Unit 2528: Economic Geography

1. Introduction to Economic Geography

• Definition and scope of economic geography
• Importance of economic geography in understanding spatial economic activities
• Key concepts: location, space, place, region
• Overview of major theories and frameworks

2. Economic Systems and Models

• Overview of economic systems:
  • Capitalism
  • Socialism
  • Mixed economies
• Economic models:
  • Market economy
  • Command economy
• Impact of economic systems and models on resource allocation
• Influence on development patterns and spatial economic organization

3. Globalization and Economic Interdependence

• Definition and drivers of globalization
• Economic interdependence among nations
• Effects on global trade patterns
• Spatial reorganization of economic activities due to globalization
• Role of multinational corporations and global value chains

4. Industrial Location Theories

• Introduction to industrial location and its significance
• Von Thünen's Model of Agricultural Land Use
  • Assumptions and application
• Weber's Least Cost Theory
  • Transportation, labor, and agglomeration costs
• Hotelling's Model of Spatial Competition
  • Principle of minimum differentiation
• Contemporary relevance and critiques of classical models

5. Urban and Regional Development

• Urbanization processes and trends
• Factors driving urban growth and expansion
• Dynamics of suburbanization and counter-urbanization
• Role of cities in the global economy (global cities concept)
• Regional development theories and policies
• Challenges in urban and regional planning

6. Agriculture and Rural Development

• Geography of agriculture and rural land use patterns
• Types of agricultural practices and their spatial distribution
• Impact of technological change and globalization on agriculture
• Rural economies: diversification and development challenges
• Social and environmental aspects of rural development

7. Trade and Transportation Networks

• Role of trade networks in economic geography
• Types of transportation infrastructure (road, rail, air, maritime)
• Logistics and supply chain management
• Influence of transportation on regional development and connectivity
• Spatial patterns of international trade

8. Economic Inequality and Development

• Spatial dimensions of economic inequality
• Regional disparities in wealth and development
• Causes and consequences of economic inequality
• Strategies for sustainable development and poverty reduction
• Role of international organizations and policies

9. Environmental Economics and Sustainability

• Intersection of economic activities and environmental concerns
• Concepts of sustainable development and resource management
• Spatial impacts of environmental degradation and climate change
• Economic instruments for environmental protection
• Case studies on balancing economic growth and sustainability