
- UCAS course code
- NT11
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Economic History
Unit code | ECON20212 |
---|---|
Credit rating | 10 |
Unit level | Level 2 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
Offered by | School of Social Sciences |
Available as a free choice unit? | Yes |
Overview
The unit aims to:
- Provide an introduction to key developments in the history of economics
- Provide insights into how economic analysis can explain or help to understand important historic events
- Examine how economies have operated and functioned in the past, and consider the value of economic history today
Pre/co-requisites
Not available to third years.
Aims
The unit aims to:
- Provide an introduction to key developments in the history of economics.
- Provide insights into how economic analysis can explain or help to understand important historic events.
-
Examine how economies have operated and functioned in the past, and consider the value of economic history today.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course unit it is expect that students will be able to:
- Understand key developments that have taken place in economic thought
- Explain, discuss and analyse important economic events in the past including the main economic mechanisms and interactions that took place
- Understand economic behaviour within a broader historical context
Syllabus
Indicative overview of the syllabus/topics.
1. Introduction (1 lecture)
a. Course overview
b. Why study this course?
2. History of economics (3 lectures)
a. Mercantilism, classical economics, and the free trade movement
b. Class conflict and the marginalist revolution
c. Battle of methods and globalisation
3. The industrial revolution (2 lectures)
a. Understanding the industrial revolution
b. Key innovations: how they happened, the role of patents, skills, and policy. Changes in system of innovation over time.
4. Economic crises and economic policy (2 lectures)
a. The Great Depression, German hyperinflation
b. Post war era: les trente glorieuses, the Keynes vs monetarism debates of the 1970s and 80s, the Great Moderation
5. Chinese Economic History (2 lectures)
a. Traditional Economy: Constraints, Potentials and the Great Divergence
b. The Remaking of an Economic Superpower, China since 1978
Teaching and learning methods
Online Learning and Guided Self-Study
Intellectual skills
Students will develop skills in applying basic economic analysis in a variety of contexts.
Students will develop expertise in evaluating the experience of a diverse range of economies in a rigorous manner. These skills will help prepare students for a range of careers requiring a knowledge of economic analysis and historical change
Practical skills
Students will develop their ability to read economic literature; process and critically evaluate different sources of information; and develop a sustained and coherent written argument.
Transferable skills and personal qualities
Students will develop presentation and interpersonal skills through participation in tutorial sessions.
Employability skills
- Analytical skills
- Analyse and understand economic phenomenon in a variety of contexts
- Oral communication
- Present work and engage in interpersonal discussion through participation in tutorial sessions.
- Research
- Undertake independent research and develop a sustained and coherent written argument.
Assessment methods
10% Presentation
15% Multiple Choice Test
75% Essay (2,500 words)
Feedback methods
- Students will receive feedback from interactions in tutorials, PASS groups, office hours, a lecture session on essay writing advice, and individual feedback on an essay plan
- Individual and general feedback will also be provided on the group presentation and final essay
Recommended reading
Blum, M. and Colvin, C. (eds.), An Economist’s Guide to Economic History, 2018
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
---|---|
Edward Manderson | Unit coordinator |
Additional notes
For every 10 course unit credits we expect students to work for around 100 hours. This time generally includes any contact times (online or face to face, recorded and live), but also independent study, work for coursework, and group work. This amount is only a guidance and individual study time will vary.