ECON 219T(F) Global Economic History (W)
Why did Western Europe-and not China, India, or the Middle East-first experience the
Industrial Revolution? Why did Latin America fall behind in the 20th century? Why have
the countries of East Asia recently experienced such high rates of economic growth? And
why has Africa remained so poor for so long? These and other questions will guide our
exploration of world economic development over the past several millennia. We will draw
on micro and macroeconomic theory to help explain and interpret the historical roots of the
modern global economy. Our focus will be broadly comparative across space and time, with
an emphasis on how institutions, resource endowments, cultural and technological revolutions, and market developments have driven economic changes.
Format: tutorial. Requirements: will meet weekly for one hour in groups of two. Evaluation
will be based on five 5- to 7-page papers, critiques of fellow students' papers, a longer revision of a paper, and engagement in discussion.
Prerequisites: Economics 110 and 120 or equivalent. Preference will be given to freshmen
and sophomores intending to major in economics. Enrollment limit: 10 (expected: 10).
Tutorial meetings to be arranged. NAFZIGER