Economic development, whether viewed as growth, increasing prosperity, or modernization, is closely related to the functioning of markets. Markets can be domestic places of exchange, but can also form a meeting place for different countries or ethnic groups. Markets did not at all times function freely and without government invention. Often, government intervention stimulated or supported economic growth, but at other times, forms of institutional sclerosis hindered the expansion of markets.
In this course we start with the debate on the historical circumstances that precluded sustained economic growth, the expansion of capitalism and the rise of the western world. Next, we discuss industrialisation and the development of business and entrepreneurship during the Liberal Era (1870-1914), followed by the period of increasing regulation and trade barriers (1914-1945). In the post-war global economic development two major trends can be discerned: an increasing liberalisation of capital and trade flows, and the simultaneous development of global institutions regulating the world economy. We examine these developments taking the perspective of different regions.
Using archival sources, secondary literature, published reports and statistics (a large part of which is accessible through the internet), students can choose a specific debate, a regional focus, or concentrate on the changes within a specific regime, such as trade liberalisation or the increase of international investment flows.
Admission requirements
Entry exam (see Required reading below).
Time Table
Semester I, see timetables.
Method of Instruction
Tutorial; attendance is compulsory (see the rules and regulations of the Department of History, art. 2).
Course objectives**
develop skills to conduct research in economic history
gain insight in developments and debates in economic development
apply specific research and academic skills provided by economic history to practical situations in the labour market
Required reading
For the entry exam: Gregory Clark, A farewell to alms. A brief economic history of the world (Princeton 2007).
Examination
Term paper of ca. 7500 words.
Information
With the lecturers: Dr. C.A.P. Antunes, Prof.dr. R.T. Griffiths and Dr. L.J. Touwen.
Several preliminary sessions provide the student with an historiographical survey on the basis of secondary literature. Students pick the topic of their interest and present the results of their research in the seminar.
Enrolment
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