Course Detail (Course Description By Faculty)

Business in Historical Perspective (33112)

This course develops an historical perspective on the modern business environment, with the goal of preparing for seemingly unprecedented business opportunities or challenges. The course explores how businesses have succeeded and failed in diverse contexts throughout history. Topics include: how firms have adapted to the absence of formal legal institutions; the causes and consequences of periods of technological revolution; similarities and differences between the Great Depression and more recent economic turmoil; and exploring determinants of income inequality and who benefits from productivity growth. This course fulfills the Business Environment "Economy" requirement.

None
Canvas site includes cases, lecture slides and supplementary optional readings.
Based on written responses to case discussion questions and a final exam.
  • No auditors
Description and/or course criteria last updated: November 06 2025
SCHEDULE
  • Winter 2026
    Section: 33112-01
    M 8:30 AM-11:30 AM
    Harper Center
    C07
    In-Person Only
  • Winter 2026
    Section: 33112-02
    M 1:30 PM-4:30 PM
    Harper Center
    C07
    In-Person Only
  • Winter 2026
    Section: 33112-81
    M 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
    Gleacher Center
    304
    In-Person Only

Business in Historical Perspective (33112) - Hornbeck, Richard>>

This course develops an historical perspective on the modern business environment, with the goal of preparing for seemingly unprecedented business opportunities or challenges. The course explores how businesses have succeeded and failed in diverse contexts throughout history. Topics include: how firms have adapted to the absence of formal legal institutions; the causes and consequences of periods of technological revolution; similarities and differences between the Great Depression and more recent economic turmoil; and exploring determinants of income inequality and who benefits from productivity growth. This course fulfills the Business Environment "Economy" requirement.

None
Canvas site includes cases, lecture slides and supplementary optional readings.
Based on written responses to case discussion questions and a final exam.
  • No auditors
Description and/or course criteria last updated: November 06 2025
SCHEDULE
  • Winter 2026
    Section: 33112-01
    M 8:30 AM-11:30 AM
    Harper Center
    C07
    In-Person Only
  • Winter 2026
    Section: 33112-02
    M 1:30 PM-4:30 PM
    Harper Center
    C07
    In-Person Only
  • Winter 2026
    Section: 33112-81
    M 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
    Gleacher Center
    304
    In-Person Only