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 Subprime Crisis of 2007-2008 was a pivotal moment in global economics, bringing capitalism to the brink of collapse and reshaping political and economic landscapes. Originating from a crisis in the real estate market, it exposed the vulnerabilities within major financial institutions and prompted profound questions about the stability and trust in modern financial systems.

Financial crises are not a new phenomenon; they have been a recurring feature of global capitalism throughout history. From the Tulip Mania and South Sea Bubble to the recent COVID-19 economic downturn, each crisis offers unique insights into the dynamics of financial markets. This program delves into these historical events, examining crises such as the Mississippi Bubble, the Wall Street Debacle of 1929, the Mexican and Latin American Debt Crises of the 1980s, and the European debt crisis, among others. By studying these crises, the program seeks to uncover the underlying causes and impacts on global finance and politics.

The program is designed for students across various disciplines, offering valuable insights into the nature of markets, the role of trust in trade, and the concept of market liquidity. It provides a comprehensive understanding of financial crises and equips students with analytical tools to assess both historical and contemporary economic challenges. Students will engage in interdisciplinary research, exploring different approaches and models to better understand financial crises and their future implications. This knowledge is not only essential for academic growth but also for navigating and influencing policy changes in the real world.

Possible Topics For Final Project

• What Can We Learn From the 2008 Subprime Crisis and Other Financial Meltdowns in the Past?

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

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

• How Can the U.S. Farming Crisis of the 1980s be Traced Back to Policy Mistakes?

• Have Asian Countries Fully Recovered from the Asian Crisis of 1997?

• What are the Long-Term Consequences of the Greek Default of 2010?

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 economics, business, world history, public policy or related fields.