AØKA08089U Economic Growth (F)

Volume 2016/2017
Education

MSc programme in Economics – elective course
The course is part of the Financial line symbolized by "F".

Content

The course introduces topics in the field of economic growth with particular relevance to the growth process in the industrialized part of the world. In particular, we study theories of economic growth where knowledge accumulation drives technological change, as determined by factor accumulation as well as through research and development. We also discuss the role played by technology transfer; the importance of misallocation in development as well as of economic geography. Measurement issues concerning economic growth will also be discussed. 

Empirical evidence will be discussed in an effort to gauge the practical importance of various theories. Moreover, we review current debates in the area of economic growth where we apply various frameworks that are introduced in the course. For example: is a growth slowdown on the horizon? What is the cause of the transatlantic productivity divergence? 

There will be an emphasis on formal models; understanding them, being able to evaluate them from both a theoretical and empirical perspective, and to use them to analyse specific questions.

Learning Outcome

By the end of the course the student should be able to:

Knowledge:

• Have a broad appreciation of important papers in the literature relevant to economic growth in industrialized economies.

• Apply his/her knowledge of econometrics to articles that conduct quantitative analysis with bearing on growth within and across industrialized economies.

Skills:

• Understand theoretical models and arguments in the area, as well as be able to provide intuition for central mechanisms and assess the model’s empirical predictions.

• Appreciate some of the key debates among economists and how they relate to contemporary policy issues

Competencies:

• Have the background training needed to function as a trained economist working on the problems of less developed countries in an international organization, business environment, government or non-governmental organization

The course uses selected chapters from Barro, R og X. Sala-i-Martin (2004). “Economic Growth” (2nd ed), MIT press as well as journal articles, handbook chapters etc.

Working knowledge of growth models at a level corresponding to Barro, R og X. Sala-i-Martin (2004). “Economic Growth” (2nd ed), MIT press, Ch. 1-3, which is covered in Macroeconomics II and Macroeconomics III at the department. Knowledge of basic econometrics such a cross-section and panel data analysis.

Useful reading before the course is taken includes the mentioned book by Barro and Sala-i-Martin Ch. 1-3.
Lectures and exercise classes.
Schedule:
3 hours of lectures per week for 14 weeks.

Time and venue:
To see the time and location of lectures please press the link/links under "Se skema" (See schedule) at the right side of this page (17F means Spring 2017).

You can find the similar information partly in English at
https:/​/​skema.ku.dk/​ku1617/​uk/​module.htm
-Select Department: “2200-Økonomisk Institut” (and wait for respond)
-Select Module:: “2200-F17; [Name of course]”
-Select Report Type: List
-Select Period: "Forår/Spring – Week 4-29”
Press: “ View Timetable”
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Class Exercises
  • 28
  • Exam
  • 3
  • Lectures
  • 28
  • Preparation
  • 147
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written examination, 3 hours under invigilation
at the computers of the University. The exam assignment is given in English and can be answered in English or in Danish. Language must be chosen at the course or exam registration.
Exam registration requirements

None.

Aid
Without aids
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
External censorship
100 % censurship
Exam period

The exam takes place:

June 22, 2017

at Peter Bangs Vej 36. 2000 Frederiksberg http:/​/​pc-eksamen.ku.dk/​pc_exam The exact time of the exam will be informed in the Self-Service at KUnet.

For enrolled students more information about examination, exam/re-sit, rules etc. is available at the student intranet for Examination (English) and student intranet for Examination (KA-Danish).

Re-exam

The exam takes place:

August 28, 2017

at Peter Bangs Vej 36. 2000 Frederiksberg http:/​/​pc-eksamen.ku.dk/​pc_exam The exact time of the exam will be informed in the Self-Service at KUnet

If only a few students have registered for the re-exam, the exam might change to an oral exam including the date, time and place for the exam, which will be informed  by the Examination Office.

Criteria for exam assesment

Students are assessed on the extent to which they master the learning outcome for the course.

To receive the top grade, the student must be able to demonstrate in an excellent manner that he or she has acquired and can make use of the knowledge, skills and competencies listed in the learning outcomes.