BX3023 - Economic Growth and Sustainable Development

Available to all JCU students although it is assumed that those who choose to enrol have a sound understanding of introductory economic principles.

Why are some countries richer than others? Why do the incomes of some regions grow rapidly while others stagnate? What can policy makers do to promote sustainable economic development? Or, to put it another way, how can we make the most of the good things that economic growth has to offer, while minimising some of its unwanted side effects? This subject uses economics to provide insights to these and other related questions. It does this by providing students with a set of analytical tools that allow them to (a) identify factors which influence economic growth - over time, and across 'space'; (b) consider some of the effects, and side effects, of economic growth; and (c) develop and evaluate polices that seek to promote regional development.

Learning Outcomes

• interpret and compile measures of economic growth and sustainable development;
• discuss theories that seek to explain the way in which the economies of regions/countries change over time;
• differentiate theories that seek to explain the way in which the economic structure of communities/industries differ across space;
• appraise social and environmental issues that are inextricably linked to economic growth;
• use theories (models) to analyse real and hypothetical economic circumstances and to derive policy solutions to the problems posed in these circumstances.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.