The course has two main objectives. The first is to provide students with an introduction to some of the central themes and periods in economic history, ranging from the neolithic agricultural revolution in the Middle East to worldwide economic growth in the 20th and 21st centuries. The second is to introduce them to some of the main analytical debates in the field. The aim is to provide students with a broad sense of the major epochs and revolutions in economic history, and to show them how economic theory and statistical evidence can help us to understand the real world. It will also indicate some of the potential pitfalls, as well as advantages, of explaining the past through the lens of social science.
Kevin O'ROURKE
Séminaire
English
The first year economics course taught at Sciences Po or equivalent. I will assume familiarity with basic economic and statistical concepts.
Autumn 2024-2025
- In-class participation : 10%
- Group presentation : 40%
- Final Written exam : 50%
Allen, Robert C. 2024. "The Neolithic Revolution in the Middle East: A survey and speculation article for the Economic History Review." The Economic History Review. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/ehr.13307.
Findlay, Ronald, and Kevin H. O'Rourke. 2007. Power and plenty : trade, war, and the world economy in the second millennium. Princeton, N.J. ; Woodstock, Oxfordshire England: Princeton University Press.