Level: 2

Semester: 1

Prerequisite: None

 

Course Description:

This course surveys the economic history of the Caribbean. It begins with the economy of the First Peoples and ends with analysis of the Caribbean in an increasingly globalised world. It is designed for history students wishing to take specialised courses in Economic History and for Social Sciences students wishing to use history as a tool for understanding the economic developments of the region. There is a strong focus on questions of economic theory as well as historical interpretation. The topics covered include: Theorising Caribbean Economic Development, The First Caribbean Economies, The Plantation System, The Labour Systems and Demographic Changes, Sugar in the 20th and 21st Centuries, The Modern Agricultural Sector, The Commercial Sector, Integration into the World Economy, Caribbean Economic Integration and Issues in Caribbean Economic Development.

 

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Define economic history
  2. Identify the themes and sources of this variant of Caribbean history
  3. Use quantitative data to analyse the economic history of the Caribbean region
  4. Trace, classify and explain changes in economic activity in the Caribbean from the late fifteenth to the mid twentieth century

 

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