course-details-portlet

HIST2008

Economic History

Credits 7.5
Level Intermediate course, level II
Course start Autumn 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement School exam

About

About the course

Course content

This course examines the historical roots of the global economic system.The course starts with the emergence of free trade around 1840 and the rapid economic globalization in the 19th century. We will discuss why several countries abandoned free trade and opted for more protectionist policies in the decades around 1900. 1914 represents a watershed, also in economic history. The outbreak of war triggered 30 years of economic deglobalization. Why did this happen? We’ll study the economic warfare during WW1 and WW2 and the economic impact of the wars. The economic crises of the interwar era also led to comprehensive changes in economic policy. Even in the US, capitalism became increasingly regulated. After the destruction during WW2 the international economic system had to be rebuilt from the scratch. What political choices were made - and why? From c. 1970 the international economy was increasingly liberalized. Why did this happen and what were the consequences? We’ll follow the development up until the financial crisis in the 2010s.

The specific course topics may change annually and will usually reflect that years lecturer's research interests. Information on topics for the academic year is found under studies on the webpage for the department with academic responsibility.

Learning outcome

A candidate who passes this course is expected to have the following learning outcome according to the course curriculum, defined as knowledge and skills:

Knowledge

The candidate has comprehensive knowledge about

  • global economic history after c. 1840
  • different perspectives and approaches in the field of modern economic history

Skills

Candidates should be able

  • to analyse and discuss central developments covered in the course
  • to reflect orally and in writing about central problems and debates
  • to apply empirical knowledge and theoretical approaches when analyzing key issues in economic history

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, case-studies and assignments. The assignments must be approved in order to take the exam. The obligatory activity from a previous semester can be approved by the department.

Compulsory assignments

  • Assignments

Further on evaluation

There is a 4-hour exam at the end of the semester.

Required previous knowledge

None

Course materials

See curriculum published at the start of the semester, and other materials (reading and lecture lists and other relevant information) published on Blackboard.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
HIST2405 7.5 sp Autumn 2018
This course has academic overlap with the course in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • History
  • Social Sciences
  • Economics

Contact information

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: School exam
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code E Date 2025-12-08 Time 09:00 Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment
Place and room for school exam

The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.

Sluppenvegen 14
Room SL311 brun sone
16 candidates
Room SL415
4 candidates

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code E Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.