| Unit name | Growth and Development |
|---|---|
| Unit code | ECON20023 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Professor. Jon Temple |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Economics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Why do some countries grow rich while others remain poor? This unit aims to provide an introduction to theoretical and empirical research on economic growth and aggregate development. Core topics include growth models; growth accounting; the causes and effects of population growth; trade policy; the links between growth and inequality; the role of government and institutions in development; foreign aid; and growth and the environment. An analytical approach is encouraged, based on the use of models and statistical evidence. The main textbooks listed below, especially that by David Weil, provide a good indication of the topics and approaches covered in the course.
By the end of this unit students will obtain the following learning objectives; • Knowledge of theory and evidence on growth and development • Skills involved in research, including library resources and the internet; • Applying abstract reasoning to practical problems; • Problem-solving using analytical and quantitative skills.
Nine two-hour lectures; nine one-hour tutorials
Formative assessment: nine technical problem sets and one essay assignment; two of the problem sets, and the essay, will be marked.
Summative assessment: 100% by a three-hour closed-book exam, divided into Section A (a technical section) and Section B (an essay section)
It is compulsory to answer one question from Section A and two from Section B. The essay questions in Section B test students on their knowledge and understanding of theory and evidence, their preparation and revision of essay topics by means of research skills, and the application of reasoning to specific problems. The technical question in Section A tests students on their understanding, use of formal and abstract reasoning and their quantitative problem-solving skills.
Helpman, Elhanan (2004), The Mystery of Economic Growth, Belknap, Harvard University Press, Cambridge MA. [HD 82 HEL]
Jones, Charles I.and Vollrath, Dietrich (2013). Introduction to Economic Growth, (3rd edition). Norton. [HD 82 JON]
Weil, David N. (2008), Economic Growth (second edition), Pearson - Addison Wesley. [HD 82 WEI]
