This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.

Undergraduate Handbook 2025-2026 (archived)

Module ECON3051: History of Economic Thought

Department: Economics

ECON3051: History of Economic Thought

Type	Level	Credits	Availability	Module Cap	Location
Tied	3	20	Available in 2025/2026	None.	Durham

Tied To

Pre-requisites

Macroeconomics (ECON2011) AND Microeconomics (ECON2021) OR Economic Theory (ECON2291)

Corequisites

None.

Excluded Combinations

None.

Aims

To develop knowledge of the schools of thought in the history of economic thought, and to examine the methodological criteria by which analytical or scientific advances in the discipline may be determined. The module also provides students with the opportunity to draw on recent research. This module builds on the knowledge and understanding gained in Level 2 core modules.

Content

The module focuses on topics as value, prices, distribution, money, trade, economic growth, and public finance as well as economic policy issues.
The module deals with the writing of particular individual economists.
The module concludes with a discussion of theories of the history of science and their applications to economics.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge

understanding the historical development of analytical techniques in economics

Subject-specific Skills

using the history of ideas as an essential part of economic reasoning

Key Skills

Reasoning abilities
Skills in assessing alternative ideas, and the criteria used in accepting or rejecting economic arguments, theories, or theoretical systems
Mathematical skills will be enhanced by examination of the gradual refinement of mathematical techniques in economics.
Students' skills in writing and presenting their economic knowledge

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

Teaching is by lectures and seminars. Learning takes place through attendance at lectures, preparation for and participation in seminars, and private study. Formative assessment is by means of one piece of written work. Summative assessment is by means of an in-person written examination and a written assignment.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total Hours	Attendance Monitored
Lectures	22	1 per week	1 hour	22
Seminars	8	4 in term 1, 4 in term 2	1 hour	8	Yes
Preparation and Reading				170
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component	Component Weighting	Element	Length/Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Examination	60%	On Campus Written Examination	2 hours	100%
Assignment	40%	One written assignment	2500 words max	100%

Formative Assessment

One piece of written work.

Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.