Syllabus Information

1. General information

1.1. Aims of the course

The subject and its expected results respond to the following approaches and objectives:

The incorporation of emerging nations into the international economic circuit has seriously disrupted the growth pattern of

developed economies, posing problems and challenges not known in the history of these nations.

Long-term economic growth/development and its explanatory factors have thus become a topic of constant debate in

business, academic and political circles. Therefore, this course aims to equip the student with the fundamental theoretical

and applied knowledge to properly analyze and interpret the most current economic reality and the interventions and policies

needed to ensure future economic growth.

These approaches and objectives are aligned with the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United

Nations Agenda 2030 (https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/es/), such that the acquisition of the learning outcomes of

the subject provides training and competence to contribute to some extent to their achievement. Specifically:

- Goal 1: End poverty.

- Goal 2: Zero hunger.

- Goal 3: Health and well-being.

- Goal 4: Quality education.

- Goal 5: Gender equality.

- Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation.

- Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy.

- Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth.

- Goal 9: Industry, innovation, and infrastructure.

- Goal 10: Reducing inequalities.

- Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities

- Goal 12: Responsible production and consumption

- Goal 13: Climate action

- Goal 16: Peace, justice, and strong institutions.

- Goal 17: Partnerships to achieve the goals.

1.2. Context and importance of this course in the degree

This subject is aimed at the study of some of the most relevant topics in economics, such as the innovation/technology

imitation strategies of nations, the effect of education and cognitive abilities on economic growth, and the institutional and

political profiles that can most effectively promote growth/development. It is, therefore, essential training for understanding

the global economic situation.

1.3. Recommendations to take this course

This course delves into the study of the determinants of long-term economic growth; it does so from a rigorous theoretical

and empirical perspective but is accessible to students from various disciplines, although previous knowledge of World

Economics, Economic Policy II, and Macroeconomics will facilitate the student's learning.

2. Learning results

2.1. Competences

Upon passing the course, the student will be more competent to...

Understand the causes of the growth/development of economies and the public sector instruments that stimulate it.

Be able to analyze reports and data on global economic growth.

Advise on the achievement of growth and development objectives.

2.2. Learning goals

To pass this course, the student must demonstrate the following results...

To pass this course, the student must demonstrate the following results.

i) The student must master the basic concepts to understand the main problems, facts, and challenges posed by economic

growth/development at a global level.

ii) The student should be able to distinguish and explain the different problems that arise in developed countries instead of

developing and emerging economies.

iii) Must be able to interpret the reports of the leading international economic institutions on the prospects for world growth

and development.

iv) Must handle and analyze the primary data provided by international economic statistics on economic growth/development

and its determining factors.

2.3. Importance of learning goals

Systematic understanding of the growth of economies and mastery of research skills and methods related to this field of

research.

Understanding the role and instruments of the public sector in promoting the growth/development of economies.

3. Syllabus

1- Growth and economic development: big issues and new ideas
2- Human capital and education
3- Endogenous technical change
4- Institutions
5- Growth econometrics

4. Academic activities

4.1. Methodological overview

The learning process designed for this course is based on the following:

Students will receive the materials to be worked on in each of the sessions before the beginning of the course. These

materials will consist of book chapters, and specific papers on the topics addressed. Students will be required to read and

work on these materials before each session. During the sessions, the professors will give a theoretical presentation, and

students will be asked to reflect critically. In addition, a series of theoretical and practical activities related to the topics

addressed will be proposed.

It is foreseen that the classes will be face-to-face. However, if necessary for health reasons, the courses may be given in a

blended or online format.

4.2. Learning tasks

The course includes the following learning tasks: 

Lectures (20 hours): compulsory attendance. Students will work with specific bibliography related to the main

paradigms and issues that affect growth and development.

Autonomous work (47 hours).

Resolution and presentation of problems and practical cases (8 hours): compulsory attendance. They allow a more

profound knowledge of economic growth insights. These will be based on using international databases and

learning statistical and econometric techniques.

4.3. Course planning and calendar

The content of the course will be divided into 14 weekly sessions of theoretical and practical nature.

Students will have to read the recommended readings each day or present the assignments previously requested by the

professor in each of the sessions. These will be the object of exposition, resolution, and joint debate by all those attending

the course. At the end of the part taught by each professor, the work required by the professor will be handed in.

4.4. Bibliography and recommended resources

General references: They will be given through the University library.

In addition to these general resources, students will have the papers, databases and practices used in each session, available on the

Web.

5. Assessment system

The topics will be approached from a double perspective in the programmed working sessions: theoretical and empirical. In

each session, a series of theoretical-practical activities will be proposed. Active class participation will account for 10% of the

final grade. The activities or work to be handed in will account for 90%.

In addition, it will be possible to choose to carry out a final exam that will deal with the contents developed in the program.

Note: Course assessment will be onsite. In the case of a new pandemic wave, the assessment will become partly online or fully

online. It should be noted that in any online assessment task, the student performance may be recorded, following the

regulations described:

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