Economics of Growth and Structural Transformation (2026/2027: Semester 2 – Spring)

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Cursusdoel

After completing this course students are able to:
  1. indicate the importance of economic growth and transformation in a historical perspective (tested in term essay and final paper);
  2. formulate the necessary conditions for economic growth and transformation (tested in the midterm exam and final paper);
  3. describe the different theoretical and practical problems that occur when analyzing economic growth (tested in the term essay and final paper);
  4. analyze economic growth and structural transformation using formal theoretical models and empirical evidence, and assess their implications for economic policy (tested in the final paper);

Vakinhoudelijk

The economist Robert Lucas once remarked that once you begin to think about economic growth, it is difficult to think about anything else—so profound are its consequences for human well-being over the long run. Yet, in a world marked by planetary boundaries, rising inequality, and uneven development, the question is no longer only about how economies grow, but how they transform and with what consequences. This course examines the economics of growth and structural transformation, exploring how changes in production structures, labor allocation, technology, and institutions drive long-run development. Understanding the mechanisms of economic growth remains one of the central challenges in macroeconomics, but explaining how growth is sustained through structural transformation—the reallocation of resources from low- to high-productivity sectors— and its consequences are equally vital. The course begins with the Solow Model, analyzing the roles of savings, capital accumulation, population dynamics, and technological progress in explaining growth differences across countries and periods. We then move beyond aggregate growth models to study how globalization, inequality, institutions, and geography shape patterns of transformation. In the final part of the course, we will critically assess the relationship between economic growth, structural change, and the goals of sustainable and inclusive development.
Format
Learning will be fostered through Lectures, Seminars, and the preparation of a group Term Paper and presentations. Weekly learning activities will be organized on the basis of the themes explored in the course textbook, which will be supplemented relevant academic articles. Lectures will guide students on the topics covered by the course textbook; Seminars, help them to master said material. Seminars will also allow them to engage with relevant academic articles beyond the course textbook. The preparation of a group Term Paper and presentation will provide students the opportunity to empirically explore and critically engage with theoretical concepts taken up in the course.

Werkvormen

UCU course

Toetsing

Final exam

Verplicht | Weging 30% | ECTS 2,25

Term Essay

Verplicht | Weging 25% | ECTS 1,88

Seminar Presentation

Verplicht | Weging 15% | ECTS 1,13

*midterm FEEDBACK*

Niet verplicht

Midterm exam

Verplicht | Weging 30% | ECTS 2,25

Ingangseisen en voorkennis

Ingangseisen

Er moet voldaan zijn aan minimaal één van de cursussen:

En er moet voldaan zijn aan minimaal één van de cursussen:

En er moet voldaan zijn aan minimaal één van de cursussen:

Voorkennis

Er is geen informatie over benodigde voorkennis bekend.

Voertalen

  • Engels

Competenties

  • Academisch schrijven
  • Internationale en interculturele oriëntatie
  • Kritisch lezen
  • Luisteren
  • Onderzoeksvaardigheden
  • Presenteren

Cursusmomenten

Gerelateerde studies

Tentamens

Er is geen tentamenrooster beschikbaar voor deze cursus

Verplicht materiaal

  • BOEK
    Ashraf, Q. and Weil, D.N. (2024). Economic growth (4th ed.). Routledge.

Aanbevolen materiaal

Er is geen informatie over de aanbevolen literatuur bekend

Coördinator

dr. C.G. Ramos c.g.ramos@uu.nl

Docenten

dr. C.G. Ramos c.g.ramos@uu.nl

Inschrijving

Let op: deze cursus is niet toegankelijk voor studenten van andere faculteiten, bijvakkers mogen zich dus niet inschrijven.

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