This course will give students an overview of major economic concepts shaping the history of the American economy. The semester consists of weekly lectures and tutorials, in which students will learn about important topics related to the development of the American economy. Among others, topics include growth, trade, industrialization, and institutions. Furthermore, lectures will cover important events in American history from an economic perspective. In the last weeks, students will prepare a seminar paper. Here, sessions will cover how to build upon a research idea, structure a paper and learn the basic skills necessary to write a good economics paper. The course will be taught in English and is open to Bachelor students in economics and North American studies. There are no formal requirements, however basic microeconomic and econometric knowledge is expected. Due to different examination regulations, course work load will differ. Coursework for all includes a seminar paper, reading scientific papers and participating in class. North American students will additionally submit three assignments and give a presentation. A detailed schedule and the required reading will be provided via Blackboard. For North American Studies students: The course consists of two units per week which both have to be taken this semester (the whole module B will have to be completed in this summer semester).