Why the Poorest Countries are Failing and What Can Be Done About It” by Paul Collier

The Bottom Billion: Why the Poorest Countries are Failing and What Can Be Done About It” by Paul Collier Order Description Overview The last module of the course bring concepts learned in domestic macroeconomic policy and applies these concepts in a global setting. Here we look at the implication of policy in global trade as well as challenges that less developed countries face in macroeconomic policy. In this book report assignment, students will read a book discussing international/developmental economics. The recommended book is “The Bottom Billion: Why the Poorest Countries are Failing and What Can Be Done About It” by Paul Collier. Students that wish to read another book must have permission from the Instructor. Students may submit a rough draft for preliminary feedback before the final submission of the assignment. This must be done by the end of Week 15 in the semester schedule to receive feedback in time for a resubmission. Final submission will be due in Week 17. In the book report, students will evaluate the book author’s conclusions and arguments from the theory and concepts learned in the course. The written content should consist of 8-10 pages in length and follow APA format. The content should consist of three sections: introduction and summary of key points from book, evaluation of at least two macroeconomic elements and a recommendation of policy for under-developed nations. Components Introduction/Summary Provide a concise description of the book and introduce the key macroeconomic policies relevant for developing countries. Section should consist of 20% of total document. Macro Policy Discussion Include a discussion including at least two of the following elements: monetary policy/inflation, fiscal policy, employment, structural stagnation, and/or international trade policy. How does the book author use the chosen macro elements to build an argument? Evaluate (compare and contrast) the book author’s discussion of these elements using theory and concepts learned in the textbook and in the course. Consider what school of thought the author comes from and what assumptions, values and goals the author uses. Section should be 60% of the total document. Recommendation Consider the arguments the author makes and consider the theory and concepts learned in the class to formulate your own opinion to the issue presented by the book author. Articulate your own opinion on the issue(s) and support your ideas using theory and concepts learned in the class and textbook. Section should be 20% of the total document. Rubric Macro Book Report Macro Book Report Criteria Ratings Pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntroduction 40.0 pts Exemplary - Meets “Proficient” criteria and demonstrates insightful understanding of the key issues from the selected book 35.0 pts Proficient - Concisely and accurately describes and introduces relevant content from the book selected 30.0 pts Needs Improvement - Describes the book, but description is not concise or contains unimportant details 0.0 pts Not Evident - Does not describe the book 40.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMacro Policy Evaluation 100.0 pts Exemplary - Meets “Proficient” criteria and statement demonstrates advanced evaluation of elements from macro theory and course resources/content 85.0 pts Proficient - Discusses at least 2 macro elements and includes an appropriate evaluation 70.0 pts Needs Improvement - Discusses macro elements, but lacks evaluation or appropriateness 0.0 pts Not Evident - Does not discuss macro elements from selected book 100.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeRecommendation 40.0 pts Exemplary - Meets “Proficient” criteria and provides advanced insight in policy implications to developing countries 35.0 pts Proficient - Provides a recommendation of the macro issues identified by the book author that are consistent with the previous discussion 30.0 pts Needs Improvement - Provides a recommendation, but lacks qualification, defense or originality 0.0 pts Not Evident - Does not contain a recommendation 40.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeArticulation of Response 20.0 pts Exemplary - Submission is free of errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax and organization and is presented in professional APA format 18.0 pts Proficient - Submission has no major errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax or organization 15.0 pts Less Than Expectations - Submission has major errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax or organization that detract from the readability and articulation of ideas 10.0 pts Needs Improvement - Submission contains so many critical errors related to grammar, syntax and organization that prevent understanding of content 20.0 pts Total Points: 200.0