Studying at York
Topics in Economic History - ECO00036I
- Department: Economics and Related Studies
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: I
- Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
- See module specification for other years: 2024-25
Module summary
This module is an applied economics module that provides empirical and theoretical insight into specific content topics that typically transcend one particular historical period
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2023-24 |
Module aims
Topics in Economic History is a second year module in applied economics. In this module, we avoid a chronological approach but delve into economic history from a content perspective instead. E.g., does monetary history suggest that fixed exchange-rates have worked better than floating rates or vice versa? In other words, we let a specific analytical question dominate the lectures rather than structure the course around conventional chronology.
Exchange-rate systems and monetary unions
Two (?) centuries of central banks
Centrally planned economies and state socialism
The economics of the European Union
Transition vs. emerging economies
The course will also feature recent examples of how history has allowed us to increase our understanding of how the economy works today. To do so, we will review different pieces of evidence from academic books to quantitative studies, and learn how to assess the quality of research.
Apart from the module content itself, this module is aimed at helping you to develop the following skills that are essential for the rest of your studies: To apply economic theory to real-world examples; to evaluate the quality of different sources; to gain a basic understanding of quantitative economic research; to establish and defend a point of view based on scientific evidence; to discuss a given research question in a well-structured and convincing way; to present ideas to others.
Module learning outcomes
After this module, you will have an overview of a range of important economic history topics that have also played an important role in economics as a discipline. Upon completion of the module, you will know how to discuss general questions in applied economics in a structured way, both written and in presentations; you will be able to assess the quality of literature; you will have a good understanding of world economic history from the beginning of time to recently.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 100 |
Module feedback
Feedback will be provided in line with University policy
Indicative reading
S. Broadberry & K. O’Rourke (eds.), The Economic History of Europe. Vol. 2: Since 1870, Cambridge University Press 2012.
P. de Grauwe, Economics of Monetary Union, Oxford University Press 2022.
B. Eichengreen, Globalising Capital: A History of the International Monetary System, Princeton University Press 2022.
M. Morys (ed.), The Economic History of Central, East and South-East Europe from 1800 to the present day, Routledge 2021