Economic growth theory

ECTS : 2

Description du contenu de l'enseignement :

 The aim of this course is to understand the key features of the growth and development process at the world level. To do so, we will introduce a number of theoretical models to develop an analytical framework of economic growth in historical perspective and across countries.

The course will be taught in a “flipped classroom” method based on the manual by Jones and Vollrath

W1 : Intro to economic growth (and mathematical tools)
W2 : Solow model (1)
W3 : Solow model (2)
W4 : Empirical applications of the Solow model
W5 : Economics of ideas
W6 : Romer-Jones model
W7 : Schumpeterian growth
W8 : Growth and development (using the Romer-Jones model to understand differences in development)
W9 : Social infrastructures and long-run economic performance
W10 : Population and the origin of sustained economic growth
W11 : Alternative theories of economic growth
W12 : Natural resources and economic growth

Compétence à acquérir :

 Students will learn a variety of formal ways of modelling growth to answer three questions: why are we so rich and are they so poor? What is the engine of economic growth? How can countries go through growth miracles? 

Mode de contrôle des connaissances :

• Class participation will count for 50% of the final grade. Each class will start with a quiz (50% of the class participation grade). Online and in-class participation are both taken into account.
• Final exam: 50% of the final grade

The numerical grade distribution will dictate the final grade. The passing grade for a course is 10/20.

Class participation: Active class participation – this is what makes classes lively and instructive. Come on time and be prepared. Class participation is based on the quality of comments, not quantity. 

Exam policy: In the exam, students will not be allowed to bring any document (except if allowed by the lecturer). Unexcused absences from exams or failure to submit cases will result in zero grades in the calculation of numerical averages. Exams are collected at the end of examination periods.

Bibliographie, lectures recommandées :

Intensive reading of the textbook by Jones and Vollrath is mandatory for the course.
JONES, C.I. & D. VOLLRATH (2024) Introduction to economic growth 4th edition; W. W. Norton and Company; Inc, New-York, London.

Here are some other possible readings.

ACEMOGLU, Daron. Introduction to Modern Economic Growth. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2008 (advanced)
BARRO, R. and SALA I Martin, X. (1995) Economic growth; McGraw-Hill. (advanced)
EASTERLY, W. (2002) The Elusive Quest for Growth, MIT Press (non-technical)