Note from June 29, 2020
Although we do not yet know how long the social distancing related to the Covid-19 pandemic will last, and regardless of the changes that had to be made in the evaluation of the June 2020 session in relation to what is provided for in this learning unit description, new learnig unit evaluation methods may still be adopted by the teachers; details of these methods have been - or will be - communicated to the students by the teachers, as soon as possible.
Although we do not yet know how long the social distancing related to the Covid-19 pandemic will last, and regardless of the changes that had to be made in the evaluation of the June 2020 session in relation to what is provided for in this learning unit description, new learnig unit evaluation methods may still be adopted by the teachers; details of these methods have been - or will be - communicated to the students by the teachers, as soon as possible.
5 credits
30.0 h
Q2
Teacher(s)
Mariani Fabio;
Language
English
Main themes
The course is organized in seven main themes, with an application, a specific topic or tool for each theme.
1. Growth and development : a millenial perspective. Special topic : The demographic transition
2. Stylized facts of modern economic growth, and growth accounting. Special topic: The productivity slowdown puzzle.
3. The Solow-Swan neoclassical model. Application: Analyzing the consequences of AIDS crisis in Africa with the Solow-Swan model.
4. Optimal growth. Special tool: Phase diagrams for the analysis the dynamic consequences of economic policy.
5. Endogenous growth theory: the AK model. Special topic: The Jones-McGrattan controversy.
6. Endogenous growth: Human capital and public expenditures.
7. Endogenous growth: Technological progress. Special topic: IT resolution and the Solow paradox.
Aims
At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to : | |
| 1 | This course introduces to the essential historical, empirical and theoretical features of economic growth and development. Several applications will be provided along the way to illustrate the theories developed (see be-low). |
The contribution of this Teaching Unit to the development and command of the skills and learning outcomes of the programme(s) can be accessed at the end of this sheet, in the section entitled “Programmes/courses offering this Teaching Unit”.
Content
This course reviews the most important modern theories of economic growth, and introduces the students to some specific topics in growth and development.
Plan (subject to change: student are encouraged to propose further topics for Part 2)
Introduction
0.1 Introduction to economic growth: key facts
0.2 Differential and difference equations
Part 1: Growth Theories
1.1 The neo-classical model of exogenous growth
1.2 Towards endogenous growth: the AK model
1.3 Introducing consumer optimization: the Ramsey model
1.4 Basic models of endogenous growth
Part 2: Debates and Advanced Topics
2.1 Inequality and growth: private vs public education
2.2 Urbanization and growth
2.3 Comparative development: culture, geography and growth
2.4 Growth and the environment
Plan (subject to change: student are encouraged to propose further topics for Part 2)
Introduction
0.1 Introduction to economic growth: key facts
0.2 Differential and difference equations
Part 1: Growth Theories
1.1 The neo-classical model of exogenous growth
1.2 Towards endogenous growth: the AK model
1.3 Introducing consumer optimization: the Ramsey model
1.4 Basic models of endogenous growth
Part 2: Debates and Advanced Topics
2.1 Inequality and growth: private vs public education
2.2 Urbanization and growth
2.3 Comparative development: culture, geography and growth
2.4 Growth and the environment
Teaching methods
Lectures and presentation of selected research papers.
Evaluation methods
Written or oral exam.
Other information
There is no “official” prerequisite. However, students should have completed a Macro course
and feel comfortable using mathematical tools.
and feel comfortable using mathematical tools.
Online resources
On Moodle.
Bibliography
No book is strictly required. Some material will be taken from:
- Acemoglu, D. (2008): Introduction to Modern Economic Growth, MIT Press, Cambridge,
Ma. [Intro]
- Barro, R.J. and X. Sala-i-Martin (2004): Economic Growth, MIT Press, Cambridge, Ma.
[Intro, Part 1]
Further readings (research papers, etc.) will be provided during the course, and made available on Moodle.
- Acemoglu, D. (2008): Introduction to Modern Economic Growth, MIT Press, Cambridge,
Ma. [Intro]
- Barro, R.J. and X. Sala-i-Martin (2004): Economic Growth, MIT Press, Cambridge, Ma.
[Intro, Part 1]
Further readings (research papers, etc.) will be provided during the course, and made available on Moodle.
Faculty or entity
ECON
