ECC2800 - Prosperity, poverty and sustainability in a globalised world - 2019

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.

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

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

Within semester assessment: 50% + Examination: 50%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information