Business History Seminar
Elisabeth Koll
HBS 4810
The Business History Seminar explores the history of firms, industries, business systems and entrepreneurs from a global and comparative perspective, drawing specifically on examples from the United States, Europe, China, and Japan. We will explore the different trajectories and interpretations of firm growth, industry development, and entrepreneurial activity from the 19th century to the present and analyze their integration into the economic, technological, cultural, and political contexts of the time. Among the topics covered are the organizational nature of the firm, the emergence of modern management, family business and the rise of big business, the impact of government policies and legal frameworks on business, the transformation of industries, entrepreneurship, and the culture of business. In each meeting we will discuss the key literature by prominent authors in the field and explore and test the premises on which their works are based.
Introducing and analyzing different methodologies used within the field of business history, the course provides an innovative framework for understanding the emergence of business institutions, structures, and practices embedded in specific historical and geographical contexts. It is relevant for graduate students working in a range of fields including History, Economics, American Studies, East Asian Studies and Business Administration.
The overall aim of the course is to introduce graduate students to central issues and theoretical discourses in the broad field of business history and to explore the relevance of this literature to other disciplines. The course provides a unique opportunity to develop analytical research skills through designing, researching and writing a paper using original sources, either quantitative or qualitative. Students are strongly encouraged to choose a topic relevant to their own research interests or dissertation project and will have the opportunity to work closely with the instructor during the semester on the paper. Cross-registrants are welcome.