KABARAK UNIVERSITY

SCHOOOL OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS

COURSE CODE: ECON 213
COURSE TITLE: CONTEMPORARY ECONOMIC ISSUES

Lecturer: Godwille Mongare

Cellphone: 0714806318
Email: gmkemunto@kabarak.ac.ke

Course Description

Definition and characteristics of developing countries, African economies, structure and

performance of the Kenyan economy, population, poverty and inequality, unemployment,
agriculture, industrialization, technology, multinational corporations, regional corporations, fiscal
and monetary policies.

Purpose of the course

To introduce students to contemporary issues in economics in a developing country.

Expected Learning Outcomes.

1. Students are able to discuss current problems related to developing countries (e.g
industrialization, technological development, poverty, unemployment, climatic change and
regional integration).
2. Students are able to discuss pertinent policies and instruments of solving challenges facing
developing countries.

Learning Approaches.

Lectures, Discussions in class and groups, presentations, individual exercises and structured
activities.

Course Assessment

Continuous Assessment Tests (CATS): 30

Final Examination: 70
Total 10
 WEEKS DETAILED COURSE CONTENT
Week 1 Features/Common characteristics of developing countries
Week 2 Analysis of selected problems facing African Countries
Week 3 Food production in sub- Saharan Africa
Week 4 CAT 1
Week 5 Population Dynamics in Sub-Saharan Africa
Week 6 Poverty and poverty reducing strategies for developing countries
Week 7 Environmental issues
Week 8 Economic development and economic growth in developing countries
Week 9 CAT 2
Week 10 Fiscal and Monetary policies for economic development
Week 11 Multi National Cooperation (MNCs). Impact of MNCs in developing countries and
policies to control them
Week 12 Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs). Impact of SAPs on developing countries
Week 13 African Regional Economic Integration
Week 14 Revision
Week 15 Exams

Core Reading Texts

1. Meier, G.M. (2000) Leading issues in Economic Development, Oxford University Press.
2. Gill, R.T (1973) Economic Development: Past and Present, Prentice Hall.
3. Todaro, M. (Latest Edition), Economics for a Developing World. Longman

Journals and Reports

1. Journal of African Economies.

2. Journal of Development Studies.
3. World Development Report.
4. World Economic Outlook.