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EC342: Topics in Economic History

  • Cecilia Lanata-Briones

    Module Leader
15 CATS - Department of Economics
Summer Module
Spring Module

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

Exam Rubric

Time Allowed: 2 Hours

Read all instructions carefully - and read through the entire paper at least once before you start entering your answers.

There is ONE section in this paper. Answer FOUR questions out of five. All questions carry equal weight (25 marks each).

Approved pocket calculators are allowed.

You should not submit answers to more than the required number of questions. If you do, we will mark the questions in the order that they appear, up to the required number of questions in each section.

Previous exam papers can be found in the University’s past papers archive. Please note that previous exam papers may not have operated under the same exam rubric or assessment weightings as those for the current academic year. The content of past papers may also be different.