Cotton Mill Workers, Bombay, 1944, National Archives, UK
ECON 350: World Economic History
ECON 350 is a new course offered for the first time in the Spring 2008 semester. It will be taught by David Clingingsmith.
Course description: This course explores the fascinating story of the evolution of the world economy in recent centuries. We begin by studying the poor, low or no growth economic system that characterized all countries in the world before 1800. This system broke down in the face of the industrial revolution in 19th century Europe, which heralded the sustained advances in productivity that support the high standard of living in the developed world today. We will examine the industrial revolution in detail, including its precursors, development, and spread to other parts of the world through the 19th and 20th centuries. We will then consider the global economy that emerged in the 19th century, in part as a result of the industrial revolution, including trade, capital markets, and mass migration. We will follow the story of globalization through its 19th and 20th century booms and busts. The experiences of particular countries with the industrial revolution and globalization will be included throughout the course.
Prerequisites: Students wishing to take this course should have completed ECON 102 or 103. While the subject matter is historical, we will make substantial use of economic concepts. Students without an economics background may consult me about taking the class, though they will have to learn some economics along the way.
Requirements: One goal of the class is for students to improve their skills at writing sound arguments. Students will write four two-page critical summaries of class readings (5% each, total 20%), write two short papers of 7-10 pages (25% each, total 50%), and complete a final exam (30%). The final will be a selection of essay questions handed out in class.
Who should take this class?: YOU! This class complements study in a wide set of majors, including political science, sociology, history, and engineering as well as economics. The goals of the class are to 1) deepen students understanding of how today's global economy, with its sharp contrasts of wealth and deprivation, came in to being, and 2) to improve students abilities to write sound arguments.
Source: Greg Clark, A Farewell to Alms, Princeton University Press, 2007 |
