Introductory description

The module aims to develop the skills and knowledge of advanced economic history necessary for a career as an academic economist and in all areas where advanced research skills in economic history are required. Specifically, it aims to teach the students to understand, appreciate, and ultimately contribute to, frontier research. It is intended to be comparable to modules taught in the best research universities in the USA and elsewhere in Europe.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Illustrative topics might include:

• An overview of the sources of persistence of regional disparities in development, focussing on geography, culture and institutions.
• Papers on long run effects of historical institutions on economic development today e.g. colonial institutions, land tenure systems and organisation of labour. Topics might include persistence of history, culture and institutions"

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Have a strategic overview and a detailed understanding of complex issues in economic history. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Seminars and background reading. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Submitted assignments.
• Develop a critical knowledge of recent research in some key areas of economic history. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Seminars and background reading. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Submitted assignments.
• Autonomously pursue their own research agenda in the forefront of the economic history field. The teaching and learning methods that enable students to achieve this learning outcome are: Seminars and background reading. The summative assessment methods that measure the achievement of this learning outcome are: Submitted assignments.

Subject specific skills

Students will have the opportunity to develop skills in:
Analytical thinking and communication
Analytical Reasoning
Critical thinking
Creative Thinking
Policy Evaluation
Analysis of Institutions
Concepts of Simultaneity and Endogeneity
Analysis of Optiminsation
Understanding of Uncertainty and Incomplete Information

Transferable skills

Students will have the opportunity to develop:
Research skills
Numeracy and Quantitative skills
Data-based Skills
Written communication
Mathematical, Statistical, data-based research skills