The aim of the course is to reconstruct the historical evolution of political economy by showing the influence that some great economic ideas had in the process of shaping modern Europe.
Course lecture notes, provided by the professor, available on the website
Learning Objectives
The aim of the course is to reconstruct the historical evolution of political economy by showing the influence that some great economic ideas had in the process of shaping modern Europe.
By the end of the course, students will be able to know the thinking of influential economists and the evolution of micro- and macroeconomics with a focus on the theory of the firm. They will be able to analyze the historical and cultural significance of some of the fundamental economic policy choices that have characterized the formation of modern Europe and will have the tools to understand the current situation.
Prerequisites
It is advisable to have an understanding of the basic principles of economics.
Teaching Methods
The course is based on frontal lectures and classroom discussions with students
Type of Assessment
The examination consists of an oral colloquium aimed at assessing the candidate’s knowledge, critical understanding, and expository ability of the main topics covered in the course.
Course program
1. The Pre-Classical Economic Thought and the making of a European society
2. Classical political economy and a liberal Europe (1776-1870)
3. Neoclassical economics and a Europe of empires (1871-1918)
4. Marshall and the foundation of microeconomics
5. Neoliberalism and a Europe of sovereign nations (1919-1943)
6. Keynes and the foundation of macroeconomics
7. Schumpeter and the modern theory of the firm
8. Neoclassical synthesis and Europeanist economic thought (1944-1973)
9. The rise of neoliberalism and the united Europe (1974-2007)
10. Crisis of neoliberalism, sustainable business and unfinished Europe (2008–)