94356 - Evolution of the World Economy

Academic Year 2022/2023

  • Docente: Vera Negri
  • Credits: 4
  • SSD: SECS-P/04
  • Language: English
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in International Development and Cooperation (cod. 8890)

Learning outcomes

The course aims at sketching the major steps that have shaped the world economy to its present configuration. The topics covered include the diversity of pre-modern economies, the impact of colonialism, the birth of the modern economy in Europe, the varieties of forms of enterprise and of national approaches to the governance of the economy and the role of international crises. At the end of the course the student will have a better knowledge of the major economic challenges to be faced today.

Course contents

The topics covered are the following:

1.The pre-industrial economy and the preparation of the "great divergence" of Europe

2. The British Industrial Revolution and the process of imitation

3. The Industrial Revolutions, the rise of USA and the creation of an international economy

4. World War I and its effects

5. The first major world crisis starting in 1929 and its economic and political impact to WWII

6. The birth of a new international economic order and the "golden age".

7. The process of European economic integration

8. The return of instability, globalization, financialization, the demise of Soviet Union and its legacy

9. New protagonists of the "great convergence": the developing world, the rise of Asia

10. A succession of crises: the 2008 financial one, the climatic crisis, the Covid pandemic, war. Conclusions.

Readings/Bibliography

V. Zamagni, An Economic History of Europe since 1700, Agenda Pub., 2017

Additional bibliography will be supplied by the teacher to each student to deal with the topics selected for papers.

Teaching methods

Lectures and in class discussions

Assessment methods

The exam consists in a final paper of around 6000 words on a topic selected by the student within the material developed by the course to be agreed upon with the teacher. 

Office hours

See the website of Vera Negri

SDGs

No poverty Decent work and economic growth Industry, innovation and infrastructure Peace, justice and strong institutions

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.