The U.S. Economy since 1918 (VS1) (U03015)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : HCL-3-USEc

Particular attention is paid to understanding the macroeconomic record of fluctuations and growth. For the period between the world wars topics include: an assessment of consumers' behaviour in the 1920s, the causes of the great contraction between 1929-33, and economic policy and economic recovery during the 1930s. In the second part of the semester topics include: the economic effects of World War Two and subsequent military spending, demography and the labour market, the 1970s productivity slowdown, and economic performance during the Reagan era and beyond.

Entry Requirements

? This course is only available to part year visiting students.

? This course is a variant of the following course : ES0042

? Pre-requisites : Visiting students should normally have 3 to 4 History courses at Grade B or above.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Economic and Social History, (School of History and Classics, Schedule E)

Other subject areas

Economics, (Management School and Economics, Schedule H)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) 30 minutes per week for 9 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
21/09/2006	09:30	10:50	Room G.03, William Robertson Building	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	09:00	09:50	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

The course seeks to develop:
- An understanding of the contours of US economic growth during the twentieth century, and of the evidence on which this is based.
- An awareness of the alternative interpretations of the literature, and of the theoretical perspectives on which these are based.
- An appreciation of the use of economic theories for understanding economic history.
- An appreciation of the use of quantitative data for understanding economic history.
- An ability to construct written and verbal argument based on a variety of evidence.
- An appreciation of how the study of history helps the understanding of economic development.
- Student-led seminars are intended to develop the presentation and verbal skills of participating students.
- Written assignments are intended to develop the literary skills of students and their ability to construct coherent argument and analysis.

Assessment Information

One essay of 3000 words which will count for 25% of the final assessment.
One take home examination essay which will count as 75% of the final assessment.