In-depth questions on economic history (Modern Times)

Teacher(s)

Lecuppre Gilles;

Language

French

Prerequisites

Some minimal amount of knowledge concerning the modern era is required.

Main themes

Sumptuary laws, perception of wealth by painters, economical theories, golden age of the United Provinces, individual careers, and so on.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	To understand concepts, definitions and economical theories of the modern era
2	Comment on a source dealing with the theme in a critical way
3	Master the historiography dealing with the birth of capitalism and globalization

Content

Whether it inspires fascination or aversion, wealth is the love-it-or-hate-it type. Was it the case during the Modern Period, which witnessed globalization and reforms, capitalism, mercantilism, annuitant fortunes and commercial boldness ? We suggest a cultural approach of economy. We will successively consider the moral discourse both in laws and art, before moving to the theories involved and the mechanisms of collective increase in wealth,  individual cases and implemented strategies. Our final aim is to find the very roots of cruel inequalities which grew larger at the beginning of our 21st century.

Teaching methods

First, the scenery will be set through some lectures. Then, we will give prominence to case-studies and comment thoroughly on various documents.

Evaluation methods

Written exam.

Online resources

Powerpoints relating to the course and documents, as well as methodological advice will be available via Moodle.

Bibliography

• Harry Landreth et David C. Colander, History of Economic Thought, Boston, Houghton Mifflin, 2002.
  
• Bulst, Neithard, “Kleidung als sozialer Konfliktstoff: Probleme kleidergesetzlicher Normierung in sozialer Gefüge”, Saeculum 44 (1993), p. 32-46
  
• Philippe Hamon, L’or des peintres, Rennes, P.U.R., 2010
  
• Simon Schama, L’embarras de richesses, Paris, Gallimard, 1991
  

Faculty or entity

EHAC