Overall objectives:

1 - The goal of the program is to give participants a comprehensive and in depth theoretical and empirical knowledge of a few topics in the field of regional science, namely in terms of analytical methods and design of development policies, with a focus on the Madeiran economy. Participants must be able to understand the line of reasoning and the design of regional development policies.
2 - This course is also aimed at providing our students with skills to (basic) solve problems in the field of regional development, based on their knowledge of concepts and methods. Students are also expected to employ advanced reasoning and integration/adaptation of theoretical concepts and empirical evidence of daily life problems in complex developmental issues. Furthermore, students are required to understand basic concepts in the topic of islands economies

Syllabus:

1 - 1 - Introduction.
2 - 2. Methods of analysis in regional economics.
3 - 3. Brief review of models of economic growth and regional development and determinants of regional development.
4 - 4. Brief analysis of Portuguese and European regional development policies.
5 - 5. Madeira economy; an overview.

Literature/Sources:

Costa, J., Nijkamp, P., , 2011 , Compendio de Economia Regional , Editora Principia
Philip McCann , 2015 , Modern and regional economics , Oxford University Press,

Assesssment methods and criteria:

Classification Type: Quantitativa (0-20)

Evaluation Methodology:
The syllabus is covered in theoretical (by analyzing and discussing the theoretical concepts) and pr actical (student-centered classrooms focused in offering students the opportunity to practice what they are learning in terms of analytical tools, methods and concepts) sessions, with the possibility of students´s intervention. Two written essays (50%each assesses students' knowledge. The minimum passing score is 6. Student are urged to develop their skills and further their research competences through suggestions of further reading . Students are also encouraged to participate in practical sessions based on problem-solving exercises intended to increase their competences in applying concepts and analytical skills. Case-study analysis (based o n relevant legislation, press releases and studies and reports in regional development policies) is adopted for every topic.