Course Description – Economics of Development (DECON02)

Course Code: DECON02
Course Title: Economics of Development
Program: BASOCW (Bachelor of Arts in Social Work / Social Sciences)
Credit Hours: 3
Level: Undergraduate – Year 2

Course Overview

Economics of Development introduces students to the economic principles, theories, and policies that influence the development process in low- and middle-income countries. The course examines the challenges of poverty, inequality, unemployment, and underdevelopment, while exploring strategies for sustainable economic growth. Special focus is placed on the role of institutions, governance, foreign aid, trade, and globalization in shaping development outcomes.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Understand the key concepts, theories, and measures of economic development.

2. Analyze the causes and consequences of poverty, inequality, and unemployment.

3. Evaluate development policies and strategies in different contexts.

4. Examine the role of agriculture, industry, trade, and finance in economic development.

5. Assess the impact of globalization, technology, and sustainability on development.

6. Apply economic reasoning to real-world development issues and policy debates.

Key Topics Covered

• Introduction to Development Economics: Concepts and Measurement (GDP, HDI, Gini, etc.)

• Theories of Economic Development (Classical, Neoclassical, Structuralist, Dependency, Modern Theories)

• Poverty, Inequality, and Unemployment in Developing Countries

• Population Growth, Human Capital, and Education in Development

• Agriculture, Industrialization, and Structural Transformation

• Role of Trade, Foreign Direct Investment, and Globalization

• Finance, Microcredit, and Development Institutions

• Governance, Institutions, and Corruption in Development

• Environment, Climate Change, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Case Studies of Development Successes and Failures (e.g., East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America)

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

• Define and measure development using appropriate economic indicators.

• Critically analyze economic policies and their impact on growth and welfare.

• Explain the roles of institutions, trade, and investment in development.

• Discuss global development challenges and propose policy solutions.

• Apply development theories to case studies of specific countries or regions.

Assessment Methods

• Assignments and Essays (20%)

• Mid-Semester Examination (20%)

• Group Project / Case Study (10%)

• Class Participation & Presentations (10%)

• Final Examination (40%)

Recommended References

• Todaro, M. P. & Smith, S. C. – Economic Development

• Ray, D. – Development Economics

• Thirlwall, A. P. – Growth and Development

• Sen, A. – Development as Freedom

• World Bank – World Development Report

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