HIST 236   The History of Money (US)

Surveys the history of money as an economic, political, and cultural resource. Touches on ancient and medieval precedents, but mostly deals with the early modern period and later. Surveys key controversies surrounding money, banking, and finance, particularly in the modern United States, and considers the development of accounting and credit systems alongside the diverse uses and meanings ascribed to cash and other forms of payment. Traces the financialization of late twentieth century and consider the recent development of digital currencies. Employs various approaches to this subject, including the history of economic thought, economic sociology, legal studies, media studies, political history, intellectual and cultural history, and the history of technology. (US)