Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge and Understanding:
On completion of the course, students should have a clear picture of the proximate and ultimate drivers of economic growth and development. They should also understand the debates and points of contention surrounding economic growth and be able to apply this understanding to critically evaluate competing arguments and new research theories.
This module also provides opportunities for the student to acquire or enhance the following skills:
Subject-specific Skills:
the ability to construct evidence-based arguments and exercise problem solving skills in an economic growth context.
the ability to draw parallels between historical, contemporary and future growth experiences
the ability to comprehend academic literature in economic growth
the ability to understand, evaluate and commentate on policies relating to economic growth and development.
Cognitive Skills:
Problem solving
Logical and mathematical reasoning
Independent enquiry
Critical evaluation and interpretation
Self-assessment and reflection
Transferable Skills:
The ability to synthesise information/data from a variety of sources including from databases, books, articles and the internet
The ability to reason and evaluate and recommend on the basis of such reasoning
Organisation and time management
Problem solving and critical analysis
Work-based IT skills:
The ability to work both independently and in groups
Students will also develop their numerical and written communication skills.
Indicative Module Content:
The course will be based around the textbook Economic Growth (3rd Edition, International, Routledge/Pearson, 2014) by David Weil. A supplementary text will be How the World Became Rich: The Historical Origins of Economic Growth (Polity Books, 2022) by Mark Koyama and Jared Rubin.
Topics covered will include:
1. Physical Capital
2. Population
3. Human Capital
4. Technology
5. Efficiency
6. Government, Culture & Institutions
7. Geography, Climate & Natural Resources