Syllabus

Title
1751 Heterodox Economics (Applied Track)
Instructors
Alyssa Schneebaum, Ph.D.
Type
PI
Weekly hours
2
Language of instruction
Englisch
Registration
11/23/20 to 11/29/20
Registration via LPIS
Notes to the course
Subject(s) Master Programs
Dates
Day Date Time Room
Tuesday 12/01/20 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM Online-Einheit
Tuesday 12/15/20 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM Online-Einheit
Tuesday 12/22/20 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM Online-Einheit
Tuesday 01/12/21 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM Online-Einheit
Tuesday 01/19/21 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM Online-Einheit
Tuesday 01/26/21 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM Online-Einheit
Procedure for the course when limited activity on campus

Distance mode: The lecture will be held online completely

Contents

This course introduces students to heterodox economics. Along with addressing core conceptual issues in defining heterodox economics, we will cover in some detail five heterodox traditions in economics: Post-Keynesian Economics, Marxian Economics, Feminist Economics, Institutional Economics, and Ecological Economics. In the first class meeting, we discuss the structure and goals of the course, as well as the expectations and requirements from the students. In addition, we will discuss the concept of heterodoxy in economics, along with discussing the concepts and key issues in mainstream and neoclassical economics. 

Each of the following five units is dedicated to one specific heterodox approach. For each of the five approaches, we will discuss the core theory and ideas of the approach. Moreover, for each approach, we will discuss how this particular school of thought approaches or understands economic inequality. During these discussions, students are encouraged to compare each heterodox approach with the others, as well as with the contemporary mainstream. 

 

Learning outcomes

By the end of the semester, students should have a clear idea about what heterodox economics is, as well as deeper knowledge on the five schools of thought we will cover as a group. They should be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of all discussed schools of thought, as well as those of contemporary mainstream economics.

Attendance requirements

Attendance and participation are a very important part of the class – 40% of the grade. Students are thus strongly encouraged to come to class prepared (having read both papers for the week) and ready to discuss them. You may miss one class without penalty, but each additional class missed will result in the loss of ten points

Teaching/learning method(s)

Each week, there will be a group presentation. The group is responsible for giving a brief (maximum five minute, total) overview of both readings for the day. For the remaining 25 minutes, the group will discuss what is “heterodox” about the school of thought they are covering, discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the school of thought, and suggest and explain a research question what would be better answered with this school of thought than with neoclassical approaches and tools. The group should plan to build some group discussion into their presentation! The presentation should be more of a “teaching session” than a presentation. Therefore: be creative in how you communicate what you want everyone in the class to learn!

At the end of the semester, students will write a final paper, either alone, or in groups of up to three people. In this paper, you should answer the following questions:

· What should, in your opinion, economics as a discipline be able to explain?

· Does neoclassical economics succeed in meeting these goals?

· What is heterodox economics? Does is succeed in meeting these goals?

· Which aspects of any of the schools of thought covered in this class should definitely be included in “economics” in order for the discipline to meet the goals you named in answering the first question?

Final papers should absolutely draw upon the literature assigned in the class, as well as students’ own experiences in economics thus far and any additional readings they would find useful. Papers should be double-spaced, 12-point font, 12-15 pages long. Papers should use correct citation for academic literature, including a full bibliography. The papers are due via email by midnight on 31 January 2021.

Assessment

There are three portions to students’ grades: class participation (40%), a group presentation (20%), and an individual or group paper (you get to choose!) (40%).  

Grading rubric:

1: 90+ points

2: 75-89 points

3: 60-74 points

4: 50-59 points

5: 0-49 points

Recommended previous knowledge and skills

General understanding of the history of economic thought.

Availability of lecturer(s)

Alyssa Schneebaum, phD

Institute for Institutional and Heterodox Economics

Department of Economics

alyssa.schneebaum@wu.ac.at

01-31336 5936

Last edited: 2020-11-18



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