Course - The global political economy of natural resources, 1870-2000 - HIST3400
The global political economy of natural resources, 1870-2000
About
About the course
Course content
The course examines the political economy of natural resources since ca. 1870. The topic is closely related to historical processes of globalization and de-globalization. The course is organized around three central questions:
- How has natural resource ownership affected the economic and political development of nation states?
- How has the competition for control over natural resources between states, companies and other stakeholders contributed to war and conflict?
- To what extent have nation states and international organizations succeeded in regulating the many conflicting interests regarding the extraction and exploitation of natural resources?
The course will make extensive use of the historical case method, where specific historical cases are discussed in relation to long-term historical trends and different theories on natural resources and economic and political development.
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 should
- be able to conduct an advanced review the historical development of the global political economy of natural resources since 1870 in the context of globalization processes
- acquire an in-depth understanding of the various social science theories pertaining to the relationship between natural resources and economic development, war and conflict, and globalisation respectively
- be able to apply those theories thoroughly to historical cases
Skills
The candidate can
- independently discover, exploit and select sources relevant to topics covers in this course
- formulate and structure complex historical arguments orally and in writing
- effectively communicate their argument through written and oral presentations
Learning methods and activities
Lectures, case based learning, group assignment, oral group presentation. The obligatory activity from a previous semester can be approved by the department.
Compulsory assignments
- Poster including oral presentation
Recommended previous knowledge
HIST3295
Required previous knowledge
BA in history, social sciences or equivalent
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
Subject areas
- Globalisation
- History
Contact information
Course coordinator
Lecturers
- Andreas Richard Dugstad Sanders
- Espen Storli
- Hans Otto Frøland
- Jonas Scherner
- Mats Asklund Ingulstad
- Pål Thonstad Sandvik
Department with academic responsibility
Examination
Examination
Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025
Home examination
Submission 2025-12-03 Time Release 12:00
Submission 12:00 Duration 2 days Exam system Inspera Assessment