Overview of Course

Did you know that 692 million people live on less than $2.15 a day? This course explores what life is like for those in extreme poverty and how their daily decisions—on food, healthcare, education, and work—shape their futures. Using microeconomic theory, we’ll examine how individuals in underserved communities navigate structural barriers like limited access to education, credit, and jobs.
You’ll learn how small changes in choices, policies, and institutional behavior can have big impacts on poverty outcomes. Topics include population growth, risk, and the role of strategic decision-making by individuals, firms, and governments in shaping economic inequality. Through real-world data collected from field research in the countries we visit, you’ll evaluate the effectiveness of policies aimed at alleviating poverty. The course also examines the role of strategic decision-making by individuals, firms, and governments in shaping economic outcomes—and how those decisions can either exacerbate or reduce poverty.
This course is perfect for students interested in social change, international development, and public policy. If you’re passionate about tackling global poverty, improving access to resources, or creating economic opportunities for underserved populations, this course will give you the tools to make a meaningful impact on some of the world’s most pressing issues.