Course Title: Introduction to Economic Development

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Introduction to Economic Development

Credit Points: 12


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

ECON1276

City Campus

Postgraduate

365H Global, Urban & Social Studies

Distance / Correspondence or Internet

ECON1253

Hamilton Campus

Postgraduate

365H Global, Urban & Social Studies

Distance / Correspondence or Internet

Course Coordinator: Anthony Kent

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 9591

Course Coordinator Email:anthony.kent@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 8.7.28

Course Coordinator Availability: by appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This course provides an introduction to local and regional economic development. You will gain an appreciation of the nature of the economic development profession and the thinking behind economic development actions and strategies. The course provides a balanced blend of theory and practice of local and regional economic development. The core questions of economic development will be addressed.
 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:
 


  • Apply basic concepts in economic development and utilise the theoretical underpinnings of economic development strategies
  • Develop the analytical and quantitative skills needed to be able to measure the local economy and to evaluate the impact of economic development activities and strategies
  • Demonstrate the capacity to develop and implement effectively local or regional economic development strategies
     


Overview of Learning Activities

Learning activities will include a range of online discussions and activities centered around weekly readings and the course topics. You will be expected to actively contribute to the construction of a supportive learning environment, in which peer-based learning based on your own professional experience will be an important component. Online discussions will provide opportunities to discuss economic development issues with fellow students who also work in economic development in different regions with varying challenges, and to test the effectiveness of your own strategies and actions.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. Resources available you online will include summaries of topics for each week, reading materials, course and assessment information and tools to faciliate discussion online with other students and your tutor on course topics.


Overview of Assessment

Your knowledge of basic concepts and theories of economic development will be developed through assessments that require you to analyse the connections between theories and good practice, and to reflect on the core objectives of economic development activity. You will use your own professional experiences as case studies to develop more general arguments about the nature of economic development. You will be called on to demonstrate a clear understanding of the drivers of economic development and how the actions of practitioners can be honed to ensure they positively influence development outcomes.

The assessment philosophy of the course is to allow you maximum opportunity to develop your knowledge of fundamental economic development processes and skills in ways that enhance your professional practice, maximise learning from peers through interaction with other students who are also working in economic development, and provide helpful feedback both online and in response to written work. The assessment tasks may include but are not limited to: short essays, research projects, case studies, client scenarios, Industry reports, posters, online contributions and Conference reports/papers. Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks in a timely manner.

  • If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.
  • A student charter http://www.rmit.edu.au/about/studentcharter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.
  • Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: http://www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#assessment