Universität Wien

290110 SE Seminar in Economics (2013S)

Growth Theory and Growth Policy

4.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 29 - Geographie
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle

Details

Language: German

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Monday 04.03. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal 4C Geographie NIG 4.OG C0409
  • Monday 18.03. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal 4C Geographie NIG 4.OG C0409
  • Monday 08.04. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal 4C Geographie NIG 4.OG C0409
  • Monday 15.04. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal 4C Geographie NIG 4.OG C0409
  • Monday 22.04. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal 4C Geographie NIG 4.OG C0409
  • Monday 29.04. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal 4C Geographie NIG 4.OG C0409
  • Monday 06.05. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal 4C Geographie NIG 4.OG C0409
  • Monday 13.05. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal 4C Geographie NIG 4.OG C0409
  • Monday 27.05. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal 4C Geographie NIG 4.OG C0409
  • Monday 03.06. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal 4C Geographie NIG 4.OG C0409
  • Monday 10.06. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal 4C Geographie NIG 4.OG C0409
  • Monday 17.06. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal 4C Geographie NIG 4.OG C0409
  • Monday 24.06. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal 4C Geographie NIG 4.OG C0409

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

problems discussed are: empirical analysis of different growth paths of different, though comparable countries; explanations of different growth paths; introduction to different growth theories of the 19th century (Smith, Ricardo, Mill, Marx etc.); classical growth theory of the 20th century (von Neumann; Harrod & Domar); neoclassical growth theory (Solow); endogenous (unified) growth theory (Arrow, Romer, Lucas, Helpman ); measuring growth, quantitative and qualitative issues of growth; absolute and relative convergence; factors determining growth: factor accumulation, productivity and technology, autarky vs. openness; additional factors and policy issues determining growth: efficiency, distribution, stabilization, liberalization, privatization, unemployment, education, natural resources and geography, culture; case studies regarding growth paths and growth rates in different countries.

Assessment and permitted materials

grades will be awarded according to the following principles: (1) the quality of the talk (30%); (2) the quality of the prepared statement for the discussion (10%); (3) the contributions delivered in the general discussion; (4) the quality of the seminar paper (50%).

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

The aim of this seminar is to provide a non technical introduction to the problems of explaining and stimulating economic growth. It aims at introducing students to the wide-ranging problems and controversies of growth theory in general and of growth policy in particular. Diligent students will learn to make sense of and evaluate the historical background, main criticisms and later developments of different growth theories as well as their importance and influence regarding the choice of different growth policies.

Examination topics

teaching consists in one unbroken 90-minute seminar; Students are required to present one talk (ca 60 min) at one meeting on problems chosen by the student (s) in agreement with me. Before presenting, students are required to discuss their talks on an individual and weekly basis with me. Students are also required to contribute in a lively manner to discussions at all classes. That discussion is triggered by one brief and critical statement prepared by one participant not having presented at that particular seminar meeting. A written seminar paper of about 25 to 30 pages has to be handed in as well but not necessarily by the end of the seminar. It is also helpful if students who intend to participate in this seminar have some knowledge of macroeconomics. However, this is not a necessary requirement in order to conclude this seminar successfully.

Reading list

GYLFASON Thorvaldur, Principles of Economic Growth, Oxford University Press, Oxford 1999
WEIL David N., Economic Growth, Pearson, New York etc. 2009 (and later editions)

Association in the course directory

(L2-e4, L2-e-zSE))

Last modified: Mo 07.09.2020 15:42