Course travels to China to study economic growth

By Tiffany Monreal ’14

Growth theory is a central pillar of macroeconomics. What better place to study growth than in China, the fastest growing economy in the world?

The Macroeconomics Seminar class went to China in December 2013, led by Todd Knoop, professor of economics and business. Professor A’amer Farooqi also joined us. Our class visited Shanghai, the economic center of the nation; Chengdu, capital of the western Sichuan province that has experienced the largest growth in recent years; and Beijing, the political center and capital of China.

As we studied theory, we actually saw growth in motion. The contrast between Old Shanghai and New Shanghai, the laid back atmosphere of Chengdu coupled with the intense growth in its economy, and the politics of Beijing side-by-side with its liveliness and enthusiasm made for a surreal experience that juxtaposed ancient China with its modern counterpart.

Being in the middle of it all was life changing.