Module: Development Economics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Development Economics
Module Code	ECO1014 (ITS: EF321)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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 global issues faced by development specialists today, such as the influence of the developed world (aid, trade and debt), demographics, sustainability, 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

Section Breakdown
CRN	10362	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Declan Curran	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Essay	Critical discussion of economic development theories.	30%	Week 5
Presentation	Group presentations based on real-world case-study of economic development issues.	20%	Week 10
Written Exam	Review questions (2 from 4), in which student demonstrates analytical skills in area of economic development.	50%	Sem 1 End

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Todaro, Michael P. and Stephen C. Smith: 2015, Economic Development, 12th edition, Pearson,
Nafziger, W.: 2012, Economic Development, 5th edition, Cambridge University Press,
Nederveen Pieterse, J.: 2010, Development Theory, 2, Sage,

Articles:

Knuttson, B.: 2009, The intellectual history of development: Towards a widening potential repertoire, Perspectives, 13(1), 57266
2006: The Evolution of the Development Doctrine, 1950-2005, United Nations University: World Institute for Development Economics Research,

Other Resources

None