The U.S. Economy since 1918 (ES0042)

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

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

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

Variants

? This course has variants for part year visiting students, as follows

The U.S. Economy since 1918 (VS1) (Not being delivered)
The U.S. Economy since 1918 (VS1) (Not being delivered)

Subject Areas

Home subject area

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

Other subject areas

Economics, (Management School and Economics, Schedule H)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

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

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
09/01/2008	10:00	10:50	Room G.03, William Robertson Building	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Wednesday	10:00	10:50	Central
Lecture	Thursday	09:30	10:50	Central

? Additional Class Information : The Thursday slot is a tutorial session.

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.