Half the world's people now live in cities, and within a few decades the world urban population will be larger than the entire global population today. This wave of urbanization is affecting an unprecedented number of people. But why are some cities thriving, whilst others struggle? What types of firms and people want to cluster in space, and why? What does economic theory teach us about the policy challenges facing metropolitan areas, such as crime, congestion and pollution?

Course leader
Dr. Mark Lijesen

Target group
Students of Economics, Econometrics and Economic Geography.

Course aim
You gain a solid understanding of the economic mechanisms which drive urbanization, as well as those determining why some cities are successful and some are not.You gain a clear understanding of the policy challenges facing metropolitan areas (eg. crime, congestion, pollution) and the pros and cons of the instruments available to tackle them.

Credits info
3 ECTS Contact hours:: 45

Fee info
EUR 950: Includes orientation and course material. Does not include housing.

Scholarships
The Amsterdam Summer School offers twenty scholarships of 500 for highly motivated students. The deadline to apply for a scholarship is 1 April. Application for the scholarship is part of the general online application procedure.

VU University Amsterdam
Address: Study Abroad in Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1105 Amsterdam
Postal code: 1081 HV
City: Amsterdam
Country: Netherlands
Website: http://www.studyabroadinamsterdam.nl/en/summerschool/index.asp
E-mail: amsterdamsummerschool@vu.nl
Phone: +31 20 5986506