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: Marxian Economics, Institutional Economics, Post-Keynesian Economics, Feminist 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.

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 in this course. They should be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of all discussed schools of thought, as well as those of contemporary mainstream economics.

At the end of this course, students should acquire the following learning outcomes:

• Acquire a profound understanding of heterodox economics
• Critical reflection of core concepts and themes within comtemporary economics
• Contextualisation of economic approaches
• Analysis of economic policies issues, in particular economic inequality

In addition students should strenghen their discussion and presentation skills as well as their ability to self-dependent learning within this course.

The course is based on a range of teaching methods. In partucular, the teaching methods include:

• Input from the instructor
• Group discussion
• Group presentation
• Reading & writing assignments

There are three portions to students’ grades:

• class participation (40%)
• a group presentation (20%)
• a group paper (40%)