From the 19th century, and specially from the 20th century onwards, the world economy has undergone a formidable progress, which has resulted in a radical increase in life expectancy, educational level, and quality of life. Human beings, especially in the North, have proved to have the necessary technical knowledge to ensure a good quality of life. However, the level of development in many countries has hardly changed since the 19th century, especially in the South. If it is obvious that technical ways to avoid this situation exist, why is it that some countries are able to improve the life quality of their citizens while some other countries are not? The course will try to answer this question.
Contents
I. Introduction: Development and Environment
1. Introduction to the concept of sustainable development.
2. Main causes of environmental degradation.
3. Economic instruments for efficient environmental protection.
4. Economic assessment of the environment.
5. Theory of renewable and non-renewable resources.
II. Economic growth vs. sustainable development.
1. Limits to growth?
2. How is development measured? Sustainable development indicators.
3. Kuznets Curve hypothesis.
4. International market and globalization.
5. External debt and official help to development.
III. PRESENTATIONS
Methodology
The course will be based on the instructor’s theoretical explanations, together with the participation of students through presentations on readings, in-class discussion, and videos.
Assessment
The final grade will be calculated according to the following percentages:
- Exam: 50% (students need to earn a minimum of 5 points over 10 in the exam to pass the course)
- Group project (essay): 50%
- Group presentation of the project: + 10% (max) over final mark (individually assessed).
Bibliography
The instructor will provide the students with information about readings for group work and to complement class topics. Most readings will be available via Internet.
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