There is little disagreement that in capitalist economies property rights to land affect economic growth and poverty reduction in a number of ways. In developing countries land is the primary means for generating a livelihood and the base for investing and accumulating wealth, while in advanced economies, the development of cities is the driving force of economic growth. Understanding economic and legal principles and practices is the base for effective policy planning and a crucial knowledge to address critical contemporary issues such as climate change, poverty, urban planning and regeneration or the provision of housing.
Thus the purpose of this interdisciplinary module is to offer an overview of the most important topics in land economy and the relationship between the disciplines of law and economics. The module aims to provide students with a basic understanding of property law, regional and urban development and the economics of land and in particular housing markets. This module will be particularly useful for students interested in law, economics, policy making and international and environmental development and who want to gain an interdisciplinary perspective in addressing critical contemporary issues.
Learning outcomes:
- To understand the economics of spatial and urban developments
- To understand market failures, market imperfections and the means of government interventions
- To understand key contemporary urban and regional problems and the role of policy interventions and finding sustainable solutions
- To understand the main relationship between law and economics
- To understand the main ideas and principles of property in land
- To show competence in legal reasoning and basic understanding of tort and contract law
- To provide an answer to what is “Land Economy” and to be able to use key concepts and case studies within the discipline.