Economic History: Institutions, Economic Growth and Equity

<p>What role do institutions play in shaping economies—and who benefits? This course helps you understand how legal systems, property rights and inequality influence long-term growth across countries and regions.</p><p>Institutions, Economic Growth and Equity explores how the structure and quality of institutions—such as legal systems, property rights, and civil liberties—affect economic development. You’ll study how inequality and access to resources shape both institutional change and growth outcomes.</p><p>The course uses historical examples to show how institutions evolve and why they matter. You’ll examine how different countries have developed public institutions in areas like education, healthcare and social security—and how these relate to broader patterns of growth and equity.</p><p>Four key themes guide the course: differences in institutional arrangements, the process of institutional development, the link between resource distribution and growth, and reform efforts in developing and emerging economies.</p><p>Whether you’re interested in development, policy or history, this course gives you the tools to understand how institutions shape economic possibilities—and how equity plays a role in that process.<br/></p>