Money, power and crisis: the history of financial systems in Europe
Explore the evolution of Europe’s financial systems, from medieval banking to the eurozone crisis. Discover how finance, power and society have shaped each other — and why history matters for understanding today’s economic challenges.
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This course traces the evolution of Europe’s financial systems, from medieval banking and early stock exchanges to the eurozone crisis. We will explore how finance has shaped and has been shaped by power, politics and society and reflect on the legacies of innovation, crisis and reform.
What will we cover?
• The origins of banking and credit in medieval and Renaissance Europe
• The rise of stock exchanges and early financial markets
• Finance, empire, and the global spread of European models
• The development of central banks and monetary unions
• Financial crises: bubbles, panics and reforms
• The creation and challenges of the eurozone
• The social and political impact of financial systems
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Identify key developments in the history of European finance
• Analyse how financial systems have influenced and have been influenced by politics and society
• Reflect on the causes and consequences of financial crises
• Engage in informed discussion about the evolution and future of European finance
• Recognise the connections between historical and contemporary financial issues
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for anyone interested in history, economics and/or finance. No prior expertise is required.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This is a discussion-based course with case studies, group activities, and reflective exercises. You may be encouraged to read short articles or bring examples from your own interests for discussion.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs. You may wish to bring a notebook or device for note-taking and reflection.
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/money-power-and-crisis-the-history-of-financial-systems-in-europe2989895Money, power and crisis: the history of financial systems in Europehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/m/o/money-_3.jpg129129GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Economics/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics22851177167216771228511771677<p>Explore the evolution of Europe’s financial systems, from medieval banking to the eurozone crisis. Discover how finance, power and society have shaped each other — and why history matters for understanding today’s economic challenges.</p>002989322Money, power and crisis: the history of financial systems in Europe129129https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/m/o/money-_3_1.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-06-16T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJun 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHPC317129129Money, power and crisis: the history of financial systems in Europe10384129Vina Theodorakopouloumoney-power-and-crisis-the-history-of-financial-systems-in-europe/hpc317-2526<p>Explore the evolution of Europe’s financial systems, from medieval banking to the eurozone crisis. Discover how finance, power and society have shaped each other — and why history matters for understanding today’s economic challenges.</p>0000-Available|2026-06-16 00:00:00<p>This course traces the evolution of Europe’s financial systems, from medieval banking and early stock exchanges to the eurozone crisis. We will explore how finance has shaped and has been shaped by power, politics and society and reflect on the legacies of innovation, crisis and reform.</p><p>Explore the evolution of Europe’s financial systems, from medieval banking to the eurozone crisis. Discover how finance, power and society have shaped each other — and why history matters for understanding today’s economic challenges.</p><p>• The origins of banking and credit in medieval and Renaissance Europe</p><p>• The rise of stock exchanges and early financial markets</p><p>• Finance, empire, and the global spread of European models</p><p>• The development of central banks and monetary unions</p><p>• Financial crises: bubbles, panics and reforms</p><p>• The creation and challenges of the eurozone</p><p>• The social and political impact of financial systems</p><p>• Identify key developments in the history of European finance</p><p>• Analyse how financial systems have influenced and have been influenced by politics and society</p><p>• Reflect on the causes and consequences of financial crises</p><p>• Engage in informed discussion about the evolution and future of European finance</p><p>• Recognise the connections between historical and contemporary financial issues</p><p>This course is suitable for anyone interested in history, economics and/or finance. No prior expertise is required.</p><p>This is a discussion-based course with case studies, group activities, and reflective exercises. You may be encouraged to read short articles or bring examples from your own interests for discussion.</p><p>There are no additional costs. You may wish to bring a notebook or device for note-taking and reflection.</p><p>You can browse more <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Politics, Economics & Current Affairs Courses</a> via our website. </p>Politics & economicsEconomicsvirtual10312984HPC317NONETue16/06/26 - 07/07/2610:30 - 12:3010:3012:304 sessions (over 4 weeks)41 to 4 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetVina TheodorakopoulouBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-06-16T00:00:00+00:00Jun 2026Culture, history & humanities129129Money, power and crisis: the history of financial systems in Europemoney-power-and-crisis-the-history-of-financial-systems-in-europe/hpc317-2526<p>Explore the evolution of Europe’s financial systems, from medieval banking to the eurozone crisis. Discover how finance, power and society have shaped each other — and why history matters for understanding today’s economic challenges.</p>0000-Available|2026-06-16 00:00:00<p>This course traces the evolution of Europe’s financial systems, from medieval banking and early stock exchanges to the eurozone crisis. We will explore how finance has shaped and has been shaped by power, politics and society and reflect on the legacies of innovation, crisis and reform.</p><p>Explore the evolution of Europe’s financial systems, from medieval banking to the eurozone crisis. Discover how finance, power and society have shaped each other — and why history matters for understanding today’s economic challenges.</p><p>• The origins of banking and credit in medieval and Renaissance Europe</p><p>• The rise of stock exchanges and early financial markets</p><p>• Finance, empire, and the global spread of European models</p><p>• The development of central banks and monetary unions</p><p>• Financial crises: bubbles, panics and reforms</p><p>• The creation and challenges of the eurozone</p><p>• The social and political impact of financial systems</p><p>• Identify key developments in the history of European finance</p><p>• Analyse how financial systems have influenced and have been influenced by politics and society</p><p>• Reflect on the causes and consequences of financial crises</p><p>• Engage in informed discussion about the evolution and future of European finance</p><p>• Recognise the connections between historical and contemporary financial issues</p><p>This course is suitable for anyone interested in history, economics and/or finance. No prior expertise is required.</p><p>This is a discussion-based course with case studies, group activities, and reflective exercises. You may be encouraged to read short articles or bring examples from your own interests for discussion.</p><p>There are no additional costs. You may wish to bring a notebook or device for note-taking and reflection.</p><p>You can browse more <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Politics, Economics &amp; Current Affairs Courses</a> via our website. </p>Politics & economicsEconomicsconfigurable
16721677Economicshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs/economics1/2/285/1177/1677/16721/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Economics
