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ECO347Social Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Development Economics I

This course introduces students to the core concepts and theories of development economics, focusing on the challenges faced by Less Developed Countries (LDCs). It explores the determinants of economic growth and development, including economic and non-economic factors. Students will analyze various growth models, obstacles to development, and strategies for achieving sustainable development. The course also examines the characteristics and diverse structures of LDCs, providing a comprehensive understanding of development economics.

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208h
Study Time
13
Weeks
16h
Per Week
intermediate
Math Level
Course Keywords
Economic GrowthDevelopment EconomicsSustainable DevelopmentLess Developed CountriesGrowth Models

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📊
Math Level
Moderate Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Economic Growth

2

Economic Development

3

Sustainable Development

4

Characteristics of LDCs

5

Theories of Economic Development

6

Economic Growth Models

Total Topics6 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Introductory Economics

Macroeconomics

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Development Economist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Economic Planner

Apply your skills in this growing field

International Development Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Researcher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Government AgenciesInternational OrganizationsNon-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)Research InstitutionsConsulting Firms

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Concepts and Determinants of Economic Growth and Development

2h

Unit 1: Concept of Economic Growth

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Concept of Economic Growth
  • •Define economic growth and its key characteristics
  • •Discuss the importance of studying economic growth
  • •Solve numerical problems related to GDP growth rate calculation
Week
2

Module 1: Concepts and Determinants of Economic Growth and Development

2h

Unit 2: Determinants of Growth

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Determinants of Growth
  • •Explain the economic factors that determine growth
  • •Analyze the role of natural resources, capital formation, and technology
  • •Discuss the non-economic factors such as political and social factors
Week
3

Module 1: Concepts and Determinants of Economic Growth and Development

2h

Unit 3: Concept of Economic Development

1 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Concept of Economic Development
  • •Define economic development and differentiate it from economic growth
  • •Identify the objectives and criteria for development
  • •Discuss the measures of economic development

Unit 4: Sustainable Development

1 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Sustainable Development
  • •Explain the meaning and objectives of sustainable development
  • •Analyze environmental problems in less developed countries
  • •Discuss policies for sustainable development
Week
4

Module 2: Common Characteristics and Divers Structures of the Less-Developed Countries

2h

Unit 1: The Less-Developed Countries

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: The Less-Developed Countries
  • •Explain the meaning of less-developed countries
  • •List and discuss the indicators of underdevelopment
  • •Identify countries that fit into the less-developed category
Week
5

Module 2: Common Characteristics and Divers Structures of the Less-Developed Countries

2h

Unit 2: Common Characteristics and Diverse Structures of the Less-Developed Countries

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Common Characteristics and Diverse Structures of the Less-Developed Countries
  • •List and explain the common characteristics of less-developed countries
  • •Discuss the diverse structures of less-developed countries
  • •Differentiate between economic and non-economic diversities
Week
6

Module 2: Common Characteristics and Divers Structures of the Less-Developed Countries

2h

Unit 3: Major Obstacles to Economic Development

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Major Obstacles to Economic Development
  • •Identify and explain the major obstacles to economic development
  • •Discuss economic constraints such as vicious cycles of poverty
  • •Analyze non-economic constraints such as socio-cultural factors
Week
7

Module 2: Common Characteristics and Divers Structures of the Less-Developed Countries

2h

Unit 4: Meaning and Characteristics of Modern Economic Growth

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Meaning and Characteristics of Modern Economic Growth
  • •Understand the meaning of modern economic growth
  • •List and explain Kuznets' six characteristics of modern economic growth
  • •Discuss the fundamental points in modern economic growth
Week
8

Module 3: A Survey of Some Selected Theories of Economic Development

2h

Unit 1: Adam Smith's Theory

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Adam Smith's Theory
  • •Explain Adam Smith's theory of economic development
  • •State the growth agents and growth process of the theory
  • •Discuss the weaknesses and relevance of the theory to LDCs
Week
9

Module 3: A Survey of Some Selected Theories of Economic Development

2h

Unit 2: W.W Rostow's Stages of Economic Growth

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: W.W Rostow's Stages of Economic Growth
  • •Explain W.W Rostow's stages of economic growth model
  • •State and explain the five stages of economic growth
  • •Discuss the weaknesses of the theory
Week
10

Module 3: A Survey of Some Selected Theories of Economic Development

2h

Unit 3: The Marxian Theory

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: The Marxian Theory
  • •Explain Karl Marx's theory of development
  • •State the weaknesses of the theory
  • •Discuss Karl Marx's contributions to developing countries
Week
11

Module 3: A Survey of Some Selected Theories of Economic Development

2h

Unit 4: Lewis's Theory of Unlimited Supplies of Labour

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Lewis's Theory of Unlimited Supplies of Labour
  • •Explain Lewis's theory of unlimited supplies of labour
  • •State the assumptions of the theory
  • •Critically appraise the theory
Week
12

Module 3: A Survey of Some Selected Theories of Economic Development

2h

Unit 5: Balanced and Unbalanced Growth Theories

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 5: Balanced and Unbalanced Growth Theories
  • •Explain the balanced and unbalanced growth theories
  • •State the criticisms of the theories
  • •Identify the differences between the balanced and unbalanced theories
Week
13

Module 4: Some Economic Growth Models

2h

Unit 1: Harrod-Domar Growth Model

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Harrod-Domar Growth Model
  • •Discuss the Harrod-Domar growth models
  • •State the basic assumptions underlying the models
  • •Explain the mathematical representation of the models

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a detailed study schedule, allocating specific time slots for each unit and module.

2

Focus on understanding the core concepts and theories, rather than memorizing facts.

3

Practice solving numerical problems related to GDP growth rate calculation and economic growth models.

4

Create concept maps linking different theories and models to understand their interrelationships.

5

Review the objectives for each study unit to confirm that you have achieved them.

6

Pay particular attention to your tutor's comments on assignments, both on the tutor-marked assignment form and also written on the assignment.

7

Revise the entire course material using the time between finishing the last unit in the module and that of sitting for the final examination.

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