This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The aim of the module is to introduce you to the evolution of the world economy from the 19th century to the present. This period experienced rapid growth of trade, saw a massive migration from Europe to the Americas and the rise, fall and rise again of globalisation. A knowledge of the history of the world economy in this period allows us to understand today’s world economy better; enlightens our understanding of world income inequality, trade patterns and sources of growth; and teaches us important policy lessons from past recessions and recoveries.
Topics covered on the module include growth and trends pre-1913 and the interwar years; the gold standard; commodity and labour market integration; the Great Depression; and recovery from the Great Depression.
18 lectures, 2 seminars
20% coursework (one essay of 3,000 words), 80% end-of-year examination
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
By the end of the module you will:
- be able to understand the evolution of the transatlantic economy over a period of 200 years
- be able to identify major economic forces of initial 19th century globalisation, de-globalisation and subsequent re-globalisation
- understand the causes of financial crisis, economic depression and recovery
- understand the policy implications of recovery process from economic downturn
- be able to analyse the forces driving long-run economic growth, product and labour market integration, and the effects of international monetary arrangements on the evolution of the transatlantic economy
- be able to interpret data in the context of economic theory and policy
- be practised in developing logical and coherent verbal and written arguments.
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