EC311 One Unit
History of Economics: How Theories Change
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Availability
This course is available on the BSc in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics, BSc in Economic History, BSc in Economics, BSc in Economics and Economic History, BSc in International Social and Public Policy with Economics, BSc in Mathematics and Economics, BSc in Philosophy and Economics, BSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, BSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (with a Year Abroad), BSc in Politics and Economics, Erasmus Reciprocal Programme of Study and Exchange Programme for Students from University of California, Berkeley. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. This course is available with permission to General Course students.
This course is capped. Places will be assigned on a first come first served basis
Course content
The course examines the ways in which economics has developed from the Mercantilists of the 17th century to the Neoclassical thinking of the later 20th century.
The course will explore how the theories, concepts and methods of economics have changed over the lasts 250 years, focusing on Europe and North America. We will use the original texts in order to understand how economists of the past approached perennial questions (about for example, the sources of growth or the role of money) and resolved them in the context of the economic conditions of their own time and place; and use theories about scientific change to understand the longer history of economics.
Teaching
10 hours of lectures and 10 hours of classes in the Winter Term.
10 hours of lectures and 8 hours of classes in the Autumn Term.
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn and Winter Term.
Formative assessment
Students will be expected to discuss assigned texts and produce several pieces of written work.
Indicative reading
A reading list of original texts and secondary literature will be given at the beginning of the course. For an introduction, students may read R L Heilbroner's, The Worldly Philosophers; for general background, consult Roger E Backhouse's, The Penguin History of Economics or David Colander & Harry Landreth's, History of Economic Thought.
Assessment
Exam (100%), duration: 180 Minutes in the Spring exam period
Key facts
Department: Economic History
Course Study Period: Autumn and Winter Term
Unit value: One unit
FHEQ Level: Level 6
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: 76
Average class size 2024/25: 15
Capped 2024/25: Yes(75)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
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Specialist skills