PDF for Sept. 25
In addition to reading chs. 5 & 6 in Economics for Everyone, please read the PDF below, which is ch. 5 (pp 93-105) of Understanding Capitalism.
In addition to reading chs. 5 & 6 in Economics for Everyone, please read the PDF below, which is ch. 5 (pp 93-105) of Understanding Capitalism.
Is capital productive?
Please read the PDF (Braverman, Labor and Monopoly Capital, chs. 4 & 5) as well as chs. 1 & 2 of the Field Guide to the U.S. Economy (available for purchase at the bookstore) before class on Fri, Oct. 5. Also note that your response paper is to be posted by Friday at 9 a.m.
Briefly explain the main principles of Taylor's "scientific management." What are the consequences of this theory?
Why is investment important to the economy? What factors influence the amount and location of investment?
Will cutting wages save your job?
What is the difference between government deficit and government debt? Is either inherently bad? Would you eliminate the government deficit during a recession? Explain.
Midterm exam: Tuesday, Nov. 6, in class.
Julie A. Nelson, Feminism, Objectivity and Economics, chs. 1-2.
Boyce, James K. Is Inequality Bad for the Environment?
Boyce, James K. Cap and Dividend: State-by-state Analysis
In addition to ch. 1 (pp. 1-45), "The Economic Crisis," in Current Economic Issues (available at the college bookstore), please read "Economics for the 99%," available for download at http://www.populareconomics.org/economics-for-the-99-bookletzine/
Also, you won't want to miss the brilliant, not to mention highly entertaining, video (11 minutes) on the crisis by David Harvey:
Respond to the statement, "Inequality is both a cause and a consequence of the current economic crisis." In your response, please define what you mean by inequality.
After reading pp. 305-339 of E4E, review "Capitalism's Report Card" in ch. 25. Do you agree with Stanford's grades? If not, how would you change them, and why? Finally, explain what you would do, as President of the United States, to improve these grades in each of the categories.