GY404      Half Unit
Topics in Local Economic Development

This information is for the 2013/14 session.

Availability

This course is compulsory on the MSc in Local Economic Development. This course is available on the MPhil/PhD in Geography and MSc in Urban Policy (LSE and Sciences Po). This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

Pre-requisites

A good background is required in one of the fields of management, economics, economic geography, regional and urban studies.

Course content

This course is concerned with both the theoretical underpinnings and practical implementation of specific local economic development policies. It will focus in particular on the role of international organisations in local economic development in a number of different geographical contexts. In the MT the topics are presented by the responsible teacher, whilst in the LT each topic is given by a different academic drawing on their own research in the area. Topics covered vary by year, but are likely to include: changes in competitiveness, clusters and local growth coalitions, the role of infrastructure, human and social capital and institutions.

Teaching

15 hours of seminars in the MT. 15 hours of seminars in the LT.

Formative coursework

Students will be expected to make presentations and participate actively in seminars.

Indicative reading

A Pike, A Rodríguez-Pose & J Tomaney, Local and Regional Development, Routledge, 2006; F Sforzi (Ed), The Institutions of Local Development, Ashgate, 2003; M Storper, The Regional World, Guilford, 1997; F Pyke & W Sengenberger (Eds), Industrial Districts and Local Economic Regeneration, ILO, 1992; M Best, The New Competition: Institutions of Industrial Restructuring, Polity, 1990; World Development Report. Reshaping Economic Geography, World Bank, 2009; How Regions Grow, OECD, 2009

Assessment

Exam (75%, duration: 3 hours) in the main exam period.
Essay (25%, 2500 words).

Student performance results

(2009/10 - 2011/12 combined)

Classification % of students
Distinction 16.8
Merit 44
Pass 32.8
Fail 6.4

Key facts

Department: Geography & Environment

Total students 2012/13: 40

Average class size 2012/13: 40

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Commercial awareness
  • Specialist skills

Course survey results

(2010/11 combined)

1 = "best" score, 5 = "worst" score

The scores below are average responses.

Response rate: 80%

Question

Average
response

Reading list (Q2.1)

2

Materials (Q2.3)

1.9

Course satisfied (Q2.4)

2.4

Lectures (Q2.5)

2.3

Integration (Q2.6)

2.4

Contact (Q2.7)

2.2

Feedback (Q2.8)

2.7

Recommend (Q2.9)

Yes

56.3%

Maybe

25%

No

18.7%