HISA1009 Economic and Business History I (5 cr)

These studies will introduce students to the reasons for global economic growth, the consequences and the effects on organisations and individuals and also to the main points of departure in economic history.

Upon completing the course, the student,

• understands the key approaches of economic and business history in explaining economic growth and other economic phenomena

• understands the significance of micro and macroeconomic structures in the long-term development of the economy and business, and can provide examples of this

• recognizes typical methods used in economic and business history

• acknowledges the international nature of economic and business history phenomena and can place Finnish historical events in an international context

• has become acquainted with a key theme in economic and business history and has practiced skills related to information gathering, analysis, and scientific communication. 

The course introduces various perspectives of economic and business history to examine and explain economic phenomena, such as the causes and effects of global economic growth on societies, organizations, and individuals. Additionally, the course discusses the significance of history in structural economic changes.

Themes covered in the course include:

• Different approaches in economic and business history to examine and explain economic and societal phenomena

• Typical methods in economic and business histories

• The importance of history and long-term processes in the development of the economy and society

• An in-depth study of a research theme in economic and business history from different perspectives

In the implementation of the course, the focus on economic and business history can vary. 

To complete the studies using set books students will select works from the following list in such a way as to acquire 5 points. 

1. Bouwens, B., Donzé, P. Y., & Kurosawa, T. (eds.) (2017). Industries and Global Competition: A History of Business Beyond Borders. Routledge. (2 credits)
2. Clark, G., A. (2007). Farewell to Alms: A Brief Economic History of the World. Princeton University Press. (2 credits)
3. Colli, A. (2016). Dynamics of International Business. Routledge. (1 credit)
4. Findlay, R., & O'rourke, K. H. (2009). Power and Plenty: Trade, War, and the World Economy in the Second Millennium. Princeton University Press. (2 credits)
5. van Zanden, J. L. (2009). The Long Road to the Industrial Revolution: The European Economy in a Global Perspective, 1000–1800. Brill. (2 credits)
6. Koponen, J., & Saaritsa, S. (eds.) (2019). Nälkämaasta hyvinvointivaltioksi. (1 credit)