• Session 1: An Introduction to Economic History
• Session 2: European Exceptionalism
• Session 3: Economic and Social Effects of Wars
• Session 4: Crises and Stabilization
• Session 5: Mid-Term Exam
• Session 6: (Im)migration: Causes and Consequences
• Session 7: Health and Reproduction
• Session 8: Religion and Economic Development 
• Session 9: Students' Choice
• Session 10: Podcasts and Recap
• Session 11: Final Exam

This course aims at providing students with an introduction to economic history as an academic discipline by highlighting its relevance and usefulness for a thorough university education in the social sciences. Moreover, this course pursues four specific goals:

1. The first goal is to sensitize students to "what is missing" or less visible in the available literature and research in economic history. This goal has a double rationale: to preempt the "annihilation" of specific topics, events, facts, groups of society and individuals from the historiography and to identify gaps in existing research.
2. The second goal of this course is to encourage students to think hard about more significant connections than the simple chronological order of events. 
3. The third goal of this course is to establish meaningful connections to the present by identifying (dis)continuities (in events, trends and society etc.) over longer time periods.
4. The fourth goal of this course is to develop students' understanding of applied economic research. 

Attendance of all classes is mandatory.

The course will consist of a mix of lectures, discussions and student presentations (podcasts).

• Mid-term exam (3 November 2025): 30%
• Student podcasts (15 December 2025): 20%
• Final exam (22 December 2025): 30%
• Quizzes/participation in class throughout the course: 20%

Allocation of places will be on a first come, first served basis following the official online registration procedure for the course. Waiting lists are managed by the department administration.

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Students should have a basic understanding of economic theory. They should also feel comfortable reading papers that involve statistical analysis and econometrics at intermediate undergraduate level.

Feel free to contact me by email to ask questions about the course content, the readings and the requirements relevant for your grade. I am also happy to meet up for office hours online and before or after the weekly lecture to discuss potential questions and concerns bilaterally. 

Academic integrity is very important in this class. On both tests, you are not allowed to discuss the assignment with other students or to seek help from any other individuals, nor are you allowed to consult your notes, the lecture slides, or any other resources. Students must not commit plagiarism when handing in the student podcast. Podcasts whose content was AI generated (e.g. ChatGPT) will not be accepted, will be considered as plagiarism and will receive zero points. Note that the use of AI tools in the preparation phase of the podcast is allowed subject to WU guidelines but needs to be referenced.