HIS4171 ¨C Diverging paths: social and economic development in the West and the East since c. 1700

Course content

A central but as yet unanswered question is why some parts of the world have become rich while others are poor. Today, a growing number of scholars address this question by looking to history. Answers are sought by adopting a global perspective, where the different development paths of countries and regions are analysed and compared.

We know that, in 1800, a gap had opened up between parts of Europe and Asia, and Europe was getting richer. But we know much less about how and why this had happened. North Western Europe experienced technological and economic progress, as part of the industrialization process which first began in the UK. What were the internal conditions that favoured Britain and Europe? And which external and global factors were decisive?

This course discusses similarities and differences between the experiences of some central regions or countries (in particular parts of China and Britain), with regard to a range of issues (such as living standard, agriculture, trade, technology, institutions and market systems). The aim is to increase our understanding of how regional, national and global conditions fostered economic growth in some, but not other parts of the world.

Learning outcome

Students must know the main trends in the development of Britain and China during the 17th and 18th centuries, and be able to discuss this in the context of global developments. Specifically, students must be able to account for institutional and industrial differences, and be familiar with the main aspects of the current debates in the field. Students should master critical reading, independent thought and academic writing, and be able to express his or her knowledge both orally and in writing.

Admission to the course

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Recommended previous knowledge

A good ability to read and write English is required for this course.

Overlapping courses

• 10 credits overlap with HIS2171 ¨C Diverging paths: social and economic development in the West and the East since c. 1700.

Teaching

This course is given in the form of seminars.

Examination

Students are assessed by a six-hour written examination.

Examination support material

No examination support material is allowed.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.