Econ 210B, Topics in Economic History

Class Information

This course will provide students with an introduction to the research frontier in economic history, focusing on a "carefully curated" list of important new books in the field. We will attempt a critical reading of these books, focusing on both their strengths and weaknesses. General questions will include the following. Does the topic justify a book-length treatment? Does the author successfully sustain his/her argument throughout the book? What is the role of books, as opposed to articles, in research in economic history (and in economics more generally). Supplementary readings, in the form of articles, are provided to point up this question. Sessions will be predominantly student led. Requirements for this course are three, and grades for the semester will attach equal weights to the three components.First, doing the readings, attending meetings and participating in class discussion. Second, leading a class meeting on an individual book. Third, submitting a 10-page memo at the end of the semester describing three potential research ideas loosely based on topics discussed in the course of the semester.