94356 - Evolution of the World Economy

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 industrial take-off in 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 and the second major world crisis starting in 2008

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

10. The third major world crisis from Covid-19 starting in 2020. Conclusions and ways ahead

Readings/Bibliography

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

Additional bibliography will be supplied by the teacher for the topics selected in the 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