Key facts
UNE unit code: ECON590
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Developing countries face a variety of major economic problems, such as poverty, inequality, population growth, rapid urbanisation, public health challenges, and government and market failures.
In this unit, you will explore contemporary economic problems that are common in developing countries. You will learn techniques for reaching independent and informed judgements and policy conclusions that will help you to tackle, and potentially resolve, these significant issues.
You will learn to take a problem- and policy-orientated approach to economic development within the context of the major problems that challenge developing countries.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- synthesise alternative explanations of economic development;
- identify and critically evaluate the complexity in economic development;
- demonstrate expert judgement on policy responses to development problems;
- further develop sustained argument and expert judgement about development policy; and
- think critically about development problems and policies.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Students are required to analyse an assigned journal article in economic development. No. Words: 750 |
| Essay | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Students are required to submit a research report on a selected issue in economic development. No. Words: 2500 |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam during the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. Students must obtain at least 50% in the examination (and at least 50% overall) to receive a pass or better in the unit. |
| Weekly online discussion forum | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Students are required to participate in online discussion forum |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Economic Development
ISBN: 9781292291154
Todaro, M. P. and Smith, S. C., Pearson 13th ed. 2020
Text refers to: All offerings
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