Department of
Economics
Course: Economics 208-3 Semester: Fall 2006
Title: History of
Economic Thought Instructor: Prof. L. A. Boland
Prerequisites: ECON 103
or 200 and ECON 105 or 205.
Students with credit for ECON 308 cannot take ECON 208 for further credit.
Course
Description:
This course will critically
discuss the lives, times and ideas of economists in a historical context.
Emphasis will be on the evolution of economic doctrines as introduced by Adam
Smith in the 18th Century and refined by the neoclassical writers of the 19th
Century and early 20th Century. Consideration will be given to the major
changes in our conception of the economy that have been based on the
contributions of Marx, Marshall, Walras, Veblen, Keynes and Schumpeter.
The format of this class is unusual and very
challenging. It will appeal to those students who are willing and able to
participate in classroom discussions. There
are no formal lectures provided. This is a class for students more
interested in learning than just achieving an acceptable grade.
The class will meet three times
per week. There will be at least one midterm exam and an in-class final exam
based on the assigned readings and the in-class discussions over the semester.
With the latter in mind, classroom attendance will be extremely important: this
is a class which cannot be passed by merely showing up for the final exam.
Grades will be based on the written exams and assignments as well as contributions
to classroom discussions.
Attendance at first class of the semester should be considered
mandatory!
Required
Readings:
Plato,
‘Euthyphro’, ‘The Apology’ and ‘Crito’
(early dialogues) [try to read before
first class – these dialogues can easily be found on the internet]
Ray Canterbery, A Brief History of Economics (2nd Edition of Literate Economist)
John Ralston Saul, The Unconscious Civilization
More
information available at my web page: http://www.sfu.ca/~boland
or I can be reached by e-mail me at boland@sfu.ca
Students
requiring accommodations as a result of a disability must contact
the Centre for Students with Disabilities
(604-291-3112, or csdo@sfu.ca).
All
students are expected to read and understand SFU's
policies with regard
to academic dishonesty (T 10.02 and T 10.03). These policies are available
at
the following web addresses:
http://www.sfu.ca/policies/teaching/t10-02.htm;
and,
http://www.sfu.ca/policies/teaching/t10-03.htm