Want to understand the history of global capitalism? Join Vina Theodorakopoulou to learn about the historical transitions towards what we know as capitalism today – evolution of capital, the role of the state, labour, competition, race, and innovation-automation.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This course provides an introduction to the history and development of global capitalism. It introduces learners to the historical transitions towards what we know as capitalism today – evolution of capital, the role of the state, labour, competition, race, and innovation-automation.
What will we cover?
- Historical transitions – feudalism to mercantilism to capitalism - The role of the state and evolution of capital – monopoly, mergers, acquisitions – - Competition, production, innovation - The Role of race and inequality within capitalism - Automation, innovation of tech – impact on capitalism - Where is capitalism going today?
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Explore and identify significant historical points where capitalism develops and evolves over time - Examine the contested ideas and reasons surrounding capitalism - Develop familiarity with using different types of resources (maps, census data, etc.) to develop analyses and comments.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Everyone is welcome. This is an ‘introductory’ level course and does not assume any previous study or reading although you will need a good standard of English to keep up with the course. As with most of our history and current affairs courses, an open mind and a willingness to listen and to think about views with which you are not familiar or may not agree, are more important than any previous knowledge or experience in the subject matter.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will consist of tutor presentations, some audio and video clips as appropriate, some in-class readings for discussion, as well as opportunities for questions and comments.
Suggested Background Readings: (optional not required)*. Other reading related to weekly topics will be made available via the Google Classroom for this course – available (start of the course)
- H-J Chang (2011) 23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism. London: Penguin.
- J Kocka (2016) Capitalism. A short history. NJ: Princeton University Press.
- T Piketty (2014) Capital in the Twenty-First Century. MA: Harvard University Press.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No. There are no extra costs apart from your own note-taking materials.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please explore the history, politics and economics sections for more summer and autumn courses.
Vina Theodorakopoulou is a passionate advocate at the intersection of technology, business and society. With a rich background including a PhD in behavioural economics and over 25 years in financial and professional services, she wears many hats: social entrepreneur, podcaster, multilingual educator and dedicated teacher at CityLit. Vina believes in shaping today’s workplace while paving the way for tomorrow’s. Her active allyship for accessible digital skills, financial literacy and lifelong learning fosters belonging and fuels collective progress. At CityLit, she teaches a range of thought-provoking subjects including Ethics in AI, Philosophy & Societal Purpose, History of Global Capitalism, Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies, Sustainability, as well as Modern Languages, encouraging learners to embrace communication as a tool for empowerment and cross-cultural connection. Beyond the classroom, Vina writes thought leadership articles exploring neurodiversity, the future of work, and the strength of individual purpose. In her spare time, she teaches dance and coaches Kids First rugby, embodying a values-driven life of polymathy, energy and community.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/a-history-of-global-capitalism283422A history of global capitalismhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/GLE538_1.JPG179179GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Global & imperial history22851177117812101228511771178Want to understand the history of global capitalism? Join Vina Theodorakopoulou to learn about the historical transitions towards what we know as capitalism today – evolution of capital, the role of the state, labour, competition, race, and innovation-automation.002981681A history of global capitalism179179https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/GLE538_1.JPGInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-04-28T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allApr 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHWH80179179A history of global capitalism143116179Vina Theodorakopouloua-history-of-global-capitalism/hwh80-2526Want to understand the history of global capitalism? Join Vina Theodorakopoulou to learn about the historical transitions towards what we know as capitalism today – evolution of capital, the role of the state, labour, competition, race, and innovation-automation.0000-Available|2026-04-28 00:00:00This course provides an introduction to the history and development of global capitalism. It introduces learners to the historical transitions towards what we know as capitalism today – evolution of capital, the role of the state, labour, competition, race, and innovation-automation.Want to understand the history of global capitalism? Join Vina Theodorakopoulou to learn about the historical transitions towards what we know as capitalism today – evolution of capital, the role of the state, labour, competition, race, and innovation-automation.- Historical transitions – feudalism to mercantilism to capitalism <br/>- The role of the state and evolution of capital – monopoly, mergers, acquisitions – <br/>- Competition, production, innovation<br/>- The Role of race and inequality within capitalism<br/>- Automation, innovation of tech – impact on capitalism<br/>- Where is capitalism going today?- Explore and identify significant historical points where capitalism develops and evolves over time<br/>- Examine the contested ideas and reasons surrounding capitalism<br/>- Develop familiarity with using different types of resources (maps, census data, etc.) to develop analyses and comments.Everyone is welcome. This is an ‘introductory’ level course and does not assume any previous study or reading although you will need a good standard of English to keep up with the course. As with most of our history and current affairs courses, an open mind and a willingness to listen and to think about views with which you are not familiar or may not agree, are more important than any previous knowledge or experience in the subject matter.The course will consist of tutor presentations, some audio and video clips as appropriate, some in-class readings for discussion, as well as opportunities for questions and comments.<br/><br/>Suggested Background Readings: (optional not required)*. Other reading related to weekly topics will be made available via the Google Classroom for this course – available (start of the course)<br/><br/>- H-J Chang (2011) 23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism. London: Penguin. <br/><br/>- J Kocka (2016) Capitalism. A short history. NJ: Princeton University Press. <br/><br/>- T Piketty (2014) Capital in the Twenty-First Century. MA: Harvard University Press.No. There are no extra costs apart from your own note-taking materials.Please explore the history, politics and economics sections for more summer and autumn courses.HistoryGlobal & imperial historyvirtual143179116HWH80NONETue28/04/26 - 02/06/2612:45 - 14:4512:4514:456 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetVina TheodorakopoulouBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-04-28T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2026Culture, history & humanities179179A history of global capitalisma-history-of-global-capitalism/hwh80-2526Want to understand the history of global capitalism? Join Vina Theodorakopoulou to learn about the historical transitions towards what we know as capitalism today – evolution of capital, the role of the state, labour, competition, race, and innovation-automation.0000-Available|2026-04-28 00:00:00This course provides an introduction to the history and development of global capitalism. It introduces learners to the historical transitions towards what we know as capitalism today – evolution of capital, the role of the state, labour, competition, race, and innovation-automation.Want to understand the history of global capitalism? Join Vina Theodorakopoulou to learn about the historical transitions towards what we know as capitalism today – evolution of capital, the role of the state, labour, competition, race, and innovation-automation.- Historical transitions – feudalism to mercantilism to capitalism <br/>- The role of the state and evolution of capital – monopoly, mergers, acquisitions – <br/>- Competition, production, innovation<br/>- The Role of race and inequality within capitalism<br/>- Automation, innovation of tech – impact on capitalism<br/>- Where is capitalism going today?- Explore and identify significant historical points where capitalism develops and evolves over time<br/>- Examine the contested ideas and reasons surrounding capitalism<br/>- Develop familiarity with using different types of resources (maps, census data, etc.) to develop analyses and comments.Everyone is welcome. This is an ‘introductory’ level course and does not assume any previous study or reading although you will need a good standard of English to keep up with the course. As with most of our history and current affairs courses, an open mind and a willingness to listen and to think about views with which you are not familiar or may not agree, are more important than any previous knowledge or experience in the subject matter.The course will consist of tutor presentations, some audio and video clips as appropriate, some in-class readings for discussion, as well as opportunities for questions and comments.<br/><br/>Suggested Background Readings: (optional not required)*. Other reading related to weekly topics will be made available via the Google Classroom for this course – available (start of the course)<br/><br/>- H-J Chang (2011) 23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism. London: Penguin. <br/><br/>- J Kocka (2016) Capitalism. A short history. NJ: Princeton University Press. <br/><br/>- T Piketty (2014) Capital in the Twenty-First Century. MA: Harvard University Press.No. There are no extra costs apart from your own note-taking materials.Please explore the history, politics and economics sections for more summer and autumn courses.HistoryGlobal & imperial historyconfigurable
12101178Global & imperial historyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/world-history1/2/285/1177/1178/12101/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Global & imperial history
