Course 2007-2008 a.y.

5171 - FOUNDATIONS OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMY


CLEA - CLAPI - CLEFIN - CLELI - CLEACC - DES - CLEMIT - DIEM - CLSG

Department of Social and Political Sciences

Course taught in English

Go to class group/s: 31
CLEA (6 credits - II sem. - AI) - CLAPI (6 credits - II sem. - AI) - CLEFIN (6 credits - II sem. - AI) - CLELI (6 credits - II sem. - AI) - CLEACC (6 credits - II sem. - AI) - DES (6 credits - II sem. - AI) - CLEMIT (6 credits - II sem. - AI) - DIEM (6 credits - II sem. - RR) - CLSG (6 credits - II sem. - AI)
Course Director:
FRANCESCA POLESE

Classes: 31 (II sem.)
Instructors:
Class 31: FRANCESCA POLESE


Course Objectives

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.


Course Content Summary

  • 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 21st century

Detailed Description of Assessment Methods

Written exam.


Textbooks

  • 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
Exam textbooks & Online Articles (check availability at the Library)
Last change 12/06/2007 11:04