Making of the Modern Economy module (BU12011)

Learn how humans have shaped the economic world from our origins through to Industrialisation and now how technology is used.

Exchange, trade and internationalisation have all influenced how our lives and economic markets operate. By understanding the past of economics you will better understand the complexities of modern day economics.
 

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• discuss how we learnt to be economists and the rise of economic thought
• understand the role of economics in shaping the world, including the rise of capitalism and firms
• study institutions and the rules of the game
• learn how the role of labour has transitioned to the modern world
• understand trade and the development of competitive advantage
• discuss the impact of technology and economic progress
• demonstrate how economic growth has impacted both climate change and sustainability

By the end of the module you will be able to:

• understand the development of economics from the foundations of the subject to the modern day
• describe economics from the beginning of human history through to the rise of capitalism up to the present day
• apply key economic concepts to problems in a variety of historical and modern contexts

Assignments / assessment

• essay (40%)
• final exam (60%)

Teaching methods / timetable

Lectures will be in-person with suggested readings provided in advance to allow you to contribute your ideas during classes.

There are 11 weeks of teaching. For this module, the exact dates of teaching and/or reading weeks are to be confirmed.