Module: Development Economics

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Development Economics
Module Code	EF321 (ITS) / ECO1014 (Banner)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
Module Co-ordinator	Declan Curran
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None
Array

Description

The analytical foundations for the course involve three elements: an intellectual history of development theories, an appraisal of competing policy-making frameworks, and an applied study of development theory and policy in the context of international trade, finance, and official development aid. In this way, the analytical tools will be provided for a rigorous critique of the development experiences of industrialised and developing countries. Students will attend lectures and are expected to participate in class discussions.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically evaluate varying definitions and approaches to development, and in particular to distinguish between a narrowly focussed growth perspective and a broader view of the concept of economic development
2. Describe and analyse seminal contributions to the disciplines of growth modelling and development economics, such as the Neoclassical/Solow growth model and the Lewis dual sector model.
3. Identify and discuss the so-called 'stylised facts' of economic growth.
4. Critically assess different strands of development thinking, from modernization theories through to a more modern eclectic approach.
5. Engage with the major issues faced by development specialists today, such as the influence of the developed world (aid, trade and debt), demographics, and environmental challenges.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Independent Study	50	Reading in preparation for lectures
Assignment Completion	25	Term Paper
Independent Study	26	Revision
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Definitions and approaches to development

Neoclassical growth models

Stylized Facts of Economic Growth

Theories of Development

Demographics and development

Influence of the developed world (aid, trade and debt)

Development and the environment

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Essay	Topic of the student's choosing	15%	Sem 2 End
Presentation	Group presentations based on topic of student's choosing	15%	Once per semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Todaro, Michael P. and Stephen C. Smith: 2003, Economic Development, Pearson,
R. Barro and X. Sali I Martin: 0, Economic Growth, McGrawHill,

Other Resources

None