Economic History: The world's economic history from the 1980s onwards

Economic History

The aim of the course is to provide advanced knowledge of global economic history from the 1980s onwards. The course examines four major socio-economic transformations that have shaped contemporary economic development: digitalization, globalization, financialization, and the changing role of the state. It analyzes shifts in production, trade, and consumption patterns, and critically engages with these developments in relation to dominant economic theories and public discourse. Furthermore, the course situates these processes within the broader context of social and environmental sustainability challenges that have emerged since the 1980s.

After completing the course, students should be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

a. describe and critically discuss growth patterns and socio-economic transformation processes that have shaped global economic development since the 1980s.

Skills and Abilities

b. analyze economic transformation processes using concepts introduced in the course.
c. produce, present, and discuss written work within the scope of the course content.

Judgement and Approach

d. independently identify economic transformation processes and critically evaluate arguments presented in public debate.

The teaching consists of recorded lectures and seminars via the university’s digital learning platform, where students work on pre-published assignments. Participation in the course requires access to a computer with an internet connection.

All learning outcomes can be assessed through:

oral examinations,

written assignments,

compulsory seminars

If a student has failed the same examination component twice and wishes to change examiner for the next examination, such a request should be submitted in writing to the department and must be granted unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 22).

If a student has received a recommendation from the University of Gothenburg for special pedagogical support, the examiner may, if compatible with the course objectives and provided that unreasonable resources are not required, decide to offer the student an adapted examination or an alternative form of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student is guaranteed at least three examination opportunities (including the regular examination) over a period of at least one year, but no longer than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. For internships and work-based education, the same applies, but limited to only one additional examination opportunity.

The course uses the following grading scale: Excellent (A), Very Good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Pass (E), and Fail (F).

To receive a passing grade (A–E), students must achieve passing results in all examination components.

The results and any changes to the course structure must be communicated both to the students who participated in the evaluation and to those who are about to start the course.

This course may not be counted toward a degree in combination with EHG105.