About this course

The goal of this course is twofold: First, the students shall acquire basic knowledge about the development of the global economy in a historical perspective, focusing on the period after 1500. Four interrelated themes are highlighted: (i) Economic growth (ii) Inequality, (iii) Economic globalisation and (iv) The environmental consequences of economic growth.

The second goal is to stimulate learning, and to develop the students writing skills, through the systematic use of writing exercises.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

  • Has knowledge of the main trends in economic development from "time immemorial" until the present day.
  • Has knowledge about the main developments in inequality between and within countries over the last 500 years and the main, overall causes of this development
  • Has knowledge about economic globalization, including the historic development of the global economy and the main drivers of globalization.
  • Has basic knowledge about how economic growth the last 200 years has affected the earth’s climate and nature.
  • Has basic knowledge about how to plan, structure, and write analytical texts.

Skills:

  • Can critically reflect on various explanations for the variations in economic growth in different regions of the world from 1500 to the present and be able to reflect on the relevance of these explanations for understanding economic growth today
  • Can discuss the causes of why the global economy has developed in "waves" and be able to apply this knowledge to reflect on the challenges and prospects for today's global economy.
  • Can discuss different explanations for the development of inequality between and within countries over the last 30-40 years.
  • Can apply historical knowledge to discuss the relationship between economic growth and ongoing changes in the Earth's nature and climate, as well as to reflect on the conditions for developing a sustainable economy in the future.
  • Has practical training in the planning, structuring and writing of analytical texts

General competence:

  • Is capable of reflecting on contemporary societal issues using historical knowledge.
  • Is able to reflect on the limits of economic growth and the conditions for a more sustainable economic development.
  • Has increased awareness of the importance of writing well and motivation to develop one's own skills and knowledge in writing.

  • Learning activities

    Lectures, discussion groups, plenary discussions, group work, presentations, writing exercises, written assignments, written feedback and student peer-review.

  • Teaching support

    Individual and general feedback on assignments from the lecturer. Student-peer review.

  • Syllabus

    Robert Allen, Global Economic History: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford, 2011.

    In addition, a list of articles and book chapters will be presented at the beginning of the semester.

  • Assessment method

    Portfolio assessment consisting of one individual term paper and one individual written short-answer exam (digital school exam), 90 minutes. Both exams are conducted during the teaching period. No resit exam.

    Term paper Karakterregel: Letter grades Portfolio Karakterregel: Letter grades Written exam Karakterregel: Letter grades

  • About use of AI

    Assessment:

    The course has portfolio assessment consisting of an individual term paper and a written, digital short-answer exam at the school.

    Written, digital short-answer exam at the school: K1 - Use of AI is not permitted. See the guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) at NMBU.

    Individual term paper: K3 - Full use of AI. The use of AI is permitted, but must be in line with the guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) at NMBU.

    Mandatory activity:

    Two assignment submissions during the semester and two peer reviews. K3 - Full use of AI. The use of AI is permitted, but must be in line with the guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) at NMBU.

    Descriptions of AI-category codes.

  • Examiner scheme

    An exernal examiner will assess curriculum, exam question set and exam solution guide.

  • Mandatory activity

    Two written assignments and two peer-reviews submitted during the semester. The assignments and peer-reviews must be done individually and they will not be graded. Approved assignments and peer reviews must must be completed again if re-taking the course

  • Teaching hours

    2 hours lectures per week.

  • Admission requirements

    Minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway (generell studiekompetanse).