EC243: Economic Growth: Causes and Consequences

Sascha Becker
Module Leader

15 CATS - Department of Economics

Summer Module

Spring Module

Principal Aims

The module surveys the causes and consequences of economic growth and development over the last centuries. Topics include the analysis of climate, geography, institutions, human capital and technology on long-run growth.

The module provides an introduction to theory and empirics of economic growth, blending textbook treatment with top-notch research papers. A special feature is the use of the GrowthChat podcasts which Marco Lecci and I recorded during the pandemic, where we interviewed leading academics about their research that is covered in the module.

Principal Learning Outcomes

1. understand the causes and consequences of economic growth

2. critically examine the major explanations of the dynamics of growth over the last centuries

3. critically evaluate and effectively communicate current debates on the causes and consequences of economic growth

4. acquire an historical understanding of current economic circumstances

Syllabus

The module will typically include some of the following topics:

1 Stylized Facts and Framework for Analysis

2 Refresher Solow Model

3 Human Capital

4 Measuring Productivity

5 Technology & Open Economy

6 Government presentation

7 Income Inequality

8 Culture

9 Geography, Climate, Natural Resources

10 Resources and the Environment at Global Level

Context

Optional Module

LM1D (LLD2) - Year 2, V7ML - Year 2, L1CA - Year 3, L1CB - Year 2, L1L8 - Year 2, R1L5 - Year 2, R2L4 - Year 2, R9LA - Year 2

Pre or Co-requisites

EC106-30 and EC107-30 OR

EC108-30 and EC109-30

Summary:

Modules: (EC106-30 or EC107-30) and (EC108-30 and EC109-30)

Assessment

Assessment Method: Coursework (100%)
Coursework Details: Assignment 1 (30%) , Group Presentation (25%) , Individual spoken assessment (in-person oral exam) (45%)
Exam Timing: N/A