Pre-requisites

None.

Co-requisites

None.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

• Critically analyse and explain key theories of economic development and wealth creation and their relevance to poverty reduction.

• Articulate and explain the Biblical and theological foundations for the development of a just, equitable and sustainable economy.

• Critically engage in the debates about economic development and the respective roles of government, multi-laterals, business, development NGOs, and churches in the reduction of poverty.

• Identify and creatively explore the tensions and possibilities that inhabit the interface between economics and faith, growth and sustainability, wealth creation and distribution, consumerism and human flourishing.

Unit Description

The primary purpose of this unit is to help learners develop a theologically-informed understanding of the broader global and national economic environment, particularly as it impacts upon economically poor and vulnerable communities. Learners will be introduced to a diversity of theological and economic analysis, with special attention being given to issues relating to the interface between economics and power, powerlessness and social justice, and to developing a Biblical paradigm for social & economic justice and human flourishing.

Topics covered include: economics history; influence of governments; role of multilateral institutions such as the UN, IMF, WTO and World Bank; wealth creation and distribution; private enterprise and poverty reduction; micro-enterprise; trade and globalisation – challenges & opportunities; aid; issues of sustainability and economic growth; uber-consumerism versus human flourishing & contentment; globalisation – its challenges and opportunities; complexity & development; the role of development NGOs.

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Unit offerings

Face to face: (Every 3rd Year, Semester 1)
Face to face: (Every 3rd Year, Semester 1)

Please note

The Unit Offerings listed above are a guide only and the timetable for any year is the final authority. The College may vary offerings based on demand, regulatory requirements, continual improvement processes or other conditions.

This unit may be available in different modes of delivery i.e. online and face-to-face as listed above. The unit content will not differ between these modes of delivery. There will possibly be a difference in the schedule and/or the prescribed assessment tasks, however both will cover and assess the same content.