ECON 3123 - Growth Economics

Growth Economics (Economic Growth) course examines one of the central questions in economics: why do some countries grow faster than others? The main objective of the course is to provide students with a solid theoretical and empirical framework to analyse growth patterns and cross-country differences. The course introduces the core concepts of economic growth and the key empirical facts that growth theories seek to explain. It focuses on fundamental drivers of growth such as physical capital, population dynamics, human capital, productivity, and technological progress. Students also explore the role of efficiency, open economy dynamics, income distribution, and the effects of geography, climate, and natural resources on growth.

The course begins with an introduction to the empirical facts to be explained and a framework for analysis. It covers physical capital, population and economic growth, human capital, measuring productivity, and technology. The role of technology in growth, efficiency, growth in open economy, and the role of government are examined. The course then discusses income inequality, culture, and the effects of geography, climate, and natural resources on economic growth. The final part addresses the links between economic growth, global environmental challenges, and policy issues, enabling students to apply growth theories to real-world economic problems.

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David N. Weil, (2013) Economic Growth, 3rd Edition, Pearson. Charles I. Jones, Dietrich Vollrath (2013). Introduction to Economic Growth, W. W. Norton & Co.

Violations of scholastic honesty include, but are not limited to cheating, plagiarizing, fabricating information or citations, facilitating acts of dishonesty by others, having unauthorized possession of examinations, submitting work of another person or work previously used without informing the instructor, or tampering with the academic work of other students. Any form of scholastic dishonesty is a serious academic violation and will result in disciplinary action. Regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools in this course, the provisions of the 'Ethical Guide on the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Scientific Research and Publication Activities of Higher Education Institutions (2024)' published by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) shall apply.