1222E, Syllabus (2025 version for reference)
The objective of this course (DEM) is to understand the basic concepts and methods of development microeconomics. It is designed for a wide range of students who are interested in international development. It covers development, poverty, inequality, vulnerability, program evaluation, social protection, demography, health, education, and finance. This lecture course is offered in English.
Prerequisite: Completion or concurrent registration of (1) Microeconomics, Microeconomics for Public Policy, or equivalent, and (2) Econometrics, Econometrics for Public Policy, Statistical Methods, or equivalent. Familiarity with Stata would be an asset.
Required textbook: de Janvry, A. and E. Sadoulet (2021). Development Economics: Theory and Practice. London and New York: Routledge.
Environmental Economics
Public Policy and Economics Graduate, A1A2 Term, Wed. 1st period, IAR 1222E, Syllabus (2025 version for reference)
The objective of this course (EE) is to understand the essential concepts and methods of environmental and natural resource economics. It is designed for a broad range of students who are interested in the environment and natural resources, including those who have no economics background. It covers cost-benefit analysis; environmental valuation; market failure; pollution and environmental policy; natural resource use and policy; climate change; conservation and development. This lecture course is offered in English.
Prerequisite: None
Required textbook: Keohane, M. N. O. and S. M. Olmstead (2016). Markets and the Environment. Washington, D.C.: Island Press.
Case Study (Development Economics and Policy I)
Public Policy, S1S2 Term, Tue. 1st period, IAR 1222E, Syllabus
In this course (DEP1), we examine the significant insights that have recently emerged from development economics and how they matter for development policy. Students are expected (1) to acquire basic knowledge and skills to read and discuss policy and research papers in development economics; (2) to develop a research proposal on development; and (3) to develop presentation, discussion, and research writing skills. The course consists of a quick review of program evaluation methods with a strong practical focus, and students’ presentations and discussions of empirical studies and their own research ideas and proposals. Both experimental and quasi-experimental studies are covered. This seminar course is offered in English.
Although it is advisable to take this course after taking DEM or an equivalent course, it is not a prerequisite. Although familiarity with basic econometrics is a big asset, it is not required. Students with no background in economics or quantitative analysis but eager to learn evidence-based policy making (EBPM) in international development are welcome.
Prerequisite: None
Required textbook: Angrist, J. D. and J.-S. Pischke (2014). Mastering 'Metrics: The Path from Cause to Effect. Princeton University Press.
Case Study (Development Economics and Policy II)
Public Policy, A1A2 Term, Tue. 3rd period, IAR 1222E, Syllabus (2025 version for reference)
The objective of this course (DEP2) is (1) to develop a research project on development; (2) to acquire skills to analyze microdata; and (3) to develop presentation, discussion, and research writing skills. The course mainly consists of students’ presentations and discussions about their own research and related topics, as well as papers. This seminar course is offered in English.
Prerequisite: Econometrics, Econometrics for Public Policy, Statistical Methods, or equivalent. Familiarity with econometrics and program evaluation methods reviewed in DEP1 is presumed. Familiarity with Stata or R is assumed.
If you have not taken DEP1, you need to submit a preliminary research proposal before the second class and obtain my approval to join the course (see the syllabus).
Required textbook: None
Economics Master Students
If you are a first-year master's student in Economics and interested in becoming my advisee, please email me before the guidance period. You need to write a thesis in English. I expect that you have taken/are taking/will take Advanced Development Microeconomics (ADM).
Public Policy Master Students
If you are a master's student in Public Policy and considering the possibility of writing a Research Paper or Thesis under my supervision, please email me two weeks before the registration deadline. I expect that you have taken/are taking at least one of my courses: ADM, DEM, EE, DEP1, and DEP2. You need to write a paper in English.