The course deals with essential issues related to economic development and sustainability with the objective of developing advanced skills for policy-oriented economics research in development economics. The approach is to present state-of-art economic development theories and models, investigate their empirical validity and the underlying pre-requisite conditions, and draw out the implications for institutional and policy designs. Major issues related to economic development and sustainability are discussed and illustrated using the experiences and lessons of selected countries and regions. Relevant economic theories and models are employed to explain these issues and to inform policy making, followed by a thorough discussion of existing case studies from around the world. Students will gain experience using modern statistical tools to analyse development issues and policy responses in developing economies.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of development economics theories and essential policy issues.
- Critically evaluate economic challenges faced by developing economies.
- Design applied research to analyse key issues in economic development.
- Apply empirical methods to statistical datasets to test hypotheses in development economics.
- Develop potential policy reforms for developing economies.
Indicative Assessment
- Problem sets (2 x 10%) (20) [LO 1]
- Contribution to class discussion forum (5) [LO 2,3,5]
- Research essay (2,500 words) (35) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Final examination (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
A standard workload for a 6 unit course is 130 hours including in class time and independent study.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
None.
Preliminary Reading
Perkins, Dwight H., Steven Radelet and David L. Lindauer, Economics of Development, Seventh Edition, New York: W.W. Norton, 2013.
Banerjee, A. and E. Duflo, Poor Economics: Radical Rethinking of the Way to Fight Global Poverty, 2011.
Thirlwall, A. P., Economics of Development, Ninth Edition, Palgrave Macmillan, UK, 2011.
Plus selected articles to be posted on Wattle.
Assumed Knowledge
Knowledge on the use of statistical software is assumed, and students with economic background is preferred.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 34
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $5280 | Standard Rate |
| 2025 | $3840 |
Grandfathered Rate*
*continuing students in nominated programs only. See fee website |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6720 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Campus | ||||||
| 8968 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |
| Online | ||||||
| 8969 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | Online | N/A |