Economic Crises in Historical Perspective

Economic crises have profoundly shaped societies – from famine and disease to financial breakdowns and environmental disasters. In this course, you’ll be introduced to the causes, dynamics, and consequences of crises, with a focus on what history can teach us about today’s challenges.

You’ll study different types of crises: those triggered by disruptions in supply and demand chains, financial crises in global systems, demographic crises caused by famine or disease, and environmental crises linked to natural events and resource overuse.

Through historical case studies, you’ll connect real-world events to theories about the emergence and development of economic crises. The course gives you tools to understand complex relationships and reflect on how crises affect both economies and societies – short-term and long-term.

Throughout the course, you’ll take part in lectures, group discussions, and assignments where you analyse historical crises and their effects. You’ll learn to search for and interpret information, discuss theories, and draw your own conclusions about the causes and consequences of crises.

You’ll work both individually and in groups, and practice presenting your ideas in writing and speech. You’re expected to think critically and reflect on how historical experiences can help us understand today’s economic challenges.

Assessment is based on written assignments, presentations and group activities. The course provides a foundational understanding of economic crises – and the ability to recognise patterns, ask questions, and think analytically about societal change.

Prerequisites

General requirements

Selection criteria

Priority is given to applicants who have applied before deadline and are registered to a course or a programme at Lunds University the semester before this course starts. After that seats are allocated according to the following: The general average (GPA) of your higher secondary school leaving certificate: 34 %, The Swedish national university aptitude test: 34 %, number of previous ECTS at application deadline (up to 165): 32 %. If students have equal credentials, seats are allocated based on their results on The Swedish National University Aptitude Test. If this too is equal, seats are allocated based on a draw.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 6,500
First payment: SEK 6,500

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.