Isabel Günther: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2022

Name	Prof. Dr. Isabel Günther
Field	Development Economics
Address	Professur für Entwicklungsökonomie ETH Zürich, CLD B 9 Clausiusstrasse 37 8092 Zürich SWITZERLAND
Telephone	+41 44 632 87 50
E-mail	isabel.guenther@nadel.ethz.ch
Department	Humanities, Social and Political Sciences
Relationship	Associate Professor

Number	Title	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
851-0624-00L	ETH4D PhD Seminar: Research for Development Number of participants limited to 15.	1 credit	1K	I. Günther, A. Rom, E. Tilley
Abstract	Doctoral candidates from all ETH departments, whose research is related to global sustainable development issues, and conducting research in low- or middle-income countries are invited to give a presentation about their on-going work and discuss their doctoral project with a diverse group of researchers.
Objective	Doctoral students are able to present their doctoral project to an interdisciplinary audience and to respond to questions within a wider global sustainable development context.
851-0626-01L	International Aid and Development Does not take place this semester. Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of economics	2 credits	2V	I. Günther
Abstract	The course gives economic and empirical foundations for a sound understanding of the instruments, prospects and limitations of international development aid.
Objective	Students have a theoretically and empirically sound understanding of the prospects and limitations of international development aid. Students are able to critically discuss the various aid instruments of bi-and multilateral donors and NGOs.
Content	Introduction to the Determinants of Underdevelopment; History of Aid; Aid and Development: Theories and Empirics; Political Economy of Aid; Experience and Impact of Aid; New Instruments of Aid: e.g. Micro-Finance, Budget-Support; Fair-Trade.
Literature	Articles and book abstracts will be uploaded to a course website.
851-0626-02L	PhD Colloquium in Development Economics Does not take place this semester.	1 credit	1K	I. Günther
Abstract	PhD students working in empirical development economics will present their ongoing work, with a particular focus on the methods (to be) used and challenges faced. Participants are expected to read the drafts/papers/presentations beforehand and give constructive feedback to the PhD student presenting.
Objective	PhD students learn how to present and discuss their own research questions, methods, results and problems. PhD students get familiar with the challenges of empirical economics research in low income countries.
Prerequisites / Notice	This is a two days course.
865-0003-00L	Development Economics Only for MAS in Development and Cooperation.	3 credits	3G	K. Harttgen, I. Günther
Abstract	This course is an introduction to theoretical and empirical discussions on economic development, with a focus on the challenges of developing countries over the last 50 years. The course provides answers to the following questions: How can and should development be measured? What factors drive economic growth and contribute to poverty reduction?
Objective	Students are able to - critically discuss economic questions in the context of developing countries - critically discuss policy recommendations for economic development.
Content	- measurement of development, poverty and inequality, - growth theories - trade and development - education, health, population and development - states and institutions - economic policies for economic growth and poverty reduction - economics of development aid
865-0008-00L	Policy Evaluation and Applied Statistics MAS ETH in Development and Cooperation students have priority for admission. Interested students can apply to be placed on the waiting list and will be informed about a possible admission by the program coordinators within the first week after the start of lectures.	3 credits	2G	I. Günther, K. Harttgen, K. Schneider
Abstract	This course introduces students to key methods for quantitative policy impact evaluation and covers the different stages of the research process. Acquired skills are applied in a self-selected project applying experimental methods. Students also learn how to perform simple statistical analyses with the statistical Software R.
Objective	Students - know strategies to test causal hypotheses using experimental methods and regression analysis. - are able to formulate and implement a research design for a particular policy question and a particular type of data. - are able to critically read and assess published studies on policy evaluation. - are able to use the statistical software R for data analysis. - can apply all the steps involved in a policy impact evaluation.
Content	Policy impact evaluation employs a wide variety of research methods, such as statistical analysis of secondary data, surveys or laboratory and field experiments. The course will begin with an overview of the various methodological approaches, including their advantages and disadvantages and the conditions under which their use is appropriate. It will continue with a discussion of the different stages of a policy impact evaluation, including hypothesis generation, formulating a research design, measurement, sampling, data collection and data analysis. For data analysis, linear regression models will be revised, with a focus on difference-in-difference methods, regression discontinuity design and randomized controlled trials used for policy evaluation. Students, who already have a solid background in these methods can skip these sessions. Throuhgout the course, students will work on a self-selected project on a suitable topic. In addition, students will have to solve bi-weekly assignments.
865-0011-01L	Water, Sanitation and Waste Management MAS ETH in Development and Cooperation students have priority for admission. Interested students can apply to be placed on the waiting list and will be informed about a possible admission by the program coordinators within the first week after the start of lectures.	2 credits	2G	I. Günther, E. Tilley, C. Zurbrügg
Abstract	The course provides an overview of the links among sanitation, water supply, waste management and environmental and health aspects. It gives an understanding of the specific challenges and possible solutions in ensuring environmental services and illustrates their impact on the population and settlements.
Objective	The participants are able to - present the global situation and development trends in the sector of sanitation, water supply, waste management and for its main actors; - discuss the relationships between water supply, sanitation and health; - explain the principles of technologies for drinking water treatment, the management of sewage and waste, as well as appraise their strengths and weaknesses; - explain which sustainable concepts are implemented and how they can be inserted into the technical, institutional and social structures so that they are economically, ecologically and socially sustainable; - provide information where good professional resources are available.