Economic Growth And Development Course | IIT Guwahati NPTEL MOOC
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 459 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Categories | Humanities and Social Sciences, Economics |
| Credit Points | 2 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 13 Mar 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 29 Mar 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Demystifying Progress: A Deep Dive into Economic Growth and Development
In an era marked by rapid globalization and persistent inequalities, understanding the difference between mere economic growth and meaningful development is more critical than ever. We are thrilled to introduce a comprehensive online course, “Economic Growth and Development,” offered by the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati. This course, available as a free NPTEL MOOC, is expertly designed and delivered by Prof. Rajshree Bedamatta, a distinguished scholar in Development Studies.
About the Instructor: Prof. Rajshree Bedamatta
Prof. Rajshree Bedamatta brings a wealth of academic rigor and practical insight to this course. With a PhD in Economics from the University of Calcutta and research conducted at the Indian Statistical Institute, her expertise is firmly rooted in empirical analysis. As an Associate Professor in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT Guwahati, she teaches Development Economics and Public Policy to a diverse student body. Her research and teaching focus on the critical intersections of economics, education, food security, nutrition, and public health policy.
Who Should Enroll in This Course?
This course is meticulously crafted for a wide audience:
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate students of Humanities, Social Sciences, Economics, and Development Studies.
- Students from Science and Engineering backgrounds who wish to understand the socio-economic context of technological progress.
- Professionals, researchers, and anyone keen on understanding the nuanced debates surrounding global inequality and development strategies.
Course Overview: What Will You Learn?
Spanning eight weeks, this course moves beyond textbook definitions to engage with the real-world tensions between growth and development. In the decades following liberalization, high economic growth has often coexisted with stark inequality. This course equips you with the conceptual tools to analyze this paradox.
You will be introduced to major theories, indices, and strategies, enabling you to participate knowledgeably in debates on poverty, inequality, human welfare, and sustainable development. The course culminates with an examination of global frameworks like the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Detailed Course Layout (Week-by-Week)
| Week | Topic | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Concepts of Economic Growth & Development; The Global North & South Divide | Foundational definitions, historical context of global economic disparities. |
| Week 2 | Indices of Economic Development & Contemporary Controversies | Beyond GDP: Critiquing various measures of development. |
| Week 3 | Strategies of Economic Development-I | Historical and classical approaches to fostering development. |
| Week 4 | Strategies of Economic Development-II | Modern strategies and policy frameworks in a globalized world. |
| Week 5 | Growth and Inequality | Analyzing the relationship between economic growth and rising inequality. |
| Week 6 | Introduction to Human Development | The paradigm shift from income to capabilities and well-being. |
| Week 7 | Human Development Indices | Deep dive into HDI, its components, and limitations. |
| Week 8 | MDGs, SDGs & Gender Budgeting | International development agendas and the importance of gendered policy analysis. |
Essential Reading and Reference Materials
The course draws from a rich body of literature to provide a holistic understanding. Key texts and references include:
- Core Textbooks: Todaro & Smith's Economic Development, Debraj Ray's Development Economics.
- Seminal Works: Readings from Amartya Sen, Irma Adelman, and the Handbook of Development Economics.
- Human Development Focus: UNDP Human Development Reports and works by Sakiko Fukuda-Parr.
- Regional Context: Critical analyses of development in Africa and South Asia by Harris-White & Heyer, and Shariff & Krishnaraj.
Why Take This Course?
This is more than an economics course; it's a lens to examine the world. Whether you aim to work in policy, academia, social sectors, or simply wish to be an informed global citizen, this course offers invaluable insights. Prof. Bedamatta’s interdisciplinary approach ensures that complex ideas are accessible and relevant to current challenges.
Duration: 8 Weeks | Level: Undergraduate/Postgraduate | Platform: NPTEL (Free MOOC)
Enroll today to begin your journey into understanding what true economic progress means and how it can be achieved for all.
Enroll Now →