Development Economics

Subject 316-676 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Three hours of classes per mweek plus three hours of seminars during the semester (Semester 2).
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: 316-611 Microeconomics.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability
Subject Overview: The subject will cover development economics. The topics covered may include: economic growth theory, including models in which growth is endogenous; measurement of poverty and inequality; tests of the efficiency of labour and credit markets; consumption smoothing; micro-credit schemes; and demographic issues.

This subject studies microeconomic conditions in developing countries. It aims to go beyond a mere description of economic conditions in these parts of the world. The emphasis is on rigorous theoretical economic modelling of phenomena observed in developing countries. Substantial attention will also be paid to the testing of the theories using real world data. Students are thus expected to have some econometric knowledge.

Objectives: On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  • Evaluate the ways in which developing countries differ from developed countries;
  • Identify how these differences affect the economic environment in which people live and the economic decisions made by households;
  • Analyse the relevance of particular theories to different environments;
  • Evaluate the results of empirical tests of the economic theories;
  • Synthesise the theoretical and empirical literature and describe the current state of knowledge in the field of development economics;
  • Critically evaluate policy prescriptions in developmental economics.
Assessment: One 3-hour end-of-semester examination (70%) and class assignments not exceeding 6000 words (30%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:

  • Evaluation of ideas, views and evidence;

  • Synthesis of ideas, views and evidence;

  • Strategic thinking;

  • Critical thinking;

  • Application of theory to economic policy and business decision making;

  • Summary and interpretation of information;

  • Statistical reasoning;

  • Problem solving skills;

  • Written communication;

  • Oral communication.
Notes: Students may not gain credit for both 316-676 Development Economics and 316-463 Development Economics.

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