Course - War, economy and resources - KRIG3071
War, economy and resources
New from the academic year 2025/2026
About
About the course
Course content
The course aims to provide a basic understanding of the relationship between economic resources and war, with a particular focus on the 20th century, i.e. the period of industrialised wars. The course will show how the endowment, access and control of resources can contribute to military conflict and the outcome of wars. The course will explore the complexities of war economies, including armament production, and discuss strategies of economic warfare such as naval blockades and bombing, as well as counter-strategies aimed at increasing the economic resilience of countries. It will also look at the economic impact of war on the home front.
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
- in-depth knowledge of what are the central elements of war economies
- knowledge of methodological challenges in the historical study of war economies and economic warfare
- in-depth knowledge of the development of war economies and economic warfare from the year 1900 until our time
- knowledge of basic economic concepts necessary to understand war economies, the role of resources and the effects on home fronts
Skills
The candidate should
- be able to assess and analyze the role economic factors played during the war and its effect on home fronts
- have the ability to apply historical methods to study various wars, their implementation and their effects
- to use and interpret relevant quantitative data
Learning methods and activities
The course is taught digitally, where lectures, podcasts and other teaching material are made available through a digital platform. This platform will constitute a digital classroom where digital meeting points are established for teaching, student active learning, follow-up, guidance, etc.
In addition to the digital "core", one physical gathering will be held during the semester.
Compulsory assignments
- Presentation
Further on evaluation
The exam is an assignment which is to be submitted at the end of the semester.
The compulsory activity in the course is an extended PowerPoint presentation with voiceover on the chosen topic, that is due in the middle of the semester. The extended part should cover the part of the syllabus that is not included in KRIG3070. The compulsory activity has to be approved for the students to present themselves for assessment in the course.
Recommended previous knowledge
None
Required previous knowledge
BA in military studies, history, political science or equivalent
The course is reserved for students enrolled in the master’s programme at the Norwegian Defense University College.
Course materials
Curriculum, compendium, and other material will be published on a digital platform at the start of the semester.
Credit reductions
Course code | Reduction | From |
---|---|---|
KRIG3070 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2025 |
Subject areas
- History