Topics in Economic Growth: Theory and Applications

Enseignants

Mariani Fabio;

Langue
d'enseignement

Anglais

Thèmes abordés

After discussing some key stylized facts about economic growth and development, we will identify the most important questions addressed by growth economists over the last few decades. We will then review the main neoclassical theories of growth, as well as the most recent developments in the fields of comparative development and Unified Growth Theory. To do this, we will rely on both continuous- and discrete-time analysis. Finally, we will discuss some of the most debated growth-related issues, as well as the newest perspectives of the literature.
Plan
The course, which touches on questions related to disciplines as diverse as history, geography and demography, will be structured as follows.
1 Introduction to economic growth: basic facts and key questions.
2 “Neoclassical” theories of growth (from Solow to endogenous growth).
3 Unified Growth Theory and Comparative development: the role of history and geography.
4 The importance of demography: endogenous fertility, and the family.
5 Debates and advanced topics.

Acquis
d'apprentissage

A la fin de cette unité d’enseignement, l’étudiant est capable de :
1	The objective of the course is to give the students an overview of the literature and the intellectual debate related to economic growth and long-run macroeconomics. At the end of the course, the students are expected to be able to (i) read and understand research papers dealing with growth-related issues, and (ii) use the competences acquired throughout the course to participate to the most relevant debates on growth and comparative development. The course also aims at stimulating independent thinking in the students, who will be equipped with analtycal tools they can eventually use in future, more research-oriented courses.

Bibliographie

No book is strictly required. Some material will be taken from:
- Acemoglu, D. (2009): Introduction to Modern Economic Growth, Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ.
- Barro, R.J. and X. Sala-i-Martin (2004): Economic Growth, MIT Press, Cambridge, Ma.
- Galor, O. (2023): The Journey of Humanity, Penguin, London, UK.
Further readings (research papers, etc.) will be provided during the course, and made available on Moodle.

Faculté ou entité
en charge

ECON