Inclusive Growth and Sustainability

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/E_EBE3_IGS

Course Objective

After successfully completing this course, you will be able to:describe facts about economic growth that theoretical frameworks should hope to explain (Bridging Theory and Practice
- Application)understand the drivers of economic growth, both theoretically and empirically (Bridging Theory and Practice
- Knowledge & Application)analyze the effect of shocks on economic growth using formal economic modeling (Bridging Theory and Practice
- Knowledge)apply economic growth models to practical policy problems (Bridging Theory and Practice
- Application)communicate effectively and discuss key findings from academic journals (Academic and Research Skills)work collaboratively with others in a team towards a common goal (Academic and Research Skills)develop (and defend) a position on a policy issue (Bridging Theory and Practice
- Application)

Course Content

Why are people in the richest countries of the world so much richer today than 100 years ago? And why are some countries so much richer than others? Is growth inclusive? Questions like these are at the heart of this course. The course starts with an overview of stylized facts about economic growth. Next, we introduce students to the workhorse models of economic growth, emphasizing their theoretical foundations and empirical relevance. We also study the role of misallocation. Drawing upon empirical evidence from the literature, we then seek to understand the fundamental causes of growth, focusing on the role played by geography, institutions and trade. Next, we examine the disparities that often accompany economic growth, with a particular emphasis on the concept of inclusive growth from a labor market perspective. Finally, we introduce students to green growth and the role of natural resources in the process of economic growth.

Teaching Methods

Lectures and tutorials.

Method of Assessment

AssignmentsExam

Literature

Main textbook: Introduction to Economic Growth (3rd Edition) by Charles I Jones and Dietrich VollrathFor some topics, the textbook is complemented with papers from academic journals.

Entry Requirements

Quantitative Research Methods I, Macroeconomics I, Microeconomics I.

Recommended background knowledge

Some mathematical tools are necessary to study growth. Students taking this course are expected to have a good grasp of algebra and basic calculus (derivatives, growth rates, and simple differential equations), and be comfortable with how logs and exponentials work.