The course covers the central debates in the current poverty and inequality literature. It is divided into three parts: (i) concepts and perspectives on the causes of poverty and inequality; (ii) methods and tools for measuring poverty and inequality; (iii) and policies and instruments for poverty reduction and less inequality.

The aim of this course is to introduce students to a range of perspectives and methods in the study of poverty and inequality, thereby acquiring a thorough understanding of key debates and controversies. The course is also designed to provide students with the practical and analytical skills needed to undertake their own analysis.

A combination of lectures, student presentations and class discussions. There are threes assignments, two of the assignments involve self-study to investigate a given topic, and the third assignment is a class presentation, in pairs, on a self-selected topic of relevance to the course. 

The instructors hold office hours and are available through e-mail consultations. Detailed feedback is provided on all three assignments, including feedback provided electronically throughout the semester. There is a separate training session on Excel for those not familiar with the programme. 

Selected articles.

Compulsory 80% attendance of the classes with student presentations. Mandatory activities are valid until the next time the course is offered.

Portfolio assessment, consisting of three separate assignments: (1) an individual assignment in the form of a review essay on an assigned topic; (2) an individual assignment on quantitative poverty analysis; and (3) one in-class presentation on a chosen topic (where two students collaborate on the presentation). All three assignments must be passed. All assignments will be given letter grades, and the course grade is the average of the three grades on the assignments.

250 hours

Minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway (generell studiekompetanse).

Approx. 18 lectures (2 hours each) + 4-6 classes with student presentations.

The course is in English. Incoming students can contact student advisors at the School of Economics and Business (studieveileder-hh@nmbu.no) for admission to the course. 

External examiner controls the quality of syllabus, course contents, and the evaluation method. The assignments are graded by internal examiners.