This course provides an introduction to theories of growth and development, together with their real-world policy applications. After being introduced to the basic concepts of GDP, growth and development, students will go through a number of different growth theories and models in a historical perspective, with the aim of having an overview of the academic and policy debate around growth and its determinants. In addition to that, the co-evolutionary dynamics of technological and institutional change are highlighted with respect to economic development and political economic transformation. The course will then investigate the concept and history of development, with a particular focus on human and sustainable development. The complex relationship between growth, natural resources and the environment will be explored. The last part of the course will be dedicated to the issue of measurement, and will study the pros and cons of different indicators of societal welfare, sustainability and individual wellbeing.

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

• Understand the process of economic growth and development in a historical and theoretical manner;
• Understand the role of technology and institutions for economic development;
• Identify and discuss different political economic approaches to growth, development and well-being;
• Apply theories and concepts to real-world policy implementation.
  

The course will employ an innovative approach in order to present a more effective and personalised educational offer.

There will be a 1.30h frontal lecture for all SEEP students (1187 and 1510). This lecture will be held on Tuesdays, from 14:00 to 15:30.

Students will then be divided in three 'seminar' groups of 20 people each. These groups will meet separately, either on Tuesdays or Fridays, for 1.30h. These student-led seminar groups will include student presentations, discussion of readings, group work, exercises and Q&A.

As a consequence, students will still have to choose between the two formal courses (1187 and 1510) and will access the relative information on Bach and MyLearn, but the timetables will be different from what the online platforms state. Students will have to attend the common frontal lecture, plus the specific seminar to which they will be assigned before the beginning of the course.

- Presentation and class participation (10%)

- Mid-term essay (30%)

- In-class final exam (60%)