Faculty Advisor: Researcher PhD candidate, University of Pennsylvania; Head Teacher in History, Leiden University, 2019

Program Start Time: TBD (meetings will take place for around one hour per week)

Research Program Introduction

The concept of an “economy” is rooted in the intricate web of human activities related to the production, distribution, exchange, and consumption of goods and services. This complex system, referred to as the “economy,” is intricately entwined with technological advancements, historical developments, and a myriad of social, political, racial, and gender-related structures within any given society. Given its pervasive influence on all aspects of human existence, the study of economic history inherently embodies an interdisciplinary nature.

The primary objective of this Research Program is to delve into the pivotal transformations within the “economy” throughout recorded history, alongside a thorough exploration of their contextual underpinnings and significance. Our journey will traverse the earliest epochs of recorded history, navigating through the ever-evolving landscape of what constitutes an “economy,” before arriving at the tumultuous events surrounding the Modern Financial Crises. This journey unfolds in two distinct phases: the initial sessions will be dedicated to unearthing the historical origins that have shaped our contemporary understanding of the “economy,” while the subsequent sessions will meticulously scrutinize a series of financial upheavals, spanning from the speculative frenzy of Tulip-mania in the 17th century to the cataclysmic subprime crisis of 2008 and the ensuing debt crisis.

We will embark on a comprehensive exploration of these transformative economic epochs, aiming to unravel the intricate tapestry of events, structures, and ideas that have both defined and been shaped by the dynamic nature of economies throughout history. Through this endeavor, we endeavor to gain deeper insights into the fascinating interplay between economics and the broader forces that have molded human societies across the ages.

Possible Topics For Final Project

• The students will get the chance to write a short paper on one specific case study that interests them. 

• What Can We Learn From the 2007 Subprime Crisis and Other Financial Meltdowns in the Past?

• What Gives the Dollar Power, and Will Other (Bit)Coins be Able to Rival it?

• How is the Invention of Modern Prostitution Connected to Capitalist Violence? 

• Why is the Bank of Amsterdam's 17th Century Guilder Comparable to 21th Century Stablecoins?

• What has Been the Impact of Epidemics on Economies in the Past?

• How did Native Americans Respond to the Influx of 'European' Economic Practices?

• How Can We Predict Financial 'Bubbles,' and Why Was the South Sea Bubble of 1720 a Myth?

Program Detail

• Cohort Size: 3-5 students

• Duration: 12 weeks

• Workload: Around 4-5 hours per week (including class time and homework time)

• Target Students: 9-12th grade students who are interested in economic, social, political, racial and any related fields.