EC4428 Topics in Economic History

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

20

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

When confirmed, check online https://timetables.st-andrews.ac.uk/.

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr D R Escamilla-Guerrero

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr David Escamilla-Guerrero

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module will examine a selection of the major themes in economic history. Students will read academic articles written by economists that use novel historical data, state-of-the-art micro econometric methods, and economic theory. The reading list covers a broad range of historical periods and geographic regions that provide unique settings to answer questions that are usually difficult to address in contemporary settings. The module begins with a discussion of the evolution of economic history and the main empirical methods used in applied microeconomics and their application in economic history. Then, students will examine interrelated themes including the ultimate determinants of economic prosperity; culture and religion as drivers of social and economic change; the origins of gender inequality; the impact of ethnic animus and conflict in the long run; and the persistent effects of immigration and technology adoption on the economy.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 50% Exam = 50%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

20 hours of lectures over 11 weeks, 1-hour tutorials (x 5 weeks) plus 1 office hour (x 12 weeks).

Scheduled learning hours

25

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

175

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • By the end of this module, students will be familiar with cutting-edge economic history literature and modern research methods in the field.
  • Students will be able to understand the historical roots of contemporary social phenomena.
  • Students will gain knowledge on a broad range of historical periods and geographic regions.
  • Students will be familiar with the applications and policy implications of modern economic history research.