ECX2800 · 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.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

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

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. apply modern sustainability thinking to the idea of economic prosperity
2. identify sources of connectedness in a complex economy-society-planet system through an economic lens
3. analyse dynamic models and frameworks of economic prosperity and poverty alleviation
4. critically assess prominent economic policies that address at least one major environmental externality facing the planet
5. develop critical and creative thinking, writing and reviewing skills.

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. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. You are expected to complete all pre-class activities prior to your scheduled class, and post-class activities should be completed after your scheduled class. Learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed, peer directed and online engagement activities.

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