Bubbles, Panics, and Depressions: A World History of Economic Crisis

Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in any WC&IL II course or HON 1000.

This course will study the recurring economic crises in world history since 1500. The class seeks to understand the causes of economic crises within the context of the rise of mercantile capitalism from 1500 to 1800, post-mercantilist capitalism in the 19th century and early 20th century, and the rise of free market capitalism of today’s world. The course will explore the ideological foundations of capitalism and the debates between Keynesianism and Neo-Classical economics to explain the origins of economic crises and their solution. Then students will study recurring crises over time and in different parts of the world.

Credit: 3