EC311
History of Economics: How Theories Change
This information is for the 2021/22 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Guillaume Yon SAR 6.15
Availability
This course is available on the BSc in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics, BSc in Economic History, BSc in Economic History with Economics, BSc in Economics, BSc in Economics and Economic History, BSc in Economics with Economic History, BSc in Government and Economics, BSc in International Social and Public Policy and Economics, BSc in Philosophy and Economics, BSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, BSc in Politics and Economics and BSc in Social Policy and Economics. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit and to General Course students.
Course content
The course examines the ways in which economics has developed from the Mercantilists of the 17th century to the Neoclassical thinking of the later 20th century.
The course will explore how the theories, concepts and methods of economics have changed over the lasts 250 years, focusing on Europe and North America. We will use the original texts in order to understand how economists of the past approached perennial questions (about for example, the sources of growth or the role of money) and resolved them in the context of the economic conditions of their own time and place; and use theories about scientific change to understand the longer history of economics.
Teaching
This course is delivered through a combination of classes and lectures totalling a minimum of 40 hours across Michaelmas Term and Lent Term.
This year, while we are planning for most classes and seminars to be delivered in-person, it is possible that some or all of this teaching may have to be delivered virtually. Lectures will either be recorded or given in the form of live webinars.
This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of Michaelmas and Lent Term.
Formative coursework
Students will be expected to discuss assigned texts and produce several pieces of written work.
Indicative reading
A reading list of original texts and secondary literature will be given at the beginning of the course. For an introduction, students may read R L Heilbroner's, The Worldly Philosophers; for general background, consult Roger E Backhouse's, The Penguin History of Economics or David Colander & Harry Landreth's, History of Economic Thought.
Assessment
Take-home assessment (100%) in the ST.
The course will be assessed by a take-home exam (100%) in the Summer exam period.
Course selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2021/22 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the differing needs of students in attendance on campus and those who might be studying online. For example, this may involve changes to the mode of teaching delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Economics
Total students 2020/21: 55
Average class size 2020/21: 14
Capped 2020/21: Yes (60)
Value: One Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Specialist skills
