Free Online Course: Introduction to Economic Growth by IIT Kanpur | Prof. Sohini Sahu
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 221 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 4 weeks |
| Categories | Humanities and Social Sciences, Economics |
| Credit Points | 1 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 16 Feb 2026 |
| End Date | 13 Mar 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 27 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 24 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Unlock the Secrets of Global Prosperity: Enroll in "Introduction to Economic Growth - I"
Why are some nations rich while others struggle with poverty? What drives the engine of a country's long-term prosperity? If you've ever pondered these fundamental questions, a new opportunity awaits. The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) is offering a comprehensive 4-week online course, "Introduction to Economic Growth - I," designed to demystify the forces that shape the wealth of nations. Led by an award-winning economist, this course is your gateway to understanding the models and data behind global economic disparities.
Meet Your Instructor: A Distinguished Economist
This course is taught by Prof. Sohini Sahu, an Associate Professor in Economics at IIT Kanpur. With an impressive academic and professional pedigree, Prof. Sahu brings unparalleled expertise to the virtual classroom:
- Ph.D. in Economics from SUNY Albany, USA, where she received the Best Dissertation Award.
- Master's from the prestigious Delhi School of Economics and a Bachelor's from Jadavpur University, where she graduated with the University Gold Medal.
- Practical experience from roles at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and the New York State Assembly.
- An active researcher published in top international journals like Scientific Reports (Nature) and Economic Modelling, focusing on economic growth and monetary economics.
- A commended teacher who has guided multiple PhD students to completion.
Learning from an instructor of this caliber ensures you receive insights grounded in both rigorous academic research and real-world policy experience.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is meticulously designed for a broad audience:
- Undergraduate & Postgraduate Students in Economics, Business Economics, or Management.
- Professionals & Enthusiasts from non-economics backgrounds (engineering, sciences, etc.) who wish to understand the drivers of economic development.
- Banking & Finance Professionals, as the course is recognized by the industry for its relevance.
Prerequisite: A basic understanding of Class 12 level Mathematics is helpful but not mandatory. The course emphasizes intuitive understanding alongside formal models.
What Will You Learn? A 4-Week Journey
The course is structured to build your knowledge from the ground up, blending theory with empirical data.
Week 1: Laying the Foundation
The journey begins by establishing why studying economic growth is critical. You'll learn to distinguish between short-term economic fluctuations and long-run growth trends—a key concept for any analyst. The week concludes with an exploration of the "stylized facts" of economic growth, the consistent patterns observed across countries that theories must explain.
Week 2: Measurement & Data Analysis
You can't manage what you can't measure. This week delves into the tools economists use:
- The difference between GDP levels and GDP growth rates.
- Various methods and proxy variables used to measure economic activity and growth.
- Practical lessons drawn from real cross-country data, highlighting global disparities.
Week 3: The Core Analytical Framework
This week introduces the workhorse model of growth economics: the Solow Growth Model. You will explore:
- Its basic and augmented versions, which include factors like human capital.
- The model's powerful policy implications for investment, savings, and population growth.
Week 4: Advanced Concepts & Modern Theories
The final week pushes beyond the basics to address critical questions in the field:
- Convergence: Do poor countries naturally catch up to rich ones? (Unconditional vs. Conditional Convergence).
- Growth & Development Accounting: Decomposing growth into contributions from capital, labor, and technological progress.
- The limitations of the Solow model and an introduction to New Growth Models that explain technological innovation.
Course Details at a Glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 Weeks |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Category | Humanities & Social Sciences, Economics |
| Industry Support | All Banking Enterprises |
| Key Textbooks | Weil's Economic Growth (3rd Ed.) & Jones/Vollrath's Introduction to Economic Growth (4th Ed.) |
Why Enroll in This Course?
In today's interconnected world, understanding economic growth is not just for academics—it's essential for informed citizenship, smart business decisions, and effective policy. This course offers:
- Academic Excellence: A curriculum from one of India's premier institutions.
- Practical Relevance: Concepts directly applicable to analyzing news, markets, and development policies.
- Flexible Learning: A structured online format that fits your schedule.
- Strong Foundation: Perfect for preparing for advanced studies or competitive exams in economics and management.
Whether you aim to advance your career, fuel your academic pursuits, or simply satisfy your curiosity about how the world works, "Introduction to Economic Growth - I" provides the knowledge framework you need. Enroll today and begin your journey to understanding the fundamental drivers of prosperity and poverty across the globe.
Enroll Now →