The course gives the students understanding and the ability to analytically explain how and why Norway has developed to become one of the richest countries in the world during the last 200 years.
The course covers three major time periods:
1. Norwegian Economic History 1800-1914
2. Norwegian Economic History 1914-1945
3. Norwegian Economic History from 1945 onwards
The first part concentrates on the global economic consequences of the establishment of Norway as a national state. Emphasis is put on sovereign economic policy, industrial policy, financial institutions and infrastructure. It examines industrial development, international trade, liberalism and Norway's place in the international economy. The transition from a static to a dynamic economy is examined in light of continuous productive growth and economic growth.
The second part puts emphasis on the boom-bust economy from 1914 to 1945. Norway's place in the international economy, economic policy, and the reconstruction and fall of the international gold standard will be highlighted in order to understand developments in the product and labour markets.
In the third part, the importance of planned economy, and later, its modification and the introduction of neo-liberalism and a global economy will be examined. Additionally, the transition into a petroleum-based economy will be highlighted, along with the green transformation and shifts in economic policy.