HIS556: Why Are Poor Nations Poor?

This course will examine the plight of developing nations. Students will explore why the quality of life of these countries' citizens remains, in the aggregate, so low and their choices so limited. Topics to be considered include the historical legacy of colonization, cultural and social issues, geography and climate, agriculture and famine, human capital, governance and corruption, and foreign aid, debt and trade. Case studies will be examined comparing various nations in Latin America, Africa and Asia.