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 class participation (25%), written responses to case discussion questions (25%), and an in-class final exam (50%).
  • Allow Provisional Grades (For joint degree and non-Booth students only)
  • No auditors
Description and/or course criteria last updated: June 26 2026
SCHEDULE
  • Winter 2027
    Section: 33112-01
    M 8:30 AM-11:30 AM
    Harper Center
    C09
    In-Person Only
  • Winter 2027
    Section: 33112-02
    M 1:30 PM-4:30 PM
    Harper Center
    C09
    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 class participation (25%), written responses to case discussion questions (25%), and an in-class final exam (50%).
  • Allow Provisional Grades (For joint degree and non-Booth students only)
  • No auditors
Description and/or course criteria last updated: June 26 2026
SCHEDULE
  • Winter 2027
    Section: 33112-01
    M 8:30 AM-11:30 AM
    Harper Center
    C09
    In-Person Only
  • Winter 2027
    Section: 33112-02
    M 1:30 PM-4:30 PM
    Harper Center
    C09
    In-Person Only