The study of economic history can help us understand, apply and shape fundamental economic mechanisms. The course would cover, in depth and rigour, events that have had a major impact on economies around the world, such as the agricultural revolution, industrial revolution, improvements in transport, exodus of migration, population growth, the Great Depression, wars, empire building, financial revolution, globalisation etc. This course will be appropriate for students who will like to acquire a knowledge of economic history and analyse the implications for contemporary economies.

Lectures - 10 x 2-hour lectures

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ILO

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those, which contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

The general aims of this course are to:

■ discuss in-depth, some of the key events, innovations and philosophies which had significant impact on the economies around the world;

■ analyse and clearly describe how economies evolve over time and the determining factors using economic models,;

■ critically analyse why such events took place;

■ critically analyse in depth the effect these events had on economic agents such as the government, firms and consumers in the said economy as well as others;

■ have debates/ discussions on these topics;

■ enable students to take responsibility for their own learning (self-directed learning), and to acquire skills relevant to a wide range of situations beyond this course: how to think analytically and to express themselves clearly and directly.

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. critically analyse various historic events which had significant impact on economies;

2. apply economic models to analyse in-depth, the reasons behind historic events and the effect on the various economies and its participants;

3. extensively review and analyse academic literature to support discussions;

4. construct focused arguments based on rigorous economic analysis of events that are of significance, and communicate this clearly, effectively and concisely orally.

5. construct focused arguments based on coherent general principles and effectively communicate to an expert as well as non-expert audience;

6. work effectively in groups;

7. reflect on how effective or appropriate government policies were around that time and convincingly discuss policies that are more appropriate.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.