This course explores theoretical developments in the analysis of economic growth and introduces current debates on evidence and policy-relevant to the growth performance of both developed and developing economies. The course is structured around a series of key papers from journals, lecture material and a relevant coursebook. The theoretical material is reinforced by tutorial exercises and assignments that require students to understand and interpret the mathematics and economics of the growth models.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of economic growth models
2. demonstrate an understanding of how growth models have changed over time
3. demonstrate an understanding of key empirical findings in the field
4. examine the role of policies that aid economic growth - both for developed and developing economies
5. use data and case studies to undertake country analysis in individual and/or group setting
6. use empirical and theoretical material from literature to provide policy recommendations

Research-Led Teaching

Theory and examples covered in the course are derived from research in the field. In addition, students will have the opportunity to engage in relevant research papers, country diagnostics and analysis of key research findings in Economic Growth. 

Required Resources

Main textbook references:

• Daron Acemoglu, Introduction to Modern Economic Growth, 2009, Princeton University Press. (Main reference)
• David de la Croix and Philippe Michel, A Theory of Economic Growth: Dynamics and Policy in Overlapping Generations, 2022, Cambridge University Press

Remarks:

• You can purchase the textbook from the bookstore on campus, and a copy will also be available for short-term loan in the Chifley Library.
• A list of recommended journal articles will be uploaded to Wattle.
• Ebooks are available in the library for most of these references. 

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Measurement: Empirical Regularities and Questions
2	Toolkit I: Differential Equations
3	Solow-Swan model in Continuous Time	Tutorial participation
4	Theory and Measurement: Solow-Swan and Data	Tutorial participation
5	Toolkit II: Introduction to Optimal Control Theory	Tutorial participation
6	Human Decisions and Growth: Ramsey-Cass-Koopman Neoclassicism	Tutorial participation
7	Endogenous Technological Change: The Role of Human Capital and Education	Tutorial participation, Big Quiz
8	Endogenous Technological Change: R&D, Creative Destruction	Tutorial participation, Big Quiz Feedback
9	Directed Technical Change	Tutorial participation
10	Firm Dynamics I	Tutorial participation
11	Firm Dynamics II: Misallocation and Growth Implications	Tutorial participation
12	Review	Tutorial participation
13		Final Examination

Tutorial Registration

Tutorials this semester will be delivered in person on campus. You are expected to attend one tutorial each week from Week 2 onwards. Use MyTimetable to enroll in a tutorial. ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage. https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/timetabling]

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Tutorial Participation	10 %	1,2,3,4,5,6
Big Quiz	30 %	1,2,3,4,5,6
Final Examination	60 %	1,2,3,4,5,6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

See the details of "Assessment Task 1".

Examination(s)

See the details of "Assessment Task 1" and Assessment Task 2".

Assessment Task 1

Tutorial Participation

Your participation in tutorial discussions is assessable. Attendance is a necessary condition for participation but insufficient to constitute participation.

• Each tutorial week, the tutor will mark your participation based on your level of engagement in the session and demonstrated understanding of the material discussed.

Purpose

 

To incentive students

• to develop the habit of mindful reading and comprehension;
• to achieve consistent weekly learning tasks;
• to be “Future-ready” in terms of the ability to think on their feet, to reason precisely, and to effectively communicate and make dialogue in a group or public setting; and
• to aspire to or experience how to engage in evidence-based and logically- or model-consistent economic dialogue/debate.

Marking rubric

 

Participation throughout the semester will count for 10% of your final course mark.

Maximum 10 marks per tutorial week.

The awarded mark will be whole numbers ranging from 0 to 10. Your tutors will assess your participation according to the following guide:

• 8, 9 or 10 marks: Consistent demonstration of engagement. Evidence of a deep level of understanding of the material discussed. Evidence of thinking and prior completion of prescribed readings. Demonstrated precision in logic and effective communication.
• 5, 6 or 7 marks: Some demonstration of engagement. Evidence of reasonable thought and understanding of the material discussed. Some effective communication.
• 1, 2, 3, or 4 mark(s): Some demonstration of engagement. Evidence of minimal or superficial understanding of the material discussed. Little sign of reading comprehension or having done any prescribed readings. Demonstrated knowledge of concepts but limited precision in logic/understanding. Some minimal form of communication, but not necessarily effective or meaningful.
• 0 mark: Complete lack of participation.

Feedback and performance

 

• Mid-term feedback on your participation will be provided to you by your tutor.
• Feel free to engage with your tutors and instructor frequently for ongoing feedback.

Assessment Task 2

Big Quiz

In-class Big Quiz (redeemable)

This quiz is optional: You may skip it, and you don't have to provide any reason for doing so. If you skip it, the assessment weight for this task will be transferred to the final examination.

The quiz may include multiple-choice, logical reasoning and/or data interpretation problems.

Free-response problems will also require clear explanation and communication of your reasoning.

Purpose

• This Task encourages you to remain engaged from week to week with the course material.
• A more substantial assessment of your learning progress halfway through the course.

Grading rubric

• Marked to a maximum total mark of 100; and
• The total mark is weighted according to logical and/or mathematical correctness (50%), attention to detail (20%), and clarity of writing and presentation (30%).

Feedback

• Short, written annotations on graded examination scripts.

• Extended oral feedback is available in one-on-one consults. 

Assessment Task 3

Final Examination

Compulsory examination

The final exam will be a closed-book examination that may include multiple-choice, logical reasoning and/or data interpretation problems. Free-response problems will also require clear explanation and communication of your reasoning. The exam will be run by ANU Examinations during the final exam time.

Purpose

• This Task encourages you to remain engaged from week to week with the course material.
• A final measurement of your learning achievements in the course.

Grading rubric

• Marked to a maximum total mark of 100; and
• The total mark is weighted according to logical and/or mathematical correctness (50%), attention to detail (20%), and clarity of writing and presentation (30%).

Feedback

• None. This is a final gauge of your performance.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students