Economic Development (11209.2)

This unit explores the economic challenges and development issues faced by low- and middle-income countries. Students will critically examine the factors contributing to underdevelopment and assess policy interventions aimed at promoting development across diverse contexts. The unit also investigates how structural, institutional, and historical influences shape development outcomes, using data on poverty, inequality, and other indicators of well-being. Key themes include the roles of education, health, demographics, and aid in shaping development trajectories. Students will integrate theoretical and empirical perspectives while reflecting on their personal and professional development within the field of development economics.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Understand key theories of economic development and assess their relevance to contemporary challenges in low- and middle-income countries;
2. Evaluate the underlying drivers of underdevelopment and assess policy interventions aimed at promoting development across diverse global and local contexts;
3. Analyse and interpret measures of poverty and inequality using appropriate data and examine their economic, institutional, and historical determinants;
4. Assess the roles of education, health, population dynamics and credit markets in affecting development outcomes, and communicate insights using formats appropriate to diverse audiences; and
5. Synthesise theoretical insights, empirical evidence, and feedback to reflect on personal and professional development within the field of development economics.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development

Prerequisites

11175 Introduction to Economics

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

Basic economic concepts covered in Introduction to Economics.