Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit examines the process of economic development and its effects on prosperity, poverty and sustainability. The unit begins by studying the sources of prosperity via economic growth in the modern era, with particular reference to the Great Divergence in incomes that started during the 1800s. Second, the unit asks why some economic systems have prospered, whilst others have declined by turning its attention to disparate experiences of world-wide economic growth such as poverty and starvation. Finally we study the effects and prospects for future economic development in the context of environmental sustainability and climate change.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• to introduce economic analysis as a key tool in understanding global movements of capital, labour and goods and services
• to use this analysis to identify the underlying causes of economic prosperity, poverty and environmental degradation in the modern global economy
• to critically analyse the sources of globalisation at the beginning of the 20th century and in the modern era
• to equip students with the economic tools to assess current ideas that aim to alleviate global poverty and secure environmental sustainability.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 50%
Examination (2.5 hours): 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Simon Angus

Contact hours

3 hours per week