Financial crises and the global economy: A history of boom and bust, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course deals with the development, causes, and theoretical explanations behind economic crises from the 19th century to the present day. Furthermore, the course addresses how economic policy measures to limit and prevent the emergence of economic crises have evolved historically. The course is based on international economic crises but also uses Swedish examples. In this context, emphasis is placed on both institutional and political factors as well as economic structural transformation. Therefore, phenomena such as globalization, international monetary systems as well as growth regimes and structural crises are treated. During the course, students will be able to reflect on how theoretical perspectives on economic crises have changed over time.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, the students have achieved:
In-depth knowledge and understanding
*    In-depth knowledge of the historical course of economic crises.
*    In-depth understanding of the causes and consequences of historical economic crises.

In-depth skill and ability
*    Skill and ability to analyze how economic thinking and economic policy have reacted to financial and economic crises on different occasions

Evaluation ability and approach
*    To evaluate the causes and effects of economic crises through a historical comparative approach

Required Knowledge

90 ECTS including a bachelor thesis equivalent to 15 ECTS credits. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A/6.

Form of instruction

The teaching is campus-based and combines lectures and seminars. The language of instruction is English. The teaching is supported via the university's electronic learning platforms where instructions are published. The studies are characterized by a high degree of independence, critical reflection, and active search for knowledge. The course offers opportunities for group discussion.

Examination modes

Examinations are conducted in the form of individually written reports which are presented and discussed at mandatory seminars. For students who have not passed the regular examination, an additional examination opportunity is arranged in close connection with this. When grading, a three-point scale is applied: pass, pass with distinction, or fail. All examinations included in the course must be completed before as course grade is obtained. If there are special reasons, the examiner has the right to decide on another form of examination. Re-examination and other examinations based on the same syllabus as the regular examination is guaranteed for two years after the student's first registration for the course. After two failed re-examinations for a certain course or part of a course, the student has the right to change examiner at a written request to the head of department.

Transfers
The course can be part of a master's degree in economic history. For foreign students or for students who so wish, grades are given in accordance with ECTS through a special certificate. Students have the right to apply to have a previous education or experience evaluated for transfer of credits. For more information, see: https://www.umu.se/en/education/study-system/ and the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 6). The application for credit is sent to the Student Center/Examina. A rejection of an application for credit can be appealed (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 12) to the Board of Appeal for Higher Education. This applies both if the entire and parts of the application for credit are rejected.