Overview
Economic problems in developing countries. Topics covered include theories of economic growth, underdevelopment, basic needs, human development, education and population growth.
In New Zealand, income per capita is US$37,800; virtually everyone can read and write; and, on average, people can expect to live for 81 years. In India, income per capita is US$1,600; about a third of the population cannot read and write; and average life expectancy is 68 years. Most of the countries that make up the world economy have more in common with India than with New Zealand. These countries (where more than two thirds of the world's population live) are known as the "Third World". Other names for this group of countries include "developing countries" and "less-developed countries (LDCs)".
This paper is about the economies of these countries. We will analyse why it is that most of the world's economies appear to be trapped at low standards of living for most of their citizens. We will also ask what policies, if any, are likely to encourage the economic development of these countries. The approach followed will be to relate the theoretical literature to the real-world experience.
About this paper
| Paper title | Economics of Developing Countries |
|---|---|
| Subject | Economics |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $993.75 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- ECON 201 or ECON 271
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Commerce, Science
- Contact
- More information link
- Teaching staff
- Textbooks
Todaro and Smith (2020) "Economic Development," Addison Wesley.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will be able to:
- Compare the predictions of different theories and models of the process of economic growth and development to what we observe in the real world, with reference to cross-country data
- Analyse evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs)
- Discuss how to measure concepts like economic development, income inequality and poverty
It is your understanding of these theories, models and concepts, and your ability to apply these, that will be examinable in both the internal assessment and the final exam.
In addition to general mastery of the material, a number of specific learning outcomes follow from this: critical thinking, the ability to reconcile competing arguments and written communication are a key focus.