Form C4
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor
1. Course
Code
C20EH
2. Course
Title
Topics in World Economic History 1
5. School
School of Management and Languages
7. Delivery:
Location &
Semester
Edin 
SBC
Orkney
Dubai
IDL
Collaborative Partner
Approved Learning Partner
Sem 1
Sem…….
Sem………..
Sem……..
Sem….
Name…………………….....Sem..…...
Name …………………………………Sem………..
8. Pre-requisites
Introductory Microeconomics (C27AA); Introductory Macroeconomics (C27BA)
9. Linked Courses
(specify if synoptic)
10. Excluded Courses
None
11. Replacement Courses
Code: C20EE
15
None
Date Of Replacement:
13. The course may be
delivered to:
3. SCQF 10
4. Credits
Level
6. Course
Prof. M. Schaffer
Co-ordinator
UG only 
PG only
September 2011
12. Degrees for which
this is a core course
UG & PG
None
14. Available as an Elective?
Yes 
No
15. Aims
To enable students to undertake a critical review of developments in world economic history, from the beginning through the Industrial Revolution and beyond.
To promote students’ participation in scholarly enquiry and to enhance their professional development as economists.
16. Syllabus
The class will study a range of topics in world economic history: the Malthusian Era and the invention of agriculture; primitive and modern forms of money and trade; the
functioning of the economy of classical antiquity; the Atlantic slave trade and the rise of Europe; the Industrial Revolution; and other topics. The syllabus in any year will be
determined in part by the interests of staff members contributing lectures and seminars.
17. Learning Outcomes (HWU Core Skills: Employability and Professional Career Readiness)
1/2
Form C4
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor
Subject Mastery
Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive
Skills
Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research-Informed Learning)
Understanding of the impact of inventions and institutions on pre-industrial and industrial economies.
Application of the apparatus of modern economics to a wide range of economic problems.
Ability to undertake desk-based critical appraisal of literature.
Understanding of the context within which recent research findings in economic history have emerged, and the range of solved and active problems in
the field.
Personal Abilities
Industrial, Commercial & Professional Practice
Autonomy, Accountability & Working with Others
Communication, Numeracy & ICT
Collaboration in, and leadership of, teams
Synoptic reporting of information, and critical evaluation of sources
18. Assessment Methods
Method
19. Re-assessment Methods
Duration of Exam
Weighting (%)
Synoptic courses?
Method
(if applicable)
Assigned work
Examination
2 hrs
Duration of Exam
Diet(s)
(if applicable)
30%
70%
No
Examination
2 hrs
3
20. Date and Version
Date of Proposal
April 2011
Date of Approval by
School Committee
Date of
Implementation
Version
Number
2/2
1.0