Economists have traditionally studied economic institutions – and hence outcomes – as optimal (although not necessarily efficient) responses to economic interests. The implicit assertion has been that neither historical development nor contemporary social-political contexts matter. Recent scholarship, however, has demonstrated the deficiencies of this assertion, and economists and political scientists have began to examine how the past, embodied in social and political institutions, influences economic institutions and hence outcomes. This shift in institutional analyses presents both a challenge and an opportunity to medieval historians and economic historians. What impact did such medieval institutions have on their societies’ development? What was the heritage, if any, of medieval social and political institutions? Did they lead to distinct institutional, and hence economic historical trajectories?

This one day conference will be an intimate gathering of international scholars who focus on medieval economic history. We seek previously unpublished papers which address these issues concerning institutions for any geographical area or areas during the middle ages, c. 300 to c. 1500. We particularly encourage graduate scholars or junior scholars to participate and present their ongoing research.

Prospective presenters should submit vie email a two page abstract to both conference organizers by September 8, 2007. Notification of acceptance will be made by September 15, 2007.

Conference Organizers:

Eona Karakacili, Department of History, University of Western
Ontario (eona@uwo.ca)
Nathan Sussman, Department of Economics, University of Western
Ontario (nsussma@uwo.ca)