This course features topics in development economics where theoretical modelling and empirical analysis combine to deliver deeper analysis on a growth and development question. At a theoretical level we will convey the intuition of the mechanisms at work using simple economic models. At the empirical level we will discuss the results from selected studies. The first part of the course will focus mostly on political economy questions, as well as on growth/development economics. And the second part of the course examines competing hypotheses on the role of institutions and culture for long-term economic growth and cross-country differences in economic outcomes.