This course will examine both recent and past economic crises, both their causes and effects. The first eleven weeks of the course will examine a wide variety of crises, from the Mississippi Bubble to the present crisis. The last six weeks will focus on the Great Depression. The full tentative schedule is posted below. Class time will be split roughly equally between lectures and group presentations and discussions. Both lectures and presentations will be primarily based on papers published in economic journals. Grades will be based on presentations (60%), a final (30%) and general class participation (10%). The class will be taught in English.