APG5229 · Prosperity, poverty and sustainability in a globalised world

Overview

This unit seeks to answer the question, ‘what drives sustainable economic prosperity?’ To answer, the unit begins with prominent economic theorising around channels of economic prosperity, including the role of technology, specialisation, capital accumulation, coordination and complexity. Next, we look at where prosperity has chronically failed to arrive, critically examining the successes and failures of major interventions that were aimed at alleviating poverty. Finally, we turn our attention to the complexity of human economic prosperity on a finite planet through the lens of the Anthropocene. Overall, the unit takes a complex systems and sustainability mindset to these topics and seeks to equip you with deep critical thinking frameworks to comprehend complexity and understand key linkages in the pursuit of sustainable prosperity for all.

Areas of study: Environment and governance International development practice International development and environment International relations

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Within semester assessment: 50% + Exam: 50%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. An understanding of economic analysis as a key tool in explaining and understanding the disparate levels of wealth observed in the modern world;
2. Knowledge of the key components of Economics thinking;
3. The ability to use this analysis to identify the underlying causes of economic prosperity, poverty and environmental degradation in the modern global economy;
4. Skills in critical analysis of policies aimed at alleviating global poverty such as the Millennium Development Goals, especially as they relate to sub-Saharan Africa;
5. Skills in the critical assessment of academic contributions to issues of economic development and growth.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.