This class is taught in English. The two semesters are independent and can be taken separately. The first semester deals with early economic history (pre-1900) and focuses primarily on Asia. During this semester we will deal with broad issues concerning how the human race came to dominate the planet using increasingly complex means of cooperation. The second semester covers the 20th-century. The focus will remain primarily on Asia. The second semester will have a more “practical” orientation. We will primarily discuss what has been causing modern economic growth. Given the broad subject matter, the course will only be able to offer a general overview of the periods and economic regions covered.
The course will meet three hours, one day a week. I am going to try to put lectures on line before class. Then during class I will ask questions on-line using zuvio as a basis for discussion. I will also break you into groups randomly and assign group projects and give you part of the class time for your groups to meet.