前期 火曜日 ３講時 第２小講義室. 単位数/Credit(s): 2. 担当教員/Instructor: YUTAKA FURUYA. 対象学年/Eligible Participants: 全／ALL. 履修年度: 2024. 科目ナンバリング/Course Numbering: EEM-ECO509E. 使用言語/Language Used in Course: English.
History of Economic Thought
古谷 豊
Google Classroom Code: 3nhwcp6
Introduction to Economics:
If you are interested in the story behind Micro and Macro Economics you are learning, or if you have faced challenges in coming to grips with some of the conceptual foundations of modern Economic theory, you may find this course beneficial. Past students have told me that the course improved their understanding of current economic theory by tracing its historical evolution. They have shared that the course served as a complement and guide to their Micro and Macro Economics studies.
The discipline of Economics has a complex history marked by contradictions. On one hand, it is a history of disagreement and changes, but on the other, it is a persistent effort to address crucial questions facing society. This interplay of discontinuity and continuity has shaped Economics into the theory we study today. By tracing the evolution of the science, we can gain a deeper understanding of its essence and how it has developed into its current form.
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- develop an in-depth understanding of the context of contemporary economic theory
- acquire knowledge of the various schools of economic thought
- understand why economics has changed over time
This course will be held in-person. We will use Google Classroom for communication and assignments.
1. Schedule of the course:
Week 01 April 9 (course introduction)
Week 02 April 16 Thomas Mun.
Week 03 April 23 Adam Smith.
Week 04 April 30 David Ricardo.
Week 05 May 7 Malthus and Sismondi.
Week 06 May 14 Friedrich List.
Week 07 May 21 (midterm exam followed by a brief explanation session)
Week 08 May 28 Karl Marx.
Week 09 June 4 Léon Walras.
Week 10 June 11 Alfred Marshall.
Week 11 June 18 J. M. Keynes.
Week 12 June 25 Hicks and Samuelson.
Week 13 July 2 Milton Friedman.
Week 14 July 9 New Neoclassical Synthesis.
Week 15 July 16 (final exam followed by a brief explanation session)
2. Weekly routine:
- Prior to each class session, you will review the designated readings and share your insights with others via Google Classroom.
- The class will commence with quizzes based on the assigned readings;
- followed by a lecture from me on the topic for the week.
- The final segment of the class, lasting ten to fifteen minutes, will be dedicated to class discussion.
3. Readings:
The assigned readings for each class typically range from 6,000 to 7,000 words, with slight variations from week to week. You are not expected to delve deeply into each reading. Instead, a quick read-through should be sufficient to complement your understanding of the weekly lectures.
After your brief read-through, please share your key takeaway or insight in a concise post on Google Classroom, consisting of one or two sentences.
4. Reading Quizzes:
There will be three to five quizzes of moderate ease. The format of the quizzes will be fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, true/false, etc.
Please arrive on time for the quizzes, as no make-up quizzes will be given.
5. Class discussion:
A moderator for each week will be sought in advance. The role of the moderator will be to facilitate the discussion and encourage a productive exchange of ideas regarding the topic of the day.
In courses such as the history of economic thought, it is inevitable that certain topics may arise that some participants may find uncomfortable. As we engage in class discussions, I kindly ask you all to acknowledge that diverse perspectives and opinions may be present. Please maintain a considerate demeanor towards those with whom you may have differing viewpoints.
30% Active class participation
20% Reading quizzes
20% Midterm exam
30% Final exam
Make sure not to miss the scheduled exams. The only acceptable justification for missing the midterm or final exams is a verified medical emergency, supported by a physician's note. Makeup exams will be offered on a case-by-case basis.
Leaf through the designated readings and share your insights with others via Google Classroom before each class.
Please make sure to attend the first class, which will take place from 13:00 to 14:30 on April 9th, in Lecture Hall 3.
Notes on further reading:
- Heilbroner, R. (2000). The Worldly Philosophers: The Lives, Times And Ideas Of The Great Economic Thinkers, 7th edition. Beautifully written classic. My top recommendation for a wide range of students interested in the history of economic thought.
- Kishtainy, N. (2017). A Little History of Economics. A very easy read, covering a vast period -- from ancient Greece to the 21st century -- in just 241 pages.
- Nasar, S. (2011). Grand Pursuit: The Story of Economic Genius. Well-researched and engaging stories about economists from Marx and Engels to more recent thinkers. Highly recommended.
- Blaug, M. (1997). Economic Theory in Retrospect, 5th edition: A highly regarded comprehensive textbook on the history of economic thought.
- Schumpeter, J. (1954). History of Economic Analysis. Might be more suitable for researchers in the field and could be challenging for students.