Economic History
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course provides the broad outlines of economic history, both from a methodological point of view and in terms of themes, interpretive categories and language specific to the discipline, between the early-modern and modern ages. This course aims to contribute to the development of critical understanding of the various aspects addressed.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will have acquired the ability to examine global economic problems by tracing their early-modern and modern historical roots and employing the fundamental categories of economic theory (no previous economic or mathematical skills are required). They will also be able to place the most representative economic and business events and initiatives in their chronological and geographical contexts. The student will be able to use language tools(language properties, correct specific lexicon) to express, in a clear and effective form, to define concepts of an economic, political, social and institutional nature; they will be able to read critically historiographical works and assess the main quantitative sources.
These skills will be acquired through a direct and continuous meeting with the instructor in the classroom. Educational tools will be made available on Ariel by the instructor for attending students.
Students opting not to attend the lessons will be able to make use of the educational tools provided by the instructor on Ariel, deepen their knowledge of main topics through special readings indicated in the exam program for non-attending and if desired (after reading the exam program) contact the instructor both by email and during office hours.
These skills will be acquired through a direct and continuous meeting with the instructor in the classroom. Educational tools will be made available on Ariel by the instructor for attending students.
Students opting not to attend the lessons will be able to make use of the educational tools provided by the instructor on Ariel, deepen their knowledge of main topics through special readings indicated in the exam program for non-attending and if desired (after reading the exam program) contact the instructor both by email and during office hours.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Course title: Economic History and Today's World
Part 1 (20 hours, 3 ECTS): East and West: Historical Paths in Comparison
Part 2 (20 hours, 3 ECTS): The Italian Economy: Constraints and Opportunities
Part 3 (20 hours, 3 ECTS): Work in Transition: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives
Why do some regions of the world prosper while others remain affected by persistent poverty? This course addresses one of the fundamental questions of economic history while introducing students to the discipline's main methods and analytical tools.
The first module examines the geographical, demographic, technological, political, organizational, and institutional factors that have contributed to divergent patterns of economic development from the early modern period to the present. Particular attention is devoted to the historical processes commonly described as the "Great Divergence."
The second module focuses on the Italian economy in a global historical perspective. It highlights the distinctive features of a development model characterized by strong state intervention and the predominance of small and medium-sized enterprises. The module also examines the main macroeconomic indicators, institutional frameworks, and strategic factors underlying Italian economic development, including the role of human, social, and civic capital.
The third module explores the transformation of work from the Industrial Revolution to the challenges of the twenty-first century. It examines how the emergence of the factory system reshaped production processes and social relations, fostering the transition from agricultural labour to wage labour and generating organizational patterns that continue to shape contemporary societies. Topics include industrial work organization, automation, labour conflict, and the emergence of new forms of digital work.
Part 1 (20 hours, 3 ECTS): East and West: Historical Paths in Comparison
Part 2 (20 hours, 3 ECTS): The Italian Economy: Constraints and Opportunities
Part 3 (20 hours, 3 ECTS): Work in Transition: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives
Why do some regions of the world prosper while others remain affected by persistent poverty? This course addresses one of the fundamental questions of economic history while introducing students to the discipline's main methods and analytical tools.
The first module examines the geographical, demographic, technological, political, organizational, and institutional factors that have contributed to divergent patterns of economic development from the early modern period to the present. Particular attention is devoted to the historical processes commonly described as the "Great Divergence."
The second module focuses on the Italian economy in a global historical perspective. It highlights the distinctive features of a development model characterized by strong state intervention and the predominance of small and medium-sized enterprises. The module also examines the main macroeconomic indicators, institutional frameworks, and strategic factors underlying Italian economic development, including the role of human, social, and civic capital.
The third module explores the transformation of work from the Industrial Revolution to the challenges of the twenty-first century. It examines how the emergence of the factory system reshaped production processes and social relations, fostering the transition from agricultural labour to wage labour and generating organizational patterns that continue to shape contemporary societies. Topics include industrial work organization, automation, labour conflict, and the emergence of new forms of digital work.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no additional requirements beyond those required for admission to the degree programme. Although students are encouraged to have passed the examinations in Modern History and Contemporary History, this is not a mandatory requirement.
Teaching methods
Class attendance is strongly recommended, although not mandatory. Teaching consists primarily of lectures aimed at developing the knowledge, skills, and disciplinary language required in Economic History. Discussion with the instructor forms an integral part of the teaching method and is intended to foster critical thinking and the ability to apply acquired knowledge and skills.
Teaching makes use of multimedia materials available on the ARIEL platform, which students are expected to consult regularly.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BACHELOR'S FINAL PAPER IN ECONOMIC HISTORY
Students wishing to write their bachelor's final paper in Economic History must have attended the Economic History course and passed the final examination. It is also strongly recommended that students intending to graduate in Economic History include Political Economy among the courses in their study plan.
In addition, students are required to attend the "Laboratory for Writing the Bachelor's Final Paper in Economic History", offered every academic year during the second semester. Further information is available on the Laboratory website.
Students wishing to write their final paper in Economic History are encouraged to contact Dr. Gianmaria Brunazzi ([email protected]) during the first semester to arrange an initial consultation.
Teaching makes use of multimedia materials available on the ARIEL platform, which students are expected to consult regularly.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BACHELOR'S FINAL PAPER IN ECONOMIC HISTORY
Students wishing to write their bachelor's final paper in Economic History must have attended the Economic History course and passed the final examination. It is also strongly recommended that students intending to graduate in Economic History include Political Economy among the courses in their study plan.
In addition, students are required to attend the "Laboratory for Writing the Bachelor's Final Paper in Economic History", offered every academic year during the second semester. Further information is available on the Laboratory website.
Students wishing to write their final paper in Economic History are encouraged to contact Dr. Gianmaria Brunazzi ([email protected]) during the first semester to arrange an initial consultation.
Teaching Resources
SYLLABUS FOR ATTENDING STUDENTS
6 ECTS students (attending)
A) Knowledge of the topics covered in class (Parts 1 and 2) and of the teaching materials made available on myARIEL.
B) Knowledge of the following books:
Robert C. Allen, Storia economica globale (Bologna: Il Mulino, 2013) [English edition: Global Economic History: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011)].
Vera Zamagni, L'economia italiana nell'età della globalizzazione (Bologna: Il Mulino, 2018) [English edition: The Italian Economy (Newcastle upon Tyne: Agenda Publishing, 2018)].
9 ECTS students (attending)
A) Knowledge of the topics covered in class (Parts 1, 2, and 3) and of the teaching materials made available on myARIEL.
B) Knowledge of the following books:
Robert C. Allen, Storia economica globale (Bologna: Il Mulino, 2013) [English edition: Global Economic History: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011)].
Vera Zamagni, L'economia italiana nell'età della globalizzazione (Bologna: Il Mulino, 2018) [English edition: The Italian Economy (Newcastle upon Tyne: Agenda Publishing, 2018)].
The syllabus is final. Please do not request further confirmation by email.
SYLLABUS FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
6 ECTS students (non-attending)
Detailed knowledge of:
R. Findlay and K. H. O'Rourke, Power and Plenty. Una storia economica del mondo, Italian edition edited by G. Conti and M. C. Schisani (Turin: Utet, 2019).
[English edition: Power and Plenty: Trade, War and the World Economy in the Second Millennium (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2009).]
Please note: previous editions of this textbook are not accepted.
9 ECTS students (non-attending)
Detailed knowledge of the following books:
R. Findlay and K. H. O'Rourke, Power and Plenty. Una storia economica del mondo, Italian edition edited by G. Conti and M. C. Schisani (Turin: Utet, 2019).
Vera Zamagni, L'economia italiana nell'età della globalizzazione (Bologna: Il Mulino, 2018).
[English editions: Power and Plenty: Trade, War and the World Economy in the Second Millennium (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2009), and Vera Zamagni, The Italian Economy (Newcastle upon Tyne: Agenda Publishing, 2018).]
Please note: previous editions of Power and Plenty are not accepted.
The syllabus is final. Please do not request further confirmation by email.
International and incoming Erasmus students are invited to contact the course instructor as early as possible in order to agree on an individual examination programme. The examination may be taken in English.
6 ECTS students (attending)
A) Knowledge of the topics covered in class (Parts 1 and 2) and of the teaching materials made available on myARIEL.
B) Knowledge of the following books:
Robert C. Allen, Storia economica globale (Bologna: Il Mulino, 2013) [English edition: Global Economic History: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011)].
Vera Zamagni, L'economia italiana nell'età della globalizzazione (Bologna: Il Mulino, 2018) [English edition: The Italian Economy (Newcastle upon Tyne: Agenda Publishing, 2018)].
9 ECTS students (attending)
A) Knowledge of the topics covered in class (Parts 1, 2, and 3) and of the teaching materials made available on myARIEL.
B) Knowledge of the following books:
Robert C. Allen, Storia economica globale (Bologna: Il Mulino, 2013) [English edition: Global Economic History: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011)].
Vera Zamagni, L'economia italiana nell'età della globalizzazione (Bologna: Il Mulino, 2018) [English edition: The Italian Economy (Newcastle upon Tyne: Agenda Publishing, 2018)].
The syllabus is final. Please do not request further confirmation by email.
SYLLABUS FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
6 ECTS students (non-attending)
Detailed knowledge of:
R. Findlay and K. H. O'Rourke, Power and Plenty. Una storia economica del mondo, Italian edition edited by G. Conti and M. C. Schisani (Turin: Utet, 2019).
[English edition: Power and Plenty: Trade, War and the World Economy in the Second Millennium (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2009).]
Please note: previous editions of this textbook are not accepted.
9 ECTS students (non-attending)
Detailed knowledge of the following books:
R. Findlay and K. H. O'Rourke, Power and Plenty. Una storia economica del mondo, Italian edition edited by G. Conti and M. C. Schisani (Turin: Utet, 2019).
Vera Zamagni, L'economia italiana nell'età della globalizzazione (Bologna: Il Mulino, 2018).
[English editions: Power and Plenty: Trade, War and the World Economy in the Second Millennium (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2009), and Vera Zamagni, The Italian Economy (Newcastle upon Tyne: Agenda Publishing, 2018).]
Please note: previous editions of Power and Plenty are not accepted.
The syllabus is final. Please do not request further confirmation by email.
International and incoming Erasmus students are invited to contact the course instructor as early as possible in order to agree on an individual examination programme. The examination may be taken in English.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final assessment consists of a written examination conducted in a virtual classroom environment.
Examination format: closed-ended questions administered through Moodle. Detailed information on the assessment procedure is available on myARIEL.
Assessment criteria:
knowledge and understanding of the course contents;
ability to elaborate and critically discuss the topics studied;
appropriate use of the terminology and concepts specific to the discipline.
Marking system: grades are awarded on a scale of 30/30.
Students attending the course may take two optional mid-term tests, one at the end of the first module and one at the end of the third module. Each test will consist of one or two open-ended questions and will cover both the topics discussed in class and the assigned readings.
The final grade will be calculated as the sum of the marks obtained in the two mid-term tests and may be recorded during the first available examination session (December 2026-February 2027).
Erasmus students may take the mid-term tests in English or French.
Further information regarding the format and organization of the mid-term tests will be provided during classes. As these assessments are reserved for attending students, information concerning them will not be provided by email.
Students with disabilities and/or specific learning disabilities (SLDs) are requested to contact the instructor at least two weeks before the examination, in coordination with the relevant university office, in order to arrange any necessary accommodations or compensatory measures. The same procedure applies to students with SLDs who intend to take the mid-term tests.
Examination format: closed-ended questions administered through Moodle. Detailed information on the assessment procedure is available on myARIEL.
Assessment criteria:
knowledge and understanding of the course contents;
ability to elaborate and critically discuss the topics studied;
appropriate use of the terminology and concepts specific to the discipline.
Marking system: grades are awarded on a scale of 30/30.
Students attending the course may take two optional mid-term tests, one at the end of the first module and one at the end of the third module. Each test will consist of one or two open-ended questions and will cover both the topics discussed in class and the assigned readings.
The final grade will be calculated as the sum of the marks obtained in the two mid-term tests and may be recorded during the first available examination session (December 2026-February 2027).
Erasmus students may take the mid-term tests in English or French.
Further information regarding the format and organization of the mid-term tests will be provided during classes. As these assessments are reserved for attending students, information concerning them will not be provided by email.
Students with disabilities and/or specific learning disabilities (SLDs) are requested to contact the instructor at least two weeks before the examination, in coordination with the relevant university office, in order to arrange any necessary accommodations or compensatory measures. The same procedure applies to students with SLDs who intend to take the mid-term tests.
Modules or teaching units
Part C
STEC-01/B - Economic History - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Parts A and B
STEC-01/B - Economic History - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor(s)