EH237
Theories and Evidence in Economic History
This information is for the 2023/24 session.
Teacher responsible
Prof Patrick Wallis SAR 5.11
Prof Eric Schneider SAR 5.18
Availability
This course is compulsory on the BSc in Economic History, BSc in Economic History and Geography, BSc in Economic History with Economics, BSc in Economics and Economic History and BSc in Economics with Economic History. This course is not available as an outside option nor to General Course students.
Course content
This course teaches students how to conduct, evaluate and interpret research in economic history. Taking a practical, applied approach, students will design and conduct three research projects drawing heavily upon the archival material available in the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ Archives and Library. The course also introduces students to critical interpretation and analysis of primary sources and research methodologies. By the end of the course, students will have a good understanding of research design, historical sources and methods, which will leave them well-prepared for their dissertation in their final year. In addition, they will have a non-technical understanding of more complex quantitative methods such as regression so that they can engage critically with current scholarship in economic history.
Teaching
This course is delivered through a combination of classes, workshops and lectures totalling a minimum of 40 hours across Autum and Winter Term.
This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn and Winter Term.
Formative coursework
Students are expected to write one formative essay and complete other shorter formative coursework for the course.
Indicative reading
J Tosh, The Pursuit of History (2002), L Jordanova, History in Practice (2000), CH Feinstein and M Thomas, Making History Count (2002), and P Hudson, History by Numbers (2000)
Assessment
Project (25%, 4000 words) in the AT.
Project (50%, 3000 words) in the ST.
In-class assessment (15%) in the WT.
Class participation (10%) in the AT and WT.
Assessment comprises a group project (25%, 4000 words) in the AT; an individual project (50%, 3000 words) due in ST; a summative in-class exercise (15%) in the WT; and 10% for participation and submission of formative work.
Key facts
Department: Economic History
Total students 2022/23: 73
Average class size 2022/23: 18
Capped 2022/23: No
Lecture capture used 2022/23: Yes (MT & LT)
Value: One Unit
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.
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Specialist skills