EH238     
The Origins of Growth

This information is for the 2024/25 session.

Teacher responsible

Prof Neil Cummins SAR 5.13

Availability

This course is available on the BA in History, BSc in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics, BSc in Economic History, BSc in Economic History and Geography, BSc in Economic History with Economics, BSc in Economics, BSc in Economics and Economic History and BSc in Economics with Economic History. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit and to General Course students.

Course content

This course explores the origins of modern economic growth through major themes such as life, love, death, place and inheritance. The focus is on the world's first breakthrough in Britain during the Industrial Revolution. Students will be exposed to frontier debates in economic history. Widespread use is made of intuitive econometrics, interdisciplinary insights and historical context.

Teaching

This course is delivered through a combination of in-person classes and lectures totalling a minimum of 40 hours across Autumn Term and Winter Term

Formative coursework

During the course students are expected to write four essays or equivalent pieces of written work.

Indicative reading

Allen, The British Industrial Revolution in Global Perspective; Clark, A Farewell to Alms; Diamond, Guns, Germs and Steel; Henrich, The WEIRDest People in the World; Piketty, Capital in the 21st Century; Clark, Cummins et al., The Son also Rises

Clark, A Farewell to Alms (2007)

Clark, Cummins et al. The Son Also Rises (2014)

Allen, The British Industrial Revolution in Global Perspective (2009)

Assessment

Exam (90%, duration: 3 hours) in the spring exam period.
Class participation (10%) in the AT and WT.

Key facts

Department: Economic History

Total students 2023/24: 34

Average class size 2023/24: 17

Capped 2023/24: No

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Course selection videos

Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Specialist skills