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851-0626-01L 2 Credits BSC , DS , MSC D-HEST , D-GESS , D-USYS

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International Aid and Development

Lecturers: Prof. Dr. Isabel Günther

Examiners: Prof. Dr. Isabel Günther, Dr. Kenneth Harttgen

Does not take place this semester. Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of economics

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:00:34

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.

Resources

Literature

Articles and book abstracts will be uploaded to a course website.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , DS , MSC
Frequency: Every two years

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

Registration & Places

Max Places: 60

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	International Aid and Development Does not take place this semester.	No time listed	2 h weekly

Offered In

Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
- Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
  - Economics
Environmental Sciences Bachelor
- Social Sciences and Humanities
  - Electives (This structure can be chossen during the study year 2022/23 for the last time.)
    - Module Economics
  - Electives - new selsction (These elctives can be chosen in autumn semester 2022 alreday.This structure will be the only one starting autumn semester 2023.)
    - Economics
Food Science Bachelor
- Electives (A list with possible electives will be published separately.)
Agricultural Sciences Master
- Major in Agriculture Economics
  - Disciplinary Competences
    - Development and International Policy
- Minors
  - Agricultural Economics and Policy
  - Sustainable Agricultural Development (The minor Transdisciplinarity for Sustainable Development was revised and renamed for the academic year 22/23. The course units that were previously offered are still part of the Sustainable Agricultural Development minor.)