Microfinance in Theory and Practice

Microfinance provides financial services to the poor and has often been touted as a model example of a social entrepreneurship innovation that addresses both social and economic problems. However, it has been under scrutiny of late in light of concerns over consumer protection and increasing commercialization of the field, and questions remain about its effectiveness in lifting its clients out of poverty. The course will address these issues from both a theoretical and developmental perspective and provide in-depth discussion on emerging issues in the microfinance world. Prerequisite: 6 credit hours in IDVP