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Applied Economics

Module Code: EC415C

Module Title: Applied Economics

  • ECTS Weighting: 10
  • Semester/Term Taught: Hilary Term
  • Contact Hours: 22 hours of lectures and 5 hours of tutorials
  • Module Personnel: Lecturer - Professor Martina Kirchberger

Module Content

In Hilary Term (Part B, Applied Urban Economics), we will start by exploring the theoretical foundations of agglomeration economies and empirical evidence. In other words, what are the forces that cause individuals and firms to cluster at high densities? Can we distinguish between different types of forces? We will examine the role of cities in economic growth and how urbanization processes in low-income countries nowadays differ from those experienced by now industrialized countries. We will talk about how transport networks shape the spatial distribution of economic activity. We will also examine how cities affect the environment, and how the environment influences urbanization. Across these topics, we will investigate the role of new sources of large datasets (often referred to as “big data”) in an urban context.

No prior knowledge of econometrics is required for this module. However, a willingness to learn how to read, understand and critique academic papers is.

Learning Outcomes

Applied Urban Economics

Having successfully completed this module, students will be able to:

  • Discuss the theoretical foundations of agglomeration economies and empirical evidence
  • Outline how urbanization processes differ across time and space and their relationship with economic development
  • Understand transport infrastructure policies and how to empirically evaluate their impact
  • Analyze how cities affect the environment and how the environment shapes city growth
  • Examine the use of big data in an urban context

Recommended Reading List

A full reading list will be provided at the start of lectures. Here you can find some general background readings:

  • Ed Glaeser, Triumph of the City. Penguin, 2011.
  • Jane Jacobs, The Death and Life of Great American Cities, 1961.
  • Rosenthal, Stuart S., and William C. Strange. 'Evidence on the nature and sources of agglomeration economies.' Handbook of regional and urban economics 4 (2004): 2119-2171.
  • The Handbook of Regional & Urban Economics (In particular for Part B). Chapters are available at the following link, http://real.wharton.upenn.edu/~duranton/handbook.html – this will act as a useful starting point for many topics.

Module Pre Requisite

EC2010 (old module); EC2110 & EC2111 (new modules)

Assessment Details

  • 40% for a course project in Hilary Term
  • 10% for tutorial participation.
  • 50% for a summer examination.

Module Website

Blackboard