Topic outline

  • 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.

    • PDF for Sept. 28

      • Response I

      • PDF for Oct. 5

        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.

        • Response 2

          • Due Fri Oct 5, 9 a.m. Forum

            Briefly explain the main principles of Taylor's "scientific management." What are the consequences of this theory?

        • Response 3

        • Response 4

        • Response 5

          • Due Fri Oct 26, 9 a.m. Forum

            What is the difference between government deficit and government debt? Is either inherently bad? Would you eliminate the government deficit during a recession? Explain.

        • Class-Produced Study Guide

          Midterm exam: Tuesday, Nov. 6, in class.

          • PDF for Friday Nov 9

            Julie A. Nelson, Feminism, Objectivity and Economics, chs. 1-2.

            • PDFs for Tuesday Nov 13

              Boyce, James K. Is Inequality Bad for the Environment?

              Boyce, James K. Cap and Dividend: State-by-state Analysis

              • Readings for Friday Nov 16

                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:

                • Response 6

                  • Due Mon, Nov 19 at 11 p.m. Forum

                    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.

                • Response 7

                  • Due Mon, Nov. 26 by 11 p.m. Forum

                    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.