HSTCMP/JSIS B 408 "Capitalist Crises in Historical Perspective

HSTCMP 408/JSIS B 408 "Capitalist Crises in Historical Perspective."  (5 cr., SSc, WF 1030AM-1220 PM)  Taught by Prof. Mark Metzler.

This course explores selected topics in the history of capitalism in a global, multi-century perspective.

 Winter 2023 Course Topic: Capitalist Crises in Historical Perspective

We live in an age of colossal financial bubbles and crashes.  History has tremendous power to clarify these events. 
This course begins by looking at the globalized economic crises in the late 19^th century and then surveys the world depression of the 1930s.  The remainder of the course surveys the crises from the 1970s to the present.  Along the way, we also look at some classic theories of crisis.  The course concludes with a fast-research project focused on an aspect of the current economic crisis or on a selected historical crisis.  Graduate students will conclude with a longer paper on an aspect of economic crisis that intersects with their own research program.

The course follows an in-person format and is primarily seminar (discussion) based with some lecture material intermixed.  Please be prepared to participate actively in presentation and discussion work. 
Learning goals:

1. Deeper understanding of long-run tendencies and of medium- and short-term dynamics of capitalism as an international system.
2. Deeper understanding of global history in its economic dimensions. Familiarization with some influential theoretical approaches to the subject.
3. Specific understanding of historical economic crises, their causes and effects, including the great depression of the 1930s, the international crises of the late 20^th century, and the global economic crisis of 2007–08.
4. Professionalization of writing, presentation, and research skills, coached by an instructor who has written and edited dozens of books and articles in the academic world and in private industry.

Prerequisites: You’ll need a strong commitment to learning about international economic topics, but the class is non-technical and does not require a background in academic economics.