Seminar in European Economics
Code
1104
Academic unit
null
Department
null
Credits
7,5
Teacher in charge
João Amador
Teaching language
English
Objectives
The Seminar on European Economy is an applied course, bridging the gap between basic/intermediate level economic theory models and the analysis of the reality of the European economy. The Portuguese economy will be used as a case-study whenever relevant.
Prerequisites
Mandatory Precedence:
- 1100. Introduction to Microeconomics
- 1101. Introduction to Macroeconomics
Subject matter
The first part of the course briefly overviews the history, institutions and decision process in the EU. The second part of the course analyses the current economic challenges in the EU, with examples from the Portuguese experience since the mid-70s. The second part of the course analyses the rationale of the different European policies and their impact on the European economy. The third part of the course puts emphasis on key topics like migration, energy and globalization.
Bibliography
The course does not follow one single book. The books by Mankiw (Macroeconomics, Worth Publishers) and Blanchard (Macroeconomics, Prentice Hall) are important to consolidate macroeconomic models and concepts. In addition, the book The Portuguese economy in the context of economic !nancial and monetary integration", edited by the Economics and Research Department of Banco de Portugal provides illustrations of tools for applied economic policy analysis. Furthermore, speci!c papers will be signaled along the course.
Teaching method
Classes are expository, promoting debate between students. On several occasions along the semester, classes are presented by invited lecturers, with expertise in the specific topics. The existence of invited lecturers in some theoretical classes, the elaboration of a term paper on an applied topic and its related interviews, aim at motivating students? autonomy for applied economic analysis. The elaboration of a short-term assessment basing on recent statistical data also reinforces this objective.
Evaluation method
The evaluation is composed of three blocks: i) Practical evaluation (20%), ii) team term paper (30%) and iii) final exam (50%).
The practical evaluation consists of three short multiple choice quizzes to answer in class and a short-term assessment of the economy, basing on statistical information previously given. The term papers consist on a quantitative response to a question raised by the teaching team, discussing also policy lessons. Students should complement their individual research with interviews to economists/researchers with experience in the topic being studied. The term paper is elaborated in two stages and students receive guidelines from the teaching team along the way. Groups should have four students (minimum of three and maximum of five). The final exam includes all topics covered in class.