World Economic History (ECON90056)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject provides an introduction to the development of economic activity and material well-being in the world since the year 1000 A.D. 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, technological change and culture in explaining economic development. Topics to be covered include: Measuring economic development and main patterns of growth; The Malthusian economy; The rise and decline of the Islamic world; The economic consequences of the Black Death and of the Mongol invasions; The shift in economic and geopolitical power from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic; European colonial expansion and the rise of trading economies; The Industrial Revolution; The rise of settler economies (including Australia); The Great Depression; World Wars and economic activity; The main eras of globalization in the world economy; The Great Divergence.
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: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Admission into the MC-COMECO Master of Commerce (Economics)
OR
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: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Review articles and class presentations due once during semester
| During the teaching period | 20% |
Oral exam
| End of semester | 20% |
Participation in class, weekly | Throughout the teaching period | 10% |
End-of-semester exam
| End of the teaching period | 50% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator James Kung Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 170 Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025 Semester 2 contact information
James Kung: james.kung@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours per semester
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 March 2025