Economic History
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course provides the broad outlines of economic history, both from a methodological point of view and in terms of themes, interpretive categories and language specific to the discipline, between the early-modern and modern ages. This course aims to contribute to the development of critical understanding of the various aspects addressed.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will have acquired the ability to examine global economic problems by tracing their early-modern and modern historical roots and employing the fundamental categories of economic theory (no previous economic or mathematical skills are required). They will also be able to place the most representative economic and business events and initiatives in their chronological and geographical contexts. The student will be able to use language tools(language properties, correct specific lexicon) to express, in a clear and effective form, to define concepts of an economic, political, social and institutional nature; they will be able to read critically historiographical works and assess the main quantitative sources.
These skills will be acquired through a direct and continuous meeting with the instructor in the classroom. Educational tools will be made available on Ariel by the instructor for attending students.
Students opting not to attend the lessons will be able to make use of the educational tools provided by the instructor on Ariel, deepen their knowledge of main topics through special readings indicated in the exam program for non-attending and if desired (after reading the exam program) contact the instructor both by email and during office hours.
These skills will be acquired through a direct and continuous meeting with the instructor in the classroom. Educational tools will be made available on Ariel by the instructor for attending students.
Students opting not to attend the lessons will be able to make use of the educational tools provided by the instructor on Ariel, deepen their knowledge of main topics through special readings indicated in the exam program for non-attending and if desired (after reading the exam program) contact the instructor both by email and during office hours.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Title of the course: Why are some areas of the world rich and others poor?
Part 1: Global Economic History: an Overview
Part 2: The Italian Economy in the age of Globalization
Part 3: Case Studies
Why are some areas of the globe rich and others poor? The course aims to answer this question, introducing students to the methods of Economic History and to the various factors - economic, geographical, technological, political, institutional ones - that have determined the different degree of economic development in different areas of the world.
In the second Module, attention will be devoted to Italian economic history read in a global context, by highlighting the specificities of a development model based on the prevailing role of small businesses and territorial specificities. The main macroeconomic data, the Italian political-economic and institutional framework, the national-historical development factors (specifically human, social, and civic capitals) will be examined and discussed.
The third Module will be dedicated to the deepening of specific themes that will emerge during the course.
Part 1: Global Economic History: an Overview
Part 2: The Italian Economy in the age of Globalization
Part 3: Case Studies
Why are some areas of the globe rich and others poor? The course aims to answer this question, introducing students to the methods of Economic History and to the various factors - economic, geographical, technological, political, institutional ones - that have determined the different degree of economic development in different areas of the world.
In the second Module, attention will be devoted to Italian economic history read in a global context, by highlighting the specificities of a development model based on the prevailing role of small businesses and territorial specificities. The main macroeconomic data, the Italian political-economic and institutional framework, the national-historical development factors (specifically human, social, and civic capitals) will be examined and discussed.
The third Module will be dedicated to the deepening of specific themes that will emerge during the course.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific requirements different from those requested for the degree admission. Having passed the Modern History and Contemporary History exams is recommended, but not mandatory.
Teaching methods
Attendance to classes is strongly recommended although not compulsory. The teaching is delivered through frontal lectures aimed primarily at the acquisition of knowledge, competence and specific language of the subject. Discussion with the teacher in the classroom is integrant part of the didactic method and aims at promoting a critical attitude and the capacity to apply the acquired competence and knowledge.
The teaching is also based on didactic and multimedia material provided on Ariel.
REQUESTS FOR THE THREE-YEAR FINAL THESIS IN ECONOMIC HISTORY
Students who intend to complete the three-year final thesis in Economic History must have attended the course and successfully passed the final exam. It is also strongly recommended that undergraduates majoring in Economic History include Political Economy in their study plan.
Students who intend to prepare their final paper in Economic History are invited to contact Dr. Gianmaria Brunazzi ([email protected]) as early as the first semester for a preliminary interview.
The teaching is also based on didactic and multimedia material provided on Ariel.
REQUESTS FOR THE THREE-YEAR FINAL THESIS IN ECONOMIC HISTORY
Students who intend to complete the three-year final thesis in Economic History must have attended the course and successfully passed the final exam. It is also strongly recommended that undergraduates majoring in Economic History include Political Economy in their study plan.
Students who intend to prepare their final paper in Economic History are invited to contact Dr. Gianmaria Brunazzi ([email protected]) as early as the first semester for a preliminary interview.
Teaching Resources
Attending students
6 CFU programme:
Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (Parts 1 and 2);
Knowledge of the Textbooks: Robert C. Allen, Storia economica globale, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2013 e Vera Zamagni, L'economia italiana nell'età della globalizzazione, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2018; Knowledge of the essays and other documentation made available on myARIEL.
9 CFU Programme:
Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (Parts 1, 2, 3);
Knowledge of the Textbooks: Robert C. Allen, Storia economica globale, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2013 (also available as R.C. Allen, Global Economic History: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford University Press, 2011) and Vera Zamagni, L'economia italiana nell'età della globalizzazione, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2018 (also available as Vera Zamagni, The Italian Economy, Agenda Publishing, 2018); Knowledge of the essays and other documentation made available on myARIEL.
Non-attending students:
6 CFU Programme:
Knowledge of the Textbook: R. Findlay, K.H. O' Rourke, Potere e ricchezza. Una storia economica del mondo, edizione italiana a cura di G. Conti, M.C. Schisani, Torino, Utet, 2016 (Power and Plenty: Trade, War and the World Economy in the Second Millennium, Princeton, Princeton University Press, 2009).
9 CFU Programme:
Knowledge of the Textbooks: R. Findlay, K.H. O' Rourke, Potere e ricchezza. Una storia economica del mondo, edizione italiana a cura di G. Conti, M.C. Schisani, Torino, Utet, 2016 (Power and Plenty: Trade, War and the World Economy in the Second Millennium, Princeton University Press, 2009) and Vera Zamagni, L'economia italiana nell'età della globalizzazione, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2018 (Vera Zamagni, The Italian Economy, Agenda Publishing, 2018).
International and Erasmus students are invited to promptly get in touch with the professor in order to arrange a reading plan for the exam preparation.
6 CFU programme:
Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (Parts 1 and 2);
Knowledge of the Textbooks: Robert C. Allen, Storia economica globale, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2013 e Vera Zamagni, L'economia italiana nell'età della globalizzazione, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2018; Knowledge of the essays and other documentation made available on myARIEL.
9 CFU Programme:
Knowledge of the topics taught in lectures (Parts 1, 2, 3);
Knowledge of the Textbooks: Robert C. Allen, Storia economica globale, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2013 (also available as R.C. Allen, Global Economic History: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford University Press, 2011) and Vera Zamagni, L'economia italiana nell'età della globalizzazione, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2018 (also available as Vera Zamagni, The Italian Economy, Agenda Publishing, 2018); Knowledge of the essays and other documentation made available on myARIEL.
Non-attending students:
6 CFU Programme:
Knowledge of the Textbook: R. Findlay, K.H. O' Rourke, Potere e ricchezza. Una storia economica del mondo, edizione italiana a cura di G. Conti, M.C. Schisani, Torino, Utet, 2016 (Power and Plenty: Trade, War and the World Economy in the Second Millennium, Princeton, Princeton University Press, 2009).
9 CFU Programme:
Knowledge of the Textbooks: R. Findlay, K.H. O' Rourke, Potere e ricchezza. Una storia economica del mondo, edizione italiana a cura di G. Conti, M.C. Schisani, Torino, Utet, 2016 (Power and Plenty: Trade, War and the World Economy in the Second Millennium, Princeton University Press, 2009) and Vera Zamagni, L'economia italiana nell'età della globalizzazione, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2018 (Vera Zamagni, The Italian Economy, Agenda Publishing, 2018).
International and Erasmus students are invited to promptly get in touch with the professor in order to arrange a reading plan for the exam preparation.
Assessment methods and Criteria
- Method: Written exam
- Type of examination: Written test with multiple choice-questions.
- Evaluation criteria: Capacity to demonstrate and elaborate knowledge; capacity for critical reflection on the completed work; proficiency in the use of scientific lexicon.
- Type of evaluation method: mark in 30s
Two optional intermediate tests (during, and at the end of the course) reserved for attending students only are available. They will consist of two written exams with open-ended questions. The subject of the test will be the topics covered in class and the content of the textbooks. The final mark will be given by the sum of the marks of the two intermediate tests.
Modalities for carrying out the optional intermediate tests will be illustrated during the course. Since these are intermediate tests for attending students, no information is provided via email.
Students with disabilities and/or SLD: exams must be discussed two weeks in advance with the teacher, in agreement with the Disability/SLD Students Service Office. The same goes for attending students with SLD who intend to take the intermediate tests.
- Type of examination: Written test with multiple choice-questions.
- Evaluation criteria: Capacity to demonstrate and elaborate knowledge; capacity for critical reflection on the completed work; proficiency in the use of scientific lexicon.
- Type of evaluation method: mark in 30s
Two optional intermediate tests (during, and at the end of the course) reserved for attending students only are available. They will consist of two written exams with open-ended questions. The subject of the test will be the topics covered in class and the content of the textbooks. The final mark will be given by the sum of the marks of the two intermediate tests.
Modalities for carrying out the optional intermediate tests will be illustrated during the course. Since these are intermediate tests for attending students, no information is provided via email.
Students with disabilities and/or SLD: exams must be discussed two weeks in advance with the teacher, in agreement with the Disability/SLD Students Service Office. The same goes for attending students with SLD who intend to take the intermediate tests.
Unita' didattica A
SECS-P/12 - ECONOMIC HISTORY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
SECS-P/12 - ECONOMIC HISTORY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
SECS-P/12 - ECONOMIC HISTORY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)