Dr Oliver Volckart, C215

Optional course for BSc Economic History, BSc Economic History with Economics, BSc Economics and Economic History and BSc Economics with Economic History. Not available to General Course students.

The course examines economic and social development in Western and Eastern Europe and Asia from the late Middle Ages to the mid-18th century. Its purpose is to discuss comparatively the sources of long-term economic development and growth in the past.

The course surveys issues, theories and historiography; economic development in premodern western Europe, population; agriculture; industry and protoindustry; urbanization; market integration and trade; technology; state structure, policy and political economy; taxation; technology, causes and consequences of west European overseas expansion; the emergence and nature of a 'world economy'. Comparison with east-central Europe, Mong-Ching China, and Tokugawa Japan.

Approximately 22 two-hour lectures and seminars.

Students are expected to write three essays or equivalent pieces of written work. A full list of lectures and seminar papers is distributed at the beginning of the course.

Detailed reading lists are distributed at the beginning of the course. The principal text is SR Epstein, Freedom and Growth. The Rise of States and Markets in Europe, 1300-1750 (2000); The following are useful general works: D C North & R P Thomas, The Rise of the Western World (1973); E L Jones, The European Miracle (3rd edn, 2003); E L Jones, Growth Recurring, Economic Change in World History (2nd edn, 2000); J De Vries, The Economy of Europe in an Age of Crisis, 1600-1750 (1976); K Pomeranz, The Great Divergence. China, Europe, and the Making of the Modern World Economy (2000).

A three-hour written examination in the ST (100%).