EC342: Topics in Economic History
Cecilia Lanata-Briones
Module Leader
Principal Aims
The module is organised on a topic basis, with subjects chosen to illustrate particular theoretical or methodological issues. It exposes students to leading themes in economic history with a substantial level of depth. It also familiarises students with cutting-edge research on prominent topics like the long run trends in well-being and inequality. Sessions are divided in two parts: one lecturer led and the other student led. Students will work in groups and carry out a presentation followed by a debate-like activity involving their classmates.
Principal Learning Outcomes
Subject knowledge and understanding:...(i) demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of selected topics in economic history; (ii) exhibit proficiency with applications of economic tools that have been specific to these selected issues; (iii) show a well-developed understanding of contemporary empirical debates and latest research in economic history; (iv) exhibit strong skills in how to approach an economic problem from the perspective of a contemporary researcher in economics.
Subject-specific and Professional Key General Skills:...(i) Demonstrate strengths in study and research skills including using the library and internet as information sources and understand how to locate relevant data, extract appropriate data, analyse and present material; (ii) communicate their knowledge and understanding to others, verbally and in writing, in a scholarly fashion; (iii) Critically review and analyse the relevant literature and evidence.
Cognitive skills:... (i) demonstrate analytical thinking, reasoning and application of economic theory; (ii) show a strong capacity for creative and strategic thinking; (iii) apply critical analysis to the topics of the module.
Syllabus
The syllabus for this module will typically include:
1. History matters:
Why history matters for economic development; Historical persistence
2. Institutions:
Institutions in history; Institutions in development
3. Conflict:
Conflict in history; Conflict in development
4. Human capital:
Human capital in history; Human capital in development
5. Health:
Health in history; Health in development
6. Globalization:
Globalization in history; Globalization in development
7. Capital:
Capital in history; Capital in development
8. Technology and innovation:
Technology and innovation in history; Technology and innovation in development
9. Governance:
Governance in history; Governance in development
10. Gender:
Gender in history; Gender in development
However, the module leader may add additional topics and sub-topics within the scope set out by the aims and learning outcomes of the module and subject to the approval of the department.
Context
- Optional Module
- L100 - Year 3, L103 - Year 4, L116 - Year 3, L117 - Year 4, LM1D (LLD2) - Year 3, LM1H - Year 4, GL11 - Year 3, GL12 - Year 4, V7ML - Year 3, V7MP - Year 3, V7MQ - Year 4, V7MR - Year 3, V7MS - Year 4, L1PA - Year 1, L1P5 - Year 1, L100 - Year 2, LM1D (LLD2) - Year 2
- Pre or Co-requisites
- Modules: (EC201-30 and EC202-30 and EC203-30) and (EC201-30 and EC202-30 and EC226-30) and (EC204-30 and EC203-30) and (EC204-30 and EC226-30)
Assessment
- Assessment Method
- Coursework (40%) + Online Examination (60%)
- Coursework Details
- 2000 word assignment (20%) , Group Assessment (20%) , Online Examination (60%)
- Exam Timing
- Summer