Personal profile
Biography
James Watson completed his undergraduate degree in mathematics before embarking on a private-sector career involving a variety of small business ventures.
James returned to higher education in 2004, completing a Graduate Diploma in Economics, MSc in Economics, and a PhD in Economics, here at the University of East Anglia. Shortly after completing his PhD James joined the School of Economics teaching team.
James teaches macroeconomics and finance to undergraduate and postgraduate students. He is particularly interested in fiscal and monetary policy, and the levels of government debt.
James sits as the external member on the Investment Committee of a local financial advisory firm.
Key Research Interests
James’ completed his PhD in 2011. His thesis investigated the role of UK inflation targeting in inducing stability in long-term government bond yields. This investigation was carried out using theoretical, empirical and experimental analysis.
His current interests include the apparent divergence of sovereign states into ‘haven’ and ‘risk’ debtors; the implications of ever-growing central bank balance sheets; and the limits to conventional monetary policy. He also has a keen interest in the economic blogosphere and the increasing role this is playing in contemporary economic debate.
James has also provided research assistance on a range of experimental research projects at UEA, including design, programming and running experimental sessions.
Teaching Interests
Through his PhD and beyond James has been involved with teaching in a variety of subject areas, including macroeconomics, microeconomics, econometrics and finance.
His current key teaching roles include convening second-year undergraduate module Intermediate Macroeconomics and postgraduate taught modules Finance.
James is particularly interested in highlighting the usefulness if basic economic concepts for understanding real-world events.