Module Information
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 two-hour lectures |
| Seminars / Tutorials | 5 one hour seminars |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Exam | 3 Hours Unseen written examination Unseen written examination | 80% |
| Semester Assessment | Coursework 1,500 - 2,000 words Coursework: 1500 - 2000 words | 20% |
| Supplementary Exam | 3 Hours Unseen written examination Unseen written examination Repeat failed element | 80% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Coursework 1,500 - 2,000 words Repeat failed element | 20% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
* Demonstrate an understanding of the interplay of economic, political and social dimensions of development in the context of the global economy;
* Critically analyze the problems facing developing countries and the different policy options available to address the problems from a policy perspective;
* Demonstrate an understanding of the main issues in transformation from planned to market economy;
* Analyze theories and paradigms of economic development and the current state of debates in the field;
* Interpret academic literature on development and analyze policy issues pertaining to economic growth and development from a broad and rigorous analytical base;
* Analyze the effects of trade reform and its relationship to growth and development in the broader context of the ongoing globalization process;
* Evaluate the dynamics of transition and the move towards integration of transition economies into the EU.
Aims
Given that there is a substantial overlap in the main policy issues relevant for developing and transition economies, it follows that the content of this module can be delivered more effectively within a common academic framework that will enable a more efficient and synergistic delivery of all the key topics to be covered.
Brief description
The module explores the related themes of economic growth and development in developing and transition economies. Topics covered include: theory and evidence on economic development; role of agriculture, technical, ideological and sociological implications of the development process; the ongoing debate on the inter-linkages between trade and development; issues concerning transformation of centrally-planned economies to a market economy; and, the integration of transition economies into the EU.
Content
- Overview on the emerging economic framework
- Growth and development indicators, terminology, development goals
- The role of agriculture: land, urban-rural reallocation, farm size and productivity, impact of technology adoption on agriculture
- Health, nutrition, gender bias, education, environment
- Impact of income inequality, population growth on economic growth and development
- Economic growth and development: Theory, policy and evidence
- Impact of globalisation and trade on developing economies
- Introduction to centrally planned economy
- Macroeconomic implications of changes
- Financial effects of changes
- Implications to trade flows
- Central and Eastern European countries in transition: joining the EU
- Relationship between former Soviet economies and the EU
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | The course will focus on quantification of conceptual issues that will require economic analysis and some interpretation of the data. It will also allow students to use basic regression analysis and modeling methods, if they wish to (This module is however, not oriented around mathematical derivations). |
| Communication | Participation in discussion-based seminars will enhance the verbal communication skills of the participants. Written communication proficiency will also improve as a result of the compulsory coursework component of the module. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Students will get an opportunity to improve their overall performance by using the analytical tools from microeconomic and macroeconomic theory to study a range of interesting policy issues in developing and transition economies. |
| Information Technology | The existing IT skills of the students will be enhanced because this module requires students to refer to the online electronic journals; consult the websites of international organizations like EBRD, World Bank, UNDP, UNCTAD, and UNHRC; and, present information and data effectively for analysis. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | The module will provide the students with an opportunity to specialize in development related issues and plan a future career in their area of interest. After the completion of the module, the participants will stand a good chance of interning with international organizations, particularly those that design and implement economic policies for developing nations. Besides, there will also be the possibility to intern/train with the NGOs working on development related issues. |
| Problem solving | This module will enhance the ability of students to analyze national economic performance indicators and develop creative thinking approaches to problem solving from a policy perspective (possibly in the student¿s sector of interest). |
| Research skills | This module will plan, develop and sharpen research skills to produce academic reports. Students are expected to undertake additional research on contemporary development related issues to complement the theoretical foundations for effective participation in seminars discussions and coursework. |
| Subject Specific Skills | This module is designed to provide a comprehensive overview on the main issues and problems in developing and transition economies which will allow the participants to pursue their interests in future. |
| Team work | Participation in seminars through individual and group discussions will improve team-working skills of all the participants. |
Reading List
Recommended TextGros, D and Steinherr, A (2004) Economic Transition in Central and Eastern Europe Cambridge: The University Press Primo search Kornai, J (1990) The Road to a Free Economy. Shifting from a Socialist System: the Example of Hungary New York: W W Norton Primo search Sen, A K (1999) Development as Freedom Oxford University Press Primo search Todaro, Michael P and Smith, Stephen C (2006) Economic Development 9th Edition Pearson Primo search
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 6