ECN140 Economic History

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.

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.