Introduces students to the factors underlying contemporary trends in the economic development of low-income countries. Combining economic theory and empirical studies, students will learn about the unique challenges currently faced by policy makers in low-income settings, their economic determinants, and the evaluation of policy solutions. The course will center around a replication and extension exercise of a recent study in the development literature. A primary aim of the course is to prepare students to conduct independent research in development economics, with a particular focus on modern research methodology and applied econometrics.