The purpose of this elective course in Economic and Social History is to provide students of business and economics a foundation in the field. The course consists of an introduction of the theories and methodologies of historical sciences. The course is largely based around Ivan Berend’s Case Studies on Modern European Economy and accompanying literature to expand the scope of the course content beyond Europe.

The course structure is built up around lectures and discussions. Lectures are divided into themes in economic history, and take a largely chronological approach. Tuesday lectures will focus on Europe and the economic history of the west, whereas the Thursday lectures will focus largely on Asia, with a particular emphasis on China and Japan.

Students are expected to read the texts that accompany the lectures, and actively participate in discussions.

After completing this course, students should be able to correctly assess and categorize historical events and how they both impact, and are impacted by, the economic system. Students should have a greater appreciation for historical and economic processes outside of Europe, and understand how seemingly distant events, both spatially and temporally, may in fact be connected. Students will be expected to think critically about what can be learnt from history (or not), and how this is relevant in their daily lives. Students will learn about how societies in the past perceived and shaped their world, and will come to recognize that both the economic system in which we find ourselves today, as well as the economic and social debates of the modern day, are rooted in the past.

This course is a "PI", which means attendance is mandatory. Absence on two Tuesday classes and two Thursday classes is permitted. The last class on June 4, 2019 is the date of the final exam - it may be possible to take the exam early outside class hours for those who have to leave Austria before the final exam (i.e., incoming our outgoing exchange students).

Approx. 11 hours of lectures organized chronologically and by theme

Approx. 11 hours of moderated discussion on the basis of pre-defined questions related to the weekly assigned readings.

Grades will be based on written answers to the questions about the weekly readings, which are to be submitted 3 times during the semester; moderation and active participation in the discussions, and a final exam.

· Reading questions: 25%

· Moderating and participation in discussions: 25%

· Exam: 50%

Office hours: On appointment (see contact emails).