103-0517-00L Urban and Spatial Economics
| Semester | Spring Semester 2021 |
| Lecturers | R. H. van Nieuwkoop |
| Periodicity | yearly recurring course |
| Language of instruction | English |
Courses
| Number | Title | Hours | Lecturers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 103-0517-00 V | Urban and Spatial Economics | 2 hrs |
| R. H. van Nieuwkoop |
Catalogue data
| Abstract | This course explores the economic factors which influence location decisions of households and firms, and it explores theories of how these decisions induce the formation of cities. The course will cover the neoclassical models of land use, concepts from the new economic geography, zoning, and transportation and traffic congestion. |
| Learning objective | The objective of the course is to provide graduate students with an understanding of the economic factors which give rise to urban spatial structure and the models which have been employed to study these processes. The course aims to help students develop an appreciation for the use of economic models in both positive and normative frameworks. We will assess both the history of thought regarding the role of markets in creating urban development, and we will read about modern theories of externalities and economic factors which induce agglomeration. The final section of the course will focus on transportation problems in urban areas and the use of economic models to assess public policy measures to deal with congestion and associated externalities. |
| Content | Outline of Lectures Topic 1: Why do cities exist? Topic 2: The Basic Muth-Mills model Topic 3: The New Economic Geography Topic 4: Business demand for land and Von Thünen's model) Topic 5: Urban spatial structure Topic 6: Land use control Topic 7: City size and city growth Topic 8: Traffic externalities and congestion Topic 9: Public transport Topic 10: The housing crisis |
| Literature | Textbook o Urban Economics by Arthur O'Sullivan, McGraw-Hill. Ancillary Texts o Lectures on Urban Economics, K. Brückner, 2011, The MIT Press o Cities, agglomeration and spatial equilibrium by E. L. Glaeser, 2008, Oxford University Press. o A Companion to Urban Economics, Richard Arnott and Daniel McMillen (eds.), Blackwell, 2006. o The new introduction to geographical economics, Steven Brakman, Harry Garretsen and Charles van Marrewijk, Cambridge. o Urban transport economics, by K. A. Small and E. Verhoef, Routledge. |
Performance assessment
| Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again) | |
Performance assessment as a semester course | |
| ECTS credits | 3 credits |
| Examiners | R. H. van Nieuwkoop |
| Type | session examination |
| Language of examination | English |
| Repetition | The performance assessment is offered every session. Repetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit. |
| Mode of examination | written 90 minutes |
| Written aids | pocket calculator (no cell phones) |
| This information can be updated until the beginning of the semester; information on the examination timetable is binding. | |
Learning materials
| No public learning materials available. | |
| Only public learning materials are listed. |
Groups
| No information on groups available. |
Restrictions
| There are no additional restrictions for the registration. |
