Quantitative history has increasingly been used in economic and other social science studies. Our research team has developed a new PhD course syllabus titled “Quantitative History Seminar” for training graduate students at UGC-funded universities. This course introduces students to the literature that explores unique historical data and settings to address important social science questions. Course materials are primarily drawn upon seminal papers that examine the deep roots of economic, social and institutional development and use historical natural experiments to establish causality. The course is run in the form of seminars, in which students are directed to review and discuss the assigned papers and present their independent research in class.
The course “Seminar on Quantitative History” offers a comprehensive exploration of various themes essential to the field. The syllabus includes an introductory session delving into Quantitative History, followed by in-depth modules covering Institutions and Development, Culture and Religion, Human Capital, Trade, Long Persistence, Ancient Origins, and Financial History. The course culminates in student presentations where working papers are shared, fostering a dynamic and collaborative learning environment.
ECON6805 Quantitative History Seminar
Course Objectives: The course is targeted at PhD students at HKU Business School, HK Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences, and the Faculty of Social Sciences. Students are expected to learn the values of quantitative history in addressing important research questions and, more importantly, to cultivate the sense and skills of independent empirical research using historical data and quantitative methods. In addition to learning useful research skills, students are expected to broaden their intellectual horizons beyond the narrow field or sub-field within a single discipline of their specialisation.
Course Description: Quantitative history has increasingly been used in economic and other social science studies. This course introduces students to the literature that explores unique historical data and settings to address important social science questions. Course materials are primarily drawn upon seminal papers that examine the deep roots of economic, social and institutional development and use historical natural experiments to establish causality. The course is run in the form of seminars, in which students are directed to review and discuss the assigned papers and present their independent research in class.
Now offered in Semester 2, 2024/25.
Add-Drop Period:
January 17, 2025 – January 24, 2025 (5pm)
Students may change their course enrolment during the add-drop period.