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Course details
The U.S. Economy since 1918 (ECSH10021)
Subject Area
Economic and Social History
Pre-requisites
Visiting students should have at least 3 History courses at grade B or above (or be predicted to obtain this). We will only consider University/College level courses. Applicants should note that, as with other popular courses, meeting the minimum does NOT guarantee admission. ** as numbers are limited, visiting students should contact the Visiting Student Office directly for admission to this course **
Credits
20
Course level
SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate)
Course description
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.
Timetable
View the timetable and assessment information for this course
Course delivered by
College of Humanities and Social Science
School of History, Classics and Archaeology
This article was published on Feb 24, 2012