Undergraduate Course: The U.S. Economy since 1918 (ECSH10021)
Course Outline
| School | School of History, Classics and Archaeology |
College | College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Course type | Standard |
Availability | Available to all students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Credits | 20 |
| Home subject area | Economic and Social History |
Other subject area | Economics |
| Course website |
None |
Taught in Gaelic? | No |
| Course description | The course examines the development of the US economy from the 1920s to the present day. Initially we will consider the prosperity of the 1920s, and why this proved fragile. Attention will be given to the new patterns of consumer spending, and how these were made possible by new technology and marketing methods. The positions of the banking and farm sectors will also be considered, as will the changing position of the USA in the world economy. The economic collapse of 1929-33 will be assessed, taking account of the varying theoretical perspectives of economists. Thereafter the economic policies of the New Deal will be examined, and their roles in promoting or retarding recovery from the Great Depression will be gauged. The extent that World War Two marked an economic watershed for the USA will be investigated, as will the economic consequences of higher military spending since 1945. Particular attention will be paid to understanding the productivity record of the US economy, and its consequences for the changing international economic position of the USA. The causes of the economic slowdown of the 1970 will be assessed, as will the extent to which Reagan's economic policies of the 1980s led to improved performance, and to the 'New Economy' of the 1990s. Attention will also be given to the demographic and labour forces changes of the years since 1945, and how these contributed to the productivity and growth performance of the US economy. |
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | A pass or passes in 40 credits of first-level historical or economics courses or equivalent, and a pass or passes in 40 credits of second-level historical or economics courses or equivalent.
Before enrolling students on this course, Personal Tutors are asked to contact the History Honours Admissions Secretary to ensure that a place is available (Tel: 50 3783). |
| Additional Costs | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Visiting students should have at least 3 History courses at grade B or above (or be predicted to obtain this). We will only consider University/College level courses. Applicants should note that, as with other popular courses, meeting the minimum does NOT guarantee admission.
** as numbers are limited, visiting students should contact the Visiting Student Office directly for admission to this course **
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| Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? | Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Delivery period: 2013/14 Semester 2, Available to all students (SV1)
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Learn enabled: Yes |
Quota: 24 |
Web Timetable |
Web Timetable |
| Course Start Date |
13/01/2014 |
| Breakdown of Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 22,
Summative Assessment Hours 2,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
172 )
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| Additional Notes |
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| Breakdown of Assessment Methods (Further Info) |
Written Exam
75 %,
Coursework
25 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Exam Information |
| Exam Diet |
Paper Name |
Hours:Minutes |
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| Main Exam Diet S2 (April/May) | | 2:00 | | |
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 as 25% of the final assessment.
One two-hour degree exam which will count as 75% of the final assessment.
Visiting Student Variant Assessment
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. |
Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
Not entered |
| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Not entered |
| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords | The US Economy |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Prof David Greasley
Tel: (0131 6)50 3838
Email: David.Greasley@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mrs Caroline Cullen
Tel: (0131 6)50 3781
Email: caroline.cullen@ed.ac.uk |
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