This unit examines economic problems and developmental issues facing contemporary developing nations, such as issues of poverty, inequality, economic growth, population growth and foreign aid. We will also explore alternative theories of economic development and their relevance to developing countries today.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Identify and analyse the economic causes of underdevelopment and the policies that can be used to address the issue;
2. Measure poverty and inequality and identify their determinants;
3. Describe economic disadvantage of indigenous Australians;
4. Explain the role of education, health, population growth and credit markets in the development process;
5. Analyse how development economics informs the practical implementation of development policies in varying local and global contexts;
6. Communicate the outcome of research through written reports or oral presentation; and
7. Reflect upon their unit experience, including theories, discussions and feedback, and how it relates to the goals set out in their professional portfolio.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development

Prerequisites

11175 Introduction to Economics.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

Basic economic concepts covered in Introduction to Economics.