• understand the historical continuities and interruptions in the themes and methods of economics that have been explored since the days of Moses and Aristotle.
• understand the intellectual, cultural, and material forces that have shaped the development of economics.
• be able to locate and interpret original classic texts and appreciate the different methods of exposition that have been used to develop and transmit economic ideas.
• gain cultural literacy by understanding the contributions of major schools of economic thought (Mercantilists, Physiocrats, Classicals, Marxists, Keynesians, Monetarists, Austrians, etc.), and gain familiarity with their major contributors.
• apply theories and concepts from the course to practical issues in economic analysis and policy.

• Buchholz, Todd G. New Ideas from Dead Economists: An Introduction to Modern Economic Thought. Revised Edition, Plume, 1999.
• Keynes, J.M., The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money , Prometheus Books, 1997 [originally published in 1935].
• Marshall, Alfred.  Principles of Economics. 8th Edition. Prometheus Books, 1997 [1st edition originally published in 1890; 8th edition in 1920].
• Mill, John Stuart. Principles of Political Economy . 7th edition, Books II, III, IV and V and Chapters on Socialism. Oxford University Press, 1994 [1st edition originally published in 1848; 7th edition in 1871].
• Smith, Adam. An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations . Two Volumes. Reprint of the Oxford University Press edition by Liberty Press, 1981 [originally published in 1776].
• Tucker, Robert C., editor. The Marx-Engels Reader. 2nd. Edition. Norton, 1978 [selections originally published between 1843 and 1894].

Recommended Web Texts

• Barber, William J.  A History of Economic Thought, 1967 (41MB pdf download)
• Landreth, Harry and David Colander, History of Economic Thought (10 MB download)

Related Web Sites

• Akamac E-Texts 
• European Intellectual History
• European Journal of the History of Economic Thought (requires Baylor login)
  
• History of Economic Thought Society
• History of Economics Review (requires Baylor login)
• History of Economics Society 
• History of Political Economy (requires Baylor login)
• Institute for New Economic Thinking
• Internet Classics Archive
• Library of Economics and Liberty 
• McMaster University Classics of Economics 
• Mises Institute (Austrian economics)
• On-Line Texts: Social Sciences 
• Portraits of Economists 
• Reference Writers
  
• Resources for Economists on the Internet 

Semester grades will be based on your performance on three examinations, each accounting for one-third of the course grade.  Unless you are told otherwise, each test will include a combination of multiple choice and essay questions. Class preparation and participation may also be taken into account when course grades are determined.

If you have a "comparative advantage" in research and writing, or if there is a particular topic you would like to explore in depth, you may wish to write an optional term paper for this course.  In this case, the term paper and each of the three examinations will be worth 25%.  If you wish to pursue this option, you will need to discuss it with me very soon, and present a one-page prospectus by September 20.  The paper will be due no later than November 27.  Look here for guidelines on writing this optional term paper. See other important information under Attendance, below.

Optional Video Production: Another skill that is growing more valuable and accessible is video production. If you would like have an opportunity to use and strengthen your skills in this area, you can produce a 5-10 minute video that explores a topic or concept from this course in an engaging way, and present it as an optional course assignment. In this case, the grade for the course will be spread evenly across the examinations and your grade on the video. If you wish to pursue this option, turn in a topic statement and a preliminary bibliography by September 20. The finished video is due November 27, and should be uploaded to YouTube or Vimeo, and a link should be sent to me at steve_gardner@baylor.edu. Guidelines for production and evaluation of the video may be found here.

Semester grade averages will be converted into letter grades according to the following scale: A 91-100; A- 89-90; B+ 87-88; B 81-86; B- 79-80; C+ 77-78; C 71-76; C- 69-70; D+ 67-68; D 61-66; D- 59-60; F below 59.

Attendance

In keeping with University and Business School Policy, students who miss over 25% of class meetings (in this case, 8 or more sessions) will automatically fail the course. On the other hand, three points will be added to your semester average if you have perfect attendance; two points will be added if you have one absence; one point will be added if you have two absences (for purposes of earning this extra credit, there are no "excused absences"). If you arrive late for class, you will be recorded absent unless you have the roll changed after class. Please avoid late arrivals and early departures -- they are disruptive. 

Academic Success

Like other members of the faculty and staff, I want to be sure that you have every opportunity to have a successful experience at Baylor. If you have an unexplained pattern of absences or if you seem to be struggling in the course, I will submit an Academic Progress Report to the Success Center. I will work to help you get the support that you need, and I can assist you in finding the resources you need beyond my course. Familiarize yourself with the services provived by the Paul L. Foster Success Center in Sid Richardson or by going to: http://www.baylor.edu/successcenter/. Even if you don’t need help, you can get involved by tutoring other students in the future or by telling a hall mate how and where to get help. 

Classroom Conduct

• Please make every effort to arrive on time and avoid leaving early. If you must leave early, please tell me before class begins. For more information on this subject, see "Attendance" below.
  
• Please switch off cell phones before class begins.
  
• Please give your full attention during class. Texting, e-mailing, web surfing, and side conversations are disrespectful and distracting. Please do not make it necessary for me to confront you about distracting behavior.
  
• Our classes will be more interesting if we have broad and lively discussions.  Please participate, but avoid monopolizing the discussion. Respect alternative points of view and help me to "draw out" shy class members.
  
• With the exception of bottled water, we are not allowed to have food or drinks in the Foster classrooms.
  
• For additional information on classroom conduct, see corresponding section of the Student Handbook .

Title IX

• Baylor University does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in any of its education or employment programs and activities, and it does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex or gender. If you or someone you know would like help related to an experience involving sexual or gender-based harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, stalking, intimate partner violence, or retaliation for reporting one of these type of prohibited conduct, please contact the Title IX Office at (254)710-8454, or contact our Title IX coordinator, Kristan_Tucker@baylor.edu, or report online at www.baylor.edu/titleix.
  
• The Title IX office understands the sensitive nature of these situations and can provide information about available on- and off-campus resources, such as counseling and psychological services, medical treatment, academic support, university housing, and other forms of assistance that may be available. Staff members at the office can also explain your rights and procedural options if you contact the Title IX Office. You will not be required to share your experience. If you or someone you know feels unsafe or may be in imminent danger, please call the Baylor Police Department (254-710-2222) or Waco Police Department (9-1-1) immediately. For more information on the Title IX Office, the Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Interpersonal Violence policy, reporting, and resources available, please visit the website provided above.

Military Student Advisory

Veterans and active duty military personnel are welcomed and encouraged to communicate, in advance if possible, any special circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployment, drill requirements, disability accommodations). You are also encouraged to visit the VETS Program Office with any questions at (254) 710-7264. 

Students Needing Accommodations

Any student who needs academic accommodations related to a documented disability should inform me immediately at the beginning of the semester. You are required to obtain appropriate documentation and information regarding accommodations from the Office of Access and Learning Accommodation (OALA). Contact Information: (254) 710-3605 - Paul L. Foster Success Center, 1st floor on the East Wing of Sid Richardson. 

 

Tentative Course Schedule
(Please read the required assignments before each class)

First Day, Why History of Economic Thought? -August 21

• Lecture Notes 

Recommended: 

• Mark Blaug, "No History of Ideas, Please, We're Economists," Journal of Economic Perspectives, Winter 2001
• Bruce Caldweall, "Of Positivism and the History of Econnomic Thought," Southern Economic Journal, 2013

Methodology and Philosophy of Science-August 23

• Lecture Notes 
• William Trochim, "Positivism and Post-Positivism" 
• William Trochim, "Deductive and Inductive Thinking"  
• Roger Jones, "Philosophy of Science"  
• Milton Friedman, "The Methodology of Positive Economics," 1953 
• Ernest Nagel, "Assumptions in Economic Theory, The American Economic Review, Vol. 53, No. 2, May, 1963
• Paul Samuelson, "Discussion," The American Economic Review, Vol. 53, No. 2, May, 1963, pp. 231-234.
• Fritz Machlup, "Professor Samuelson on Theory and Realism," The American Economic Review, Vol. 54, No. 5, Sep., 1964. 
• Paul A. Samuelson, "Theory and Realism: A Reply," The American Economic Review, Vol. 54, No. 5, Sep., 1964. 
• George Soros, "The Capitalist Threat," Atlantic Monthly, February 1997 

Recommended: 

• Landreth/Colander, Chapter 1
• Thomas Kuhn, "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions," 1962 
• Mauro Murzi, "Logical Positivism" 
• Karl Popper, Main Works in English 

Ancient and Medieval-- August 28 and 30

• Class Notes 8/28
  
• Class Notes 8/30
• Buchholz, pp. 1-6.
• Keynes, pp. 351-353 (VI.23.5).
• The Bible 


Exodus 20:8-11, 22:12, and 23:10-11; Leviticus 25:1-55; Numbers 27:1-11; Deuteronomy 15:1-15 and 23:19-20; II Kings 6:25 and 7:1; Ecclesiastes 4:8 and 5:18; Matthew 6:28-34 and 25:14-30; Luke 6:34-35 and 10:38-41; Acts 4:32-37; and II Thessalonians 3:7-12.

Recommended: 

• Landreth/Colander, Chapter 2
• Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica “The Second Part of the Second Part,” questions 32 “Of Almsdeeds,” 77 “Sins Committed in Buying and Selling,” and 78 “Sins Committed in Loans.”
• Aristotle, Nichomachean Ethics 
• Aristotle, Politics --Book I, Chapters 4, 5, 9, and 10; Book II, Chapters 4 and 5; Book VII, Chapters 4 and 9.

Mercantilism--September 6 and 11 (September 4 is a Labor Day Holiday)

• Class Notes 9/6
  
• Class Notes 9/11
• Buchholz, 6-9. 
• Smith, pp. 429-438 (IV.1.1-17), pp. 446-447 (IV.1.31), pp. 452-459 (IV.2.1-16), pp. 463-465 (IV.2.23-31), pp. 471-472 (IV.2.43-45), pp. 660-662 (IV.8.49-54).
• Keynes, pp. 333-351 (VI.23.1-4)

Recommended:

• Landreth/Colander, pp. 45-59
• Thomas Mun, England's Treasure by Foreign Trade, 1664 (In Abbott, Vol. 1, pp. 6-27).
• David Hume, Essays Moral, Political, and Literary, 1742 and 1752 
• Richard Cantillon, An Essay on Commerce in General, 1755 

Quesnay and the Physiocrats--September 13 and 18

• Class Notes 9/13
  
• Class Notes 9/18
  
• Buchholz, pp. 16-18.
• Smith, pp. 663-688 (IV.9.1-52).

Recommended:

• Landreth/Colander, pp. 59-65
• A.R.J. Turgot, Reflections on the Formation and Distribution of Wealth , 1766 (In Abbott, Vol. 1, pp. 29-51)
• Quesnay's Tableau Economique
  

Adam Smith--September 20, 25, and 27

• Class Notes 9/20     OPTIONAL PAPER OR VIDEO PROSPECTUS DUE
  
• Class Notes 9/25    
• Class Notes 9/27
• Buchholz, pp. 10-16, 19-41.
• Smith (skip the editor's general introduction), pp. 10-36 (I.1.1 - I.3.8), pp. 44-53 (I.4.11 - I.5.15), pp. 65-89 (I.6.1 - I.8.24), pp. 105-106 (I.9.1-6), pp. 113-115 (I.9.18-24), pp. 152-153 (I.10.44-47), pp. 160-162 (I.11.1-9), pp. 337-342 (II.3.18-

Recommended:

• Barber, Chapter 1
• Landreth/Colander, Chapter 4
• Joseph Persky, "Retrospectives: From Usury to Interest," Journal of Economic Perspectives, Winter 2007
  

FIRST EXAMINATION--OCTOBER 2  

Thomas Malthus--October 4 and 9

• Class Notes 10/4
  
• Buchholz, Chapter 3.
• Malthus, An Essay on the Principle of Population, 1st Edition (1798) , Preface and Chapter 1
• Malthus, An Essay on the Principle of Population, 6th Edition (1826) , Preface;  I.I;  I.II;  IV.VIII;  IV.XIV
• Keynes, pp. 362-364 (VI.23.7).

Recommended:

• Barber, Chapter 2.
• Persky, Joseph. "Retrospectives: A Dismal Romantic." Journal of Economic Perspectives, Fall 1990.

David Ricardo--October 11, 16, and 18 

• Class Notes  
• Buchholz, Chapter 4.
• Mill, Book IV, Chapter 3 (pp. 83-99).

Recommended:

• Ricardo, Principles of Political Economy and Taxation, 1817 (In Abbott, Vol. 2, pp. 6-65)
• Barber, Chapter 3.
• Landreth/Colander, pp. 113-150.
  
• Thomas Malthus, The Corn Laws, 1814 
• Thomas Malthus, Grounds for an Opinion on the Policy of Restricting the Importation of Foreign Corn, 1815 
• Thomas Malthus, The Nature of Rent, 1815 

John Stuart Mill--October 23, 25, 30 

• Class Notes 10/23
  
• Class Notes 10/25
  
• Class Notes 10/30
  
• Buchholz, Chapter 5. 
• Bentham, Jeremy. Principles of Morals and Legislation, 1823 (Chapters 1 and 4).
  
• Mill , Book II, Chapter 1 (pp. 5-24); Book IV, Chapters 6 and 7 (pp. 124-158); Book V, Chapters 1, 2, and 11 (pp. 159-189 and 324-367); and Chapters on Socialism, pp. 379-386,  413-423, and 431-436.

Recommended:

• Jeremy Bentham, Defense of Usury, 1787 
• Barber, Chapter 4.
• Landreth/Colander, pp. 173-190.
  

SECOND EXAMINATION--NOVEMBER 1

Karl Marx--November 6 and 8

• Class Notes, 11/6
  
• Class Notes, 11/8
  
• Buchholz, Chapter 6. 
• Tucker, pp. 203-217, 336-340, 355-358, 436-438, 485, 490-491, 522-524, 529-531, 538, 698-701, 716-717.

Recommended:

• Karl Marx, Capital, Vol. 1, 1865 
• George Bernard Shaw (editor), Fabian Essays in Socialism
• Barber, Chapter 5.
• Landreth/Colander, Chapter 7
  

 

Neoclassicals and Austrians--November 13

• Class Notes 11/13     
• Buchholz, pp. 147-149.

Recommended:

• William Stanley Jevons, A General Mathematical Theory of Political Economy , 1862 
• Barber, Chapter 6.
• Landreth/Colander, Chapters 8 and 9

 

Alfred Marshall Leon Walras--November 15 and 20

• Class Notes    
• Marshall , Prefaces; Book I, Chapters 1 and 4; Book II, Chapter 3, §1; Book III, Chapters 3, 4, and 6; and Book V, Chapters 3, 5, 12, and 13.
• Buchholz, Chapter

Recommended:

• Barber, Chapter 6.
• Landreth/Colander, Chapters 10 and 11

John Maynard Keynes--November 27 and 29 OPTIONAL PAPER OR VIDEO DUE (27th)

• Buchholz, Chapter 9.
• Keynes (full text),   Selections,  pp. v-viii, 3-22, 27-28, 165-172, 245-54, 372-84.

Recommended:

• Barber, Chapter 8.
• Landreth/Colander, Chapter 15

Friedman and Monetarism-- December 4

• Friedman Notes
  
• Buchholz, Chapter 10.
• Friedman, Milton. "A Theoretical Framework for Monetary Analysis ," The Journal of Political Economy, Vol. 78, No. 2. (Mar. - Apr., 1970), pp. 193-238.
• Friedman, Milton. "Nobel Lecture: Inflation and Unemployment ," The Journal of Political Economy, Vol. 85, No. 3. (Jun., 1977), pp. 451-472.

Recommended:

• Landreth/Colander, pp. 413-415 and 440-441

THIRD EXAMINATION--DECEMBER 7, 2:00-4:00 PM

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