Course Information
Course Code: 08-26-M14-4
Instructor: Dr. Timur Ergen (iawlehre@uni-bremen.de)
Institution: University of Bremen, Institute Labor and Economy (iaw)
Semester: Spring 2026
Schedule: Fridays 10:00 - 12:00, weekly (from 10/04/26)
Location: UNICOM 7.4680 (SOCIUM - Mary-Somerville-Str. 3)
The class introduces students to the literature on the interplay between institutions and the economy based on the influential model case of German capitalism. Based on exemplary historical, institutionalist, and quantitative research, the class features discussions of the origins, sources of stability, and sources of change of a distinctively German variety of capitalism. Institutional fields at the core of the seminar are the financial system, the production system, education and training, corporatism, the labor market, Federalism, and corporate governance.
Course Materials
- Complete Syllabus — Full course syllabus with detailed information and requirements
Assessment
Discussion of the readings will make up the core of the seminar sessions. Students are expected to read all assigned texts and to participate regularly and actively. To get credit (6 CP), students must (1) do all assigned readings (documented through abstract-length reading reports) and (2) submit term papers (8-10 pages). For the term paper, original research on literature, data, or archival material is required. Term papers have to be written in English or German. All texts are made available on the Stud.IP website of the course.
Session Overview
- Introduction
- German Capitalism as a research problem
- Origins 1: Backwardness
- Origins 2: Corporatism
- Origins 3: Skill Formation
- Origins 4: The Welfare State
- Modell Deutschland 1: Diversified Quality Production
- Modell Deutschland 2: Deutschland AG
- Modell Deutschland 3: Undervaluation
- Modell Deutschland 4: The Mittelstand and regional economies
- Erosion 1: Industrial Relations
- Erosion 2: Erosion tout court
- Models of Capitalism