History of Economic and Social Development

This course investigates the history of economic and social development in the modern and contemporary age, with a focus on the evolution of concepts, institutions, policies, and practices. The course aims to contribute to the development of the ability to critically understand various aspects of the problem of economic and social development in historical and comparative perspective.

By the end of the course, students will have acquired the ability to examine the problems of economic and social development by tracing their modern and contemporary history and employing the fundamental categories of economic theory (no previous economic or mathematical knowledge is required). They will also be able to place the most significant economic and entrepreneurial events and initiatives in their chronological and geographical contexts. Students will be able to use linguistic tools (propriety of language, correct specific vocabulary) adequate to express, in a clear and effective way, economic, political, social and institutional concepts; they will be able to critically read historiographical works and critically examine the main quantitative sources.
These skills will be acquired through a direct and continuous confrontation with the teacher in the classroom. Attending students will be able to use the didactic tools provided by the teacher on Ariel.
Non-attending students will be able to use the didactic tools provided by the teacher on Ariel, to deepen the main topics through specific readings indicated in the exam program for non-attending students and, if desired to confront with the teacher both via email and during office hours.