Learning outcomes

This module provides students with (1) a detailed knowledge of the main processes that transformed the European and world economy during the modern and contemporary ages, and (2) the tools for understanding, analyzing, and critically interpreting such transformations.
At the end of the course students will be able to:
- identify the main components of an economic system and the relations among them;
- outline major historical manifestations of growth, development and crisis across Europe and the world;
- explain the causes and consequences of these economic processes;
- apply the knowledge and the skills developed to a case study;
- communicate effectively in oral and written form, and discuss an economic-history topic.

Program

Following an introduction to basic concepts concerning the operation of economic systems, we will examine some major processes of growth, development and crisis, presenting facts and interpretations and devoting particular attention to the role of technology and institutions:
1. A premise: structural features and dynamic factors in the European preindustrial economies.
2. The emergence of the European-Asian divide: the Great Divergence.
3. Inequalities within Europe: the Little Divergence.
4. The First industrial revolution: why in Europe? why in England?
5. The industrialization of the late comers: the Second industrial revolution and the substitute factors
6. Growth and inequalities during the first globalization.
7. The collapse of the world economy: the Great Depression of the Thirties.
8. From the Golden Age of the European economy until the return to instability.

Examination Methods

Attending students:
- written exam (60%) consisting of four open questions: two questions of 5 points each aimed at evaluating the ability to explain causes, manifestations or consequences of economic phenomena; two questions of 10 points each aimed at evaluating the ability to discuss a broader topic;
- presentation of a report on a specific topic (40%) aimed at evaluating the ability to apply concepts and interpretations learnt during the course;
- optional oral exam (+/- 10% of the grade).

Non-attending students: written exam according to the above-mentioned criteria (100%), and oral exam on an extended program.