HIS4171 – Diverging paths: social and economic development in the West and the East since c. 1700
Course description
Course content
A central but as yet unanswered question is why some parts of the world have become rich while others are poor. Today, a growing number of scholars address this question by looking to history. Answers are sought by adopting a global perspective, where the different development paths of countries and regions are analysed and compared.
We know that, in 1800, a gap had opened up between parts of Europe and Asia, and Europe was getting richer. But we know much less about how and why this had happened. North Western Europe experienced technological and economic progress, as part of the industrialization process which first began in the UK. What were the internal conditions that favoured Britain and Europe? And which external and global factors were decisive?
This course discusses similarities and differences between the experiences of some central regions or countries (in particular parts of China and Britain), with regard to a range of issues (such as living standard, agriculture, trade, technology, institutions and market systems). The aim is to increase our understanding of how regional, national and global conditions fostered economic growth in some, but not other parts of the world.
Learning outcome
Students must know the main trends in the development of Britain and China during the 17th and 18th centuries, and be able to discuss this in the context of global developments. Specifically, students must be able to account for institutional and industrial differences, and be familiar with the main aspects of the current debates in the field. Students should master critical reading, independent thought and academic writing, and be able to express his or her knowledge both orally and in writing.
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Recommended previous knowledge
A good ability to read and write English is required for this course.
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with HIS2171 – Diverging paths: social and economic development in the West and the East since c. 1700 (discontinued).
Teaching
This course is given in the form of seminars.
Examination
Students are assessed by a six-hour written examination.
Examination support material
No examination support material is allowed.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.