GTAP-U

Course Catalog

GTAP University (GTAP-U): 2015-2 GTAP 101 Course

2015-2 GTAP 101 Course
"Introduction to Computable General Equilibrium Modeling"



General Information
Date: September 14 - October 30, 2015
Location: Online Delivery
Offered by: Center for Global Trade Analysis, Purdue University


Course Content
Objective
The objective of the GTAP 101 course is to engage participants in an active, team-based process of learning about the GTAP computable general equilibrium (CGE) model and its use in applied economic policy analysis. The curriculum emphasizes an intuitive and graphical treatment of economic theory in the CGE model, and provides structured experiences in manipulating and running the standard GTAP Model within the RunGTAP software environment. RunGTAP is an intuitive, menu-driven CGE model that minimizes technological hurdles and allows students to quickly begin to focus on their economic thinking and experimentation. The curriculum is geared to advanced undergraduates, graduates and professionals. At the end of the course, participants will be entry-level modelers and more informed consumers of CGE-based analyses. The course also serves as an entry point for developing the technical skills required for the GTAP Short Course.

During the online course, participants will:
  • review core economic theories from macro, micro, trade and public finance and observe how they are operationalized in an applied general equilibrium model;
  • learn to recognize, control and interpret the theoretically consistent behavior of consumers and producers in the model;
  • observe the aggregated, macroeconomic impacts of microeconomic behaviors;
  • define model experiments that represent real-world issues and problems; and
  • learn to interpret general equilibrium model results by calling on and integrating their knowledge of multiple fields of economic study.

Structure
The course is fully delivered online, and is supported by the textbook, Introduction to Computable General Equilibrium Models (Burfisher, 2011), which will be provided to all participants. Additional learning resources include audio lectures, guided video simulations, and assessments. Much of the learning will take place through active discussions among the participants and instructor, which are carried out as asynchronous, threaded conversations on the classroom bulletin board. Topics covered in this course include: Database, Demand, Supply, Factor Markets, Trade and Taxes. The course culminates in a group research project which provides participants with a hands-on opportunity to carry out a model experiment and analyze its economy-wide effects.


What GTAP 101 "Graduates" Are Saying...
"I am really surprised with the GTAP Introductory Course. This experience has changed my view about "distance learning courses." It's amazing how the course has improved my knowledge about this subject and increased my desire to learn more and more about equilibrium models. I would like to congratulate you and truly thank each one for this very good period of learning!"

"Mary Burfisher is an amazing instructor. Tirelessly she replies to each one of the comments/queries on the bulletin board and keeps all participants engaged. The course would not have been so interesting in her absence."

"I haven't done an on-line course before and I was very impressed with how well organised and how well supported it was. It was a fantastic introduction and I'd recommend it to anyone considering CGE modelling. Many thanks!!!"

"I attended several CGE courses before and this GTAP 101 course is one of the best courses available. Mary has done a good job. This course is well organized and extremely informative. I would like to recommend anyone who is interested in CGE modelling to take this course."

"Thank you for opening a new world of modelling."

"The text book is very clear, detailed and the teacher excellent!"

"It has been very nice experience to learn GTAP models with such an interactive way. I appreciate many advises for my questions. Thank you very much."

"I really enjoyed the course and the class interactions. Mary and the entire GTAP 101 team were very helpful and professional."


Course Graduates
21 individuals from 17 different countries completed the 2015 GTAP 101 Course.



Last Modified: 3/2/2023 9:15:45 AM