This module will introduce the economic structure of developing countries, the specific challenges they face and their position in world economy today. It is an optional module for all Economics full-fields and Applied Economics. It should interest all students who wish to acquire a good background in issues of growth and development in lower income countries and their significance for world economy.
The will start by introducing theories of economic development and measurement issues. It will examine some problems affecting all or groups of these countries, such as population growth, poverty, environment, income distribution, structural adjustment and volatile capital flows. It will also deal with policy issues specific to developing countries.
This module will be delivered through weekly workshops that will comprise a combination of lecture and seminar components. The lecture component pf the workshops will focus on the main theoretical issues and the seminar component of the workshops will focus on case studies and specific issues. The combination of these modes of delivery of workshops is intended to give students a good grounding in the field of economic development in a way that brings main issues to life and provides an enjoyable experience for students.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Guided independent study | Workshop | 46 |
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Independent study, course work preparation and exam revision | 254 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
The final grade for this module is arrived at by averaging results of two forms of assessment. Formative assessment consists of one essay worth 50% of the total. Summative assessment will be a 2-hour examination at the end of the year, worth 50%.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Analyse specific challenges faced by developing countries in world economy today | Supported by the formative assessment (50%) |
| 2) Describe and explain some of the core problems affecting developing countries | Supported by case studies discussed and presented in lectures and seminars (no summative marks awarded) |
| 3) Identify main data sources on developing countries | Supported by seminar discussions (no summative marks awarded) |
| 4) Apply some of the tools of economic analysis in analysing problems of developing countries | Supported by the formative assessment essay (as in 1 above) |
| 5) Integrate theory and evidence in the context of certain historical cases of modern economic development. . | Supported by the second assessment essay (50%) |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 50 |
| Written Exam | Two hour unseen examination | 50 |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Todaro, M. P. & Smith, S.C., 2011, Economic Development,11th. ed. Addison-Wesley: Boston
Shamsavari, A, 2011,Transnational Corporations and World Development, Pearson: Harlow
Hopper, P, 2012, Understanding Development, Polity: Cambridge
Acemoglu, D & Robinson, J.A., 2012, Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity and Poverty, Profile Books: London
Perkins, D.H, Radelet,S and Lindauer, D.L.,2006, Economics of Development, Sixth Edition, Norton: New York.
Secondie, I, (ed), 2008, TheDevelopment Economics Reader, Rouledge, New York
Thirwall, A. P, 2011, Economics of Development, Palgrave-Macmillan: London