Capital and finance - economic and historic perspectives

What role does the distribution of capital play in a society’s economic and social development? What role have financial markets and actors played in the emergence of modern capitalism? Why do financial crises occur, and how have financial markets been regulated historically? The course provides students with tools to analyze these and other questions related to capital and financial systems from a historical perspective. The course critically examines the phenomenon of capital, how it has been analyzed historically, and the significance that the distribution of capital has for a society’s development. It also addresses the development of capital markets and financial instruments, as well as the interaction between financial theory, regulation, and market behavior. The course focuses on periods and events that have generated debate and legislation concerning the functioning and regulation of financial markets. In addition to offering students an in-depth historical frame of reference, the course trains students to identify, analyze, and relate to capital and financial markets within a broader societal context.