Economic development

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Sample objectives

What this unit covers

• Development: Students should be able to utilize various indicators to evaluate a country's development level, including GNP per capita, literacy rates, life expectancy, and composite indices like the Human Development Index (HDI). They should identify and explain disparities both between and within countries, categorize production into primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary sectors, and provide examples for each. Additionally, students should describe and explain how the distribution of employment across these sectors changes with the level of economic development and over time. They should also describe and explain the process of globalization, considering its effects and the role of technology and transnational corporations, along with the economic factors that contribute to globalization, assessing impacts at local, national, and global levels. A case study of a transnational corporation and its global connections is required.
• Food production: Students should be able to describe and explain the key characteristics of agricultural systems, including the types of farming such as commercial and subsistence, as well as arable, pastoral, and mixed farming. They should understand the inputs, processes, and outputs involved in these systems, and how natural factors (like relief, climate, and soil) and human factors (such as economic and social influences) affect agricultural land use. Additionally, students should recognize the causes and impacts of food shortages, including natural disasters (like droughts, floods, and pests) and economic or political issues (such as low investment and transport challenges). They should also discuss the negative consequences of food shortages, including the need for food aid and strategies to enhance agricultural output. Case studies should include an agricultural system or farm and a country or region experiencing food shortages.
• Industry: Students should demonstrate comprehension of an industrial system, including its inputs, processes, and outputs (products and waste). They should describe and clarify the factors that affect the distribution and location of factories and industrial zones, such as land, labor, raw materials, fuel and power, transportation, markets, and political influences. Additionally, they should understand how these factors collectively impact the location, scale of production, organizational methods, and the products of the industrial system. A case study of an industrial zone or factory is required to illustrate locational and siting factors.
• Tourism: Students should be able to: Describe and clarify how tourism has expanded in connection with key attractions in both the natural and human environments. Assess the advantages and drawbacks of tourism for host regions. Show comprehension that effective management of tourism is essential for its sustainability. A case study is necessary for this objective, focusing on a region where tourism plays a significant role.
• Energy: Students should be able to explain the significance of non-renewable fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as renewable energy sources like geothermal, wind, hydroelectric, wave, tidal power, solar energy, and biofuels, in a global context and across various countries with different levels of development. Additionally, they should assess the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy and renewable energy sources. A case study on energy supply in a specific country or region is required.
• Water: Students should be able to describe various methods of obtaining water, such as reservoirs, dams, wells, boreholes, and desalination, and how these methods are utilized for agricultural, domestic, and industrial needs in countries with varying economic statuses. They should also explain the reasons behind water shortages in certain regions, the effects of insufficient access to clean water on communities, and the importance of effective management to secure future water supplies. A case study on water supply in a specific country or area is required.
• Environmental risks of economic development: Students should be able to explain how various economic activities can threaten the natural environment and human health, including issues such as soil erosion, desertification, increased global warming, and different forms of pollution (water, air, noise, visual). They must also illustrate the necessity for sustainable development and resource management, and understand the significance of conserving resources. A case study is required that focuses on a region experiencing economic development that poses risks to the environment.