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ECO714Social Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Development Economics

This course on Development Economics provides an analytical approach to the economic problems of developing nations and efforts to bridge the gap between developed and developing countries. It covers fundamental concepts, measurement, determinants, and challenges of economic growth and development. Students will explore theories, models, and strategies, including sustainable development, capital formation, and the role of foreign trade. The course aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of development economics and its policy implications.

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156h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
intermediate
Math Level
Course Keywords
Economic DevelopmentSustainable DevelopmentGrowth TheoriesCapital FormationForeign Trade

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

Development Theories

5

Capital Formation

6

Foreign Trade

7

Import Substitution

8

Export Promotion

Total Topics8 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Principles of 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

Economist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Development Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

International Development Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Economist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Government AgenciesInternational OrganizationsConsulting FirmsResearch InstitutionsFinancial Institutions

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

MODULE ONE: NATURE AND BASIC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS

2h

Unit 1: Economic Growth and Development

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 1: Understand the nature of development economics.
  • Define economic growth and its key components.
  • Discuss the measurement of economic growth using GDP and related indicators.
Week
2

MODULE ONE: NATURE AND BASIC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS

2h

Unit 2: Meaning and Measurement of Economic Development

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 2: Define economic development and differentiate it from economic growth.
  • Enumerate the core values of economic development.
  • Explain how economic development is measured using the New Human Development Index (NHDI).
Week
3

MODULE ONE: NATURE AND BASIC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS

2h

Unit 3: Development and Underdevelopment

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 3: Discuss the meaning of underdevelopment and its common characteristics.
  • Identify the major obstacles to economic development.
  • Enumerate the determinants of economic development.
Week
4

MODULE ONE: NATURE AND BASIC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS

2h

Unit 4: Issues on Sustainable Development

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 4: Discuss the meaning of sustainable development.
  • Outline the pillars of sustainable development.
  • Highlight the goals of sustainable development and policies to achieve them.
Week
5

MODULE TWO: SELECTED THEORIES OF ECONOMIC GROWTH AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

2h

Unit 1: The Structural Growth Theory

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 1: Explain the Lewis development theory and its assumptions.
  • Evaluate the relevance of the Lewis model to developing economies.
  • Discuss the structural change theory.
Week
6

MODULE TWO: SELECTED THEORIES OF ECONOMIC GROWTH AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

2h

Unit 2: International-Dependence Theory

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 2: Explain the international dependence theory of underdevelopment.
  • Discuss the sub-groups of the dependence theory.
  • Outline the policy implications of the dependence theory.
Week
7

MODULE TWO: SELECTED THEORIES OF ECONOMIC GROWTH AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

2h

Unit 3: Neoclassical Growth Model

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 3: Discuss the neoclassical growth model.
  • Highlight the assumptions of the model.
  • Explain the implications of the neoclassical growth model for developing countries.
Week
8

MODULE TWO: SELECTED THEORIES OF ECONOMIC GROWTH AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

2h

Unit 4: Endogenous Growth Model and Policy Implications

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 4: Discuss the main features of the endogenous growth theory.
  • Enumerate the criticisms against the theory.
  • Outline the policy implications of the theory.
Week
9

MODULE THREE: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES

2h

Unit 1: Balanced and Unbalanced Growth Strategy

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 1: Discuss the balanced growth strategy and its limitations.
  • Explain the unbalanced growth strategy and its limitations.
  • Give a critical appraisal of both strategies.
Week
10

MODULE THREE: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES

2h

Unit 2: Import Substitution and Export-Led Promotion Strategy

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 2: Explain the meaning of import substitution strategy.
  • Outline the advantages and disadvantages of import substitution strategy.
  • Discuss the meaning of export promotion strategy.
Week
11

MODULE THREE: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES

2h

Unit 3: Capital Formation and Economic Development

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 3: Explain the meaning of capital formation.
  • Outline the role of capital formation in developing countries.
  • Describe the reasons for the low rate of capital formation in developing countries.
Week
12

MODULE THREE: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES

2h

Unit 4: Foreign Trade and Economic Development

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 4: Define and explain the meaning of foreign trade.
  • Outline the role of foreign trade in economic development.
  • Describe the limitations of foreign trade in developing countries.
Week
13

MODULE THREE: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES

4h

Final Revision and TMA Preparation

4 study hours
  • Review all units and prepare for assignments.
  • Focus on key concepts and theories.
  • Practice self-assessment exercises.

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

Review all study units and focus on key concepts and definitions.

2

Practice solving problems related to economic growth and development models.

3

Create summaries of each module to reinforce understanding.

4

Review tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and feedback for areas of improvement.

5

Allocate specific time slots for studying each topic and stick to the schedule.

6

Form study groups to discuss and clarify complex concepts.

7

Practice past examination questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format.

8

Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 growth models.

9

Focus on understanding the assumptions and limitations of each theory.

10

Review and understand the policy implications of each theory and strategy.

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