5171 - FOUNDATIONS OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMY

The aim of this course is to provide the student with a broad understanding of the role of Europe within the world economy, using the historical approach. The development of the European economy is analyzed considering institutional, social and cultural factors and a wide variety of actors including governments, society, and firms. European developments are put into a broad and comparative perspective, by both looking at a larger (global) context and examining differences within Europe itself.

• Geography meets History: Different human and social reactions to Nature's opportunities and bonds
• Europe from periphery to supremacy: The revolution in the world balance of power between 1000 and 1500
• Europe's attempt to conquer the world: An assessment of the costs and benefits
• The revolution of the European equilibrium between 1500 and 1700: Catholics and Protestants
• The Industrial Revolution: Definitions and debates; the role of local contexts; knowledge, finance and progress
• Empires and free trade: Europe's dominant role during the first global economy
• The World Wars: Europe's decline and the rise of the United States (and the Soviet Union)
• The re-integration of Europe (West and East): Formation and expansion of the European Union
• National paths and patterns: Are there many ways to wealth and happiness?
• Margin or centre? Europe's position in the global economy of the 21^st century

Written exam.

• David S. LANDES, The Wealth and Poverty of Nations, Norton, New York, 1999; chapters 1-19; 25-27; 29
• Alfred D. CHANDLER et al. (eds.), Big Business and the Wealth of Nations, Cambridge University Press, New York, 1997; chapters: 3-9
• Any additional course materials will be issued in class