This course introduces the main theories of economic growth and key contributions in the development literature, as well as their policy implications. It deals with fundamental questions such as: Why are there rich and poor countries? Why do some countries grow while others stagnate? What are the appropriate policies to support growth and development in the 21st century? What are the linkages between the process of globalization and economic development?

The course is organized into two interrelated modules:

Module I. Introduction to Growth Models (sessions 1 to 3)

Module II. Recent Debates on Globalization and Development Strategies (sessions 4 to 12)

The first module discusses the main insights from standard growth and development models. The module pays particular attention to the process of growth convergence, structural change, economic dualism, and the effects of human capital and institutions, among others. The second module discusses, from a policy perspective, recent debates on globalization and development strategies. The module focuses on the linkages between trade and development and recent debates on the role of the state, technology, trade and industrial policies and the relevance of global value chains in the global economy.

Evaluación

The course is structured in twelve sessions of 1:45 hours each. Students are expected to read beforehand a list of key readings and are encouraged to participate actively during lectures. The assessments for this course will be based on the following: 

1. Preparation of a short policy memo to be addressed to a high-level government official to be presented in session 12 by teams of 4 students (TBC), covering several topics included in previous classes in Module II of the course. This task will make 45 % of the overall grade.

2. Individual exam at the end of the semester, based on content from weeks 1-11. The exam will be part multiple-choice, part open-ended questions. The exam will account for 45% of the overall grade.

3. In class participation grade, based on class attendance, participation in lectures and Q&A/discussions. This will account for 10% of the overall grade.

More details will be given in due course.

Competencias, resultados de aprendizaje y actividades formativas (PDF)