The course aims to equip students with essential tools for describing and understanding the main determinants of long-term economic growth and the convergence or divergence between countries. It integrates key theoretical concepts with data analysis to explore the evolution and history of economic systems and their implications for socioeconomic development. Finally, the course aims to analyze the key factors driving the process of economic integration among national economies, as well as the international mobility of goods, labor, and capital. By the end of the course, students should be able to explain the role of fundamental growth factors such as institutions, financial markets, globalization, investments, human capital, and technology.
None. It is preferable for students to have completed introductory courses in Microeconomics and Macroeconomics.
The teaching will be delivered primarily through traditional lectures, with particular emphasis on fostering student interaction and engagement.
The exam consists of a written test that includes true/false questions, multiple-choice questions, and open-ended questions/exercises. The test aims to verify students' ability to analyze and reason using economic tools. There are no additional oral exams.
The course will concentrate on the study of fundamental concepts in economic theory and the understanding of the evolution and history of economic systems, along with their implications for social development. This will be approached through both theoretical models and empirical analysis.
Part 1: Determinants of Economic Growth
The first part of the course will explore the primary drivers of economic growth. Particular attention will be given to the role of institutions, which can influence economic development in numerous ways. A stylized model of economic growth—such as the Solow growth model—will be introduced and analyzed in detail.
Specific topics include:
However, institutions are not historically exogenous; they are shaped by, and interact with, broader social factors such as pre-existing social norms. Accordingly, this section of the course will address the interaction and co-evolution of institutions and dominant cultural frameworks within societies.
Parte 2: Markets and Global Integration
The second part of the course will focus on the structure and functioning of key markets and globalization, including:
Specifically, the course will cover:
Introduction
Accumulation of Production Factors
Productivity: Measuring and Understanding
Foundations of Growth
Market Structures
Globalization
Students are recommended to register to the E-learning page of the course.
