Why are some countries rich and others poor? When did globalization begin? Why are some countries democratic and others autocratic? Why are some people slaves and others ‘free’ wage workers? How did ordinary people live the big changes of the past? These are just few of the questions that are tackled by social and economic historians. In looking for answers, scholars have increasingly stressed transnational links and connections during the last decades.

Key info

Coordinators – Dr Matthias van Rossum, Dr Filipa Ribeiro da Silva and Rosa Kösters MA (all IISH)
Lecturers – A wide variety of established historians from Dutch and Flemish universities, who are leading experts in their fields, most of them fellows of the N.W. Posthumus Institute
Period – Semester 1 (October 2022 – January 2023)
Credits – 10 ECTS
Language – English
Location – International Institute of Social History (Amsterdam)
Days and Times – Wednesdays, 12:30-16:30
Min. 5, max. 15 participants

Description

The rise of global history has stimulated comparisons and contrasts and has intensified scholarly exchange through numerous debates. The aim of this course is to introduce students into the main debates of global social and economic history.

The course offers an overview and introduction into the main debates in global economic and social history. In the first part, sessions will concern topics such as globalization, the Rise of the West and worldwide inequality, worldwide networks and global-local relations, and the consequences of globalization for identity formation. In the second part of the course, a number of in-depth studies related to global history will be taken up, such as migration, the environment, revolutions, economic growth and capitalism, and science and technology.

Structure

The courseconsists of six bi-weekly sessions, in principle at the IISH in Amsterdam, where two senior historians will introduce the different topics. The course is concluded by writing an essay (review article) on a debate or a historiographic topic. The essays are presented and discussed at a final research seminar at the end of the semester. All participants are expected to attend the final research seminar.

Course objectives

1. Acquiring up-to-date knowledge of the state of the art in global economic and social history
2. Acquiring insight in and ability to take part in on-going historical debates
3. Embedding your personal research interests in historiographical traditions.
4. Critical evaluation of monographs and writing of a review article

Students are also be invited to visit the annual Posthumus Conference, which takes place every year in May or June. They may sign up as a discussant for a paper at the conference.

How to apply

You can apply via the Application Form. Please note, that the deadline for this course is 8 September 2022.

Application Form    

Questions and info

If you want more information on (one of) the courses, or if you have questions regarding the application procedure, please contact the Office Manager of the Posthumus Institute.