The course draws on the central debates from existing poverty literature and debates. It is divided into five parts: (i) introduction, with overview of the key issues and the historical formation of the subject; (ii) concepts and perspectives of poverty: absolute-relative, chronic, multi-dimensional approaches, social exclusion etc.; (iii) measures and methods for the definition and analysis of poverty; (iv) dynamics of poverty, including debates on causes and on policies and instruments to reduce poverty.

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the multi-dimensional study of poverty, thereby acquiring a thorough understanding of key debates and controversies. The course is designed to provide students with the practical and analytical skills needed to undertake research on poverty as part of their Master theses, or later employment.

A combination of lectures, student presentations and class discussions.

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Addison, T, Hulme, D and Kanbur, R (2009). Poverty dynamics: interdisciplinary perspectives. New York, Oxford University Press and selected articles.

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In addition to the three assignments that makes up the exam, there is compulsory 80% attendence of the classes with student presentations. No re-examination. Mandatory activity is valid until the next time the course is offered.

Students are assessed according to continuous evaluation, consisting of three separate assignments: 1. One individual assignment on the measurement of poverty. 2. One individual assignment on policy analysis. 3. One class-presentation on a chosen topic (two students collaborate on the presentation). If you fail one of them, you fail the course. All assignments will be given letter grades, and the course grade is the average of the three grades on the assignments.

300 hours

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

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Approx. 20 lectures (2 hours each)

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External examiner will control the quality of syllabus, questions for the final examination, and principles for the assessment of the examination answers.