Political Economy and Economic Development
This MITx course examines how political institutions shape economic development, covering corruption, democracy, dictatorship, and war through both theory and recent empirical research. Beyond presenting findings, the course teaches how economists arrive at them, walking through the design of field experiments and empirical studies and how to judge whether evidence is reliable. It is part of MIT's MicroMasters Program in Data, Economics, and Design of Policy, offered through MITx Online. Learners audit the course free of charge, with an optional paid proctored exam for those who want a verified certificate. The course includes video lectures, readings, and assignments built around real policy questions, aimed at anyone wanting a rigorous grounding in the empirical study of political economy rather than a purely descriptive overview.