Economic History

ECON 611: Seminar in American Economic Development
Selected topics in the long-term movements of the American Economy. The course focuses on one or two facets of American economic development and the interaction of political and economic forces that shaped it. The 19th century is typically the chronological focus, although the 18th and 20th century come in occasionally. Recent classes have focused on constitutional development (1770-1850), banking (1790-1850) and transportation infrastructure (1790-1900).

ECON 613: Origins and Development of Capitalism
The problem of economic development in historical perspective. How do we think about long-term economic performance? Why was growth so low for most of recorded human history (the last 10,000 years) and why have growth trajectories diverged across societies over the last 200 years? Institutions, technology and demographic history are explained in relation to one another.

Field Requirements in Economic History

Field requirements in economic history are different from other fields. There is a lot to learn and the field cannot be mastered through models and applications. Students taking the field as a major or minor typically take 611 and 613 (when offered), as well as a readings course (labelled ECON 698) with the history faculty. For a major field, if 611 or 613 are not offered, the third course can be chosen from another field in consultation with the history faculty. Readings focus on a different theme each semester. Students typically meet every other week with faculty. Most students are ready to take a field exam at the end of the third year. The only difference between the major and minor field is the amount of reading. Aside from general readings, topics covered are geared to the interests of the students (geographically and topically). The field exam is given when the student is ready and is tailored to the topics covered by the student's reading.

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