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World Economic History (ECON90056)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Email: jib@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject provides an introduction to the development of economic activity and material wellbeing in the world primarily in the past 200 years. The main objectives are to present an overview of the main phases and episodes in the evolution of the world economy, and to develop an understanding of the role of factors such as geography, institutions, politics, technological change and culture in explaining economic development. Topics to be covered include: Measuring economic development and main patterns of economic growth; The Malthusian economy; European colonial expansion and the rise of trading economies; The Agricultural Revolution and Industrial Revolution; The rise of the American economy; The rise of the settler economies (including Australia); New ways of producing – the firm, the modern labour market, and the household; The Great Depression; World Wars and economic activity; The main eras of globalisation in the world economy; The evolution of international trade and finance; The rise and decline of the mixed economy in the West; The rise of the Japanese economy and the Asian miracle; State planning and market economies China and Russia; The Great Divergence – India and Africa.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
- Explain the importance of economic activity for the well-being of societies;
- Describe the main phases and episodes in the history of the world economy over the past 200 years;
- Explain the roles of economic theory and analysis of historical data and evidence for understanding the causes of events and patterns in the world economy;
- Explain the role of technological advancement for understanding economic development and its diffusion;
- Explain the role of factors such as geography, political and legal institutions, culture, and economic policy, in the development of the world economy;
- Explain the role of major episodes such as the Great Depression, World Wars and globalisation for the evolution of the world economy; and
- Use their knowledge of the history of the world economy to inform analysis of current developments in economies in different countries.
Generic skills
- High level of development: Written communication, apply theory to practice, interpretation and analysis, critical thinking, synthesis of data and other information, evaluation of data and other information, accessing data and other information from a range of sources, receptiveness to alternative ideas.
- Moderate level of development: oral communication, collaborative learning, problem solving, team work, statistical reasoning.
- Some level of development: Use of computer software
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Approval of Department of Economics Graduate Programs Director.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Please refer to Prerequisites and Corequisites
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- Review articles and 1-hour class presentations due twice during semester (20%)
- Research essay due at the end of semester (30%); and
- 2-hour final exam (50%).
Note: Successful completion of this subject requires a pass (50%) in the final exam.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Jeff Borland Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 hours of lectures/seminars per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 23 July 2018 to 21 October 2018 Last self-enrol date 3 August 2018 Census date 31 August 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 21 September 2018 Assessment period ends 16 November 2018 Semester 2 contact information
Email: jib@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours per semester
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
You will be advised of prescribed texts by your lecturer.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Doctor of Philosophy - Business and Economics Course Doctor of Philosophy - Business and Economics - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 3 November 2022