James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

EC5205 - Economic Growth and Sustainable Development

Subject Description

Inequality in economic prosperity between countries is significant and patterns in economic growth do not suggest convergence. This subject therefore explores the drivers of economic growth. It studies economic growth over time and across countries in order to identify the key contributors to economic growth. The subject then proceeds to explore and address the (adverse) side effects of economic growth, i.e. it offers ways to pursue sustainable economic growth. As such, the subject provides relevant skills to both economics students and students interested in the broader area of (regional) planning and development studies, who wish to understand the economist's take on growth.

Learning Outcomes

• demonstrate an advanced level of understanding of theories that propose exogenous drivers of economic growth to explain economic growth differences
• demonstrate integrated knowledge of theories that propose endogenous drivers of economic growth to explain economic growth differences and recognise that social and environmental issues are inextricably linked to economic growth
• contrast real economic data on theory-informed drivers of economic growth in a rich and a poor country to design advanced-level and integrated economic growth policy recommendations for the poor country

Subject Assessment

• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (25%) - Individual
• Written > Research report - (50%) - Individual
• Oral > Interview - (25%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Assumed Knowledge:  Introductory subjects in Economics and Statistics

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  BX3023 and EC2001 and EC3412

Availabilities