Investigating Environmental and Economic Change in Italy
Explore the role of markets and common property
resources in the historical development of the regions of Liguria,
Tuscany, Campania, and Rome, Italy.
Course Description
The course uses general
principles and themes from Environmental Economics to investigate how humans
adjust to economic and environmental changes brought on by commerce, conquest,
technological change and natural events (earthquakes, volcanoes, etc.).
Students will:
Explore the Liguria, Tuscany, Campania, and Amalfi regions of Italy before their culminating experience in Rome.
develop first-hand knowledge of the economic and
environmental incentives that induced human beings to alter these
environments for thousands of years.
learn to practice what economist Robert Frank has termed “economic naturalism”
apply the twin themes of “Markets in Antiquity” and “Institutions to Support Exchange” to their observations of technological and
institutional change, volcanic eruptions, deforestation and economic
growth
make predictions of how current practices will influence future human activities and environmental conditions in the region.
ILEX
The class will also examine
and critique the work of the small startup firm Italian Landscape Exploration
(ILEX) founded by Alessio di Giulio. This organization studies the
problems of sustainability, economic development, and environmental changes and
proposes culturally sensitive policy solutions to improve human and natural
conditions.
