Program Overview

Program Overview

The course "Capitalism, climate and crises: Historical perspectives on the environment and economic development" is a 7.5-credit course that deals with the long-term relationships between economic transformation, climate change, and other environmental issues. The aim of the course is to provide an understanding of the historical economic-political context of the climate crisis since the 18th century.

Course Details

• Type: Course, second cycle
• Study pace: Full time
• Study location: Umeå
• Type of studies: On campus
• Language: English
• Number of credits: 7.5 credits
• Teaching hours: Daytime
• Start date: 19 February 2026
• End date: 23 March 2026

Eligibility and Selection

• Eligibility: 90 ECTS including a bachelor thesis equivalent to 15 ECTS credits. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A.
• Selection: Academic credits

Application and Tuition Fees

• Application fee: SEK 900
• Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 12,075
• Total fee: SEK 12,075

Course Description

The course focuses on the interplay between technological change, energy transformations, climate, and environmental policy, as well as the emergence of environmental and sustainability concepts after 1945. The course addresses theoretical formations in environmental economics, ecological economics, and political economy, and how elements from these theoretical frameworks have been used in economic-historical research. The course ends with the student analyzing and evaluating today's climate policy based on historical perspectives.

Unit Responsible for the Course

The course is given by the Unit of Economic History.

Additional Information

• The course is part of the university's efforts to provide high-quality education and groundbreaking research in science, technology, humanities, and the arts.
• Umeå University is certified as a Healthy Campus, with many initiatives that promote health and well-being.
• The university is ranked #1 globally in the main categories of Living, Support, and Overall Satisfaction.