Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - 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

On successful completion of this subject, students should have developed:

1. An understanding of economic analysis as a key tool in explaining and understanding the disparate levels of wealth observed in the modern world
2. Knowledge of the key components of "Economics thinking"
3. The ability to use this analysis to identify the underlying causes of economic prosperity, poverty and environmental degradation in the modern global economy
4. Skills in critical analysis of policies aimed at alleviating global poverty such as the Millenium Development Goals, especially as they relate to sub-Saharan Africa
5. Skills in the critical assessment of academic contributions to issues of economic development and growth

Assessment

Discussion log (whatever the students like to write): 15%
Research essay (3000 words): 35%
Examination (2.5 hours): 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Simon Angus

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures per week
One 1-hour tutorial per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Environmental Science!= pg Environmental Science or Environmental Science (ARTS)

Prohibitions

ECF9530, ECC2800, ENV5060