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ECO 5338
Seminar on World Economic Systems

Steve Gardner
Spring 2023

Class Time/Location:
TR 2:00-3:15pm, Foster 228

Gardner Office Hours/Location:
MF 2:00-4:00pm
TR 1:00-2:00pm
and by appointment,
McBride Center, Foster 230.04

    Texts
    • H. Stephen Gardner, Comparative Economic Systems, manuscript (see links below).
    • Additional required readings are linked in the course schedule below.
    • A collection of optional supplementary readings, arranged by course topics, may be found here.

Recommended Web References

Recommended Reference Books

Objectives

    The primary objectives of this course are to:
  • Explore differences between economic institutions, policy, and performance in regions and countries around the world;

  • Provide information on the methods used to make economic comparisons across countries -- historical and social analysis, statistical methods, theoretical methods, and others; and

  • Encourage analysis and discussion of major developments in the world economy, including the current policy debates in the United States, difficulties with enlargement and monetary unification of the European Union, the continuing economic and social transitions of the former communist countries, the rise of China as a renewed global superpower, economic development strategies in low-income countries, and programs of economic integration in Europe, the Western Hemisphere, Asia, and other regions.

Grading

Semester grades will be based on your performance on three examinations (22%, each), each of which will include a combination of multiple choice and essay questions; a term paper or video presentation (22%); and class presentation of a working paper selected from a prescribed list (12%).  Class preparation, participation, and completion of out-of-class assignments will also be taken into account. See other important information under Attendance, below.

Guidelines for writing a term paper may be found here or guidelines for a video presentation may be found here. In either case, you should turn in a topic statement and a preliminary bibliography by February 14 and the finished paper or video is due April 25. Papers may be sent to me by email and videos should be uploaded to YouTube, Vimeo, or another similar service, and a link should be sent to me at steve_gardner@baylor.edu.

By January 26, send me a list of three options for your working paper presentation, based on one of the papers from this list. Your presentation will be given when the subject of your presentation arises in class (see schedule below). Each should be about 5-10 minutes long, and should include, if applicable, information about the author(s), the topic, the previous literature, the methods of research and analysis (data and information sources, statistical methods, etc.), conclusions, your evaluation of the validity of the conclusions, and suggestions for future research.  In most cases, you will not be able to discuss all of the information/arguments in the paper, so focus on the most interesting and important points.

See other important information about extra credit under Attendance, below.

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

University and Business School policies say that students who miss over 25% of class meetings (in this case, 8 or more absences) will automatically fail the course. Since the outbreak of COVID, this policy has been enforced with more flexibility, but the spirit of the policy still holds.  Excessive unexcused absences will lead to automatic failure. If you arrive late for class, you will be recorded absent unless you have the roll changed before you leave the class. If  illness/exposure/quarantine requires your physical absence from class, please make every effort to keep me informed. I should be able to make recordings of the class sessions available.

On the other hand, my usual policy has been to reward exemplary attendance and engagement in the course. 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 calculation of  this extra credit, there are no excused absences, but consideration will be taken for pandemic-related absences and online participation). Please do NOT attend class in person if you are feeling ill!

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" above.
  • As a general rule, you should NOT use notebook computers, cellphones, or iPods during my classes. Why? For three reasons:
    • There is now very strong evidence that students learn more if they take notes by hand instead of typing on a computer. See this article and this research paper.
    • You may think that you are a great multitasker, but, if you think that, you're almost certainly wrong. The evidence indicates that multitasking may reduce your productivity by as much as 40%.
    • Your computer is likely to distract other people who are sitting around you. This negative influence on students who sit near computer users has been confirmed by research (see this opinion piece and this technical paper).
    • Several of my Baylor colleagues have reported improvements in overall student performance when they have outlawed the use of computers during their lectures.
    • Exception: You may use a computer in class if you have a documented physical or learning disability for which the use of a computer is recommended as a helpful accommodation. This normally takes the form of a letter sent to me by the Baylor OALA office.
  • 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 .

 

      Tentative Course Schedule

    I. Introduction

    Jan 17 First Day
    Jan 19 Classification of Economic Systems--Gardner, ch. 1 and NRGI, "The Resource Curse"-- outline 
    Jan 24 Measuring National Income --Gardner, ch. 2 and World Bank and Dervis and Mariana Mazzucato TED Talk--- outline 
    Jan 26 Living Standards, Income Inequality-- Gardner, ch. 2 and Cowen-- outline
    Jan 31 Unemployment and Inflation--Gardner, ch. 2--- outline

    II. Economic Systems

    Feb 2 Capitalism--Gardner, ch. 3  --- outline   
    Feb 7 Capitalism -- concluded.  Milanovich and Johnson
    Feb 9 Socialism--Gardner, ch. 4 and these two Gallup polls: one, two--- outline 
    Feb 14 Economic Development--Gardner, ch. 5 and Jayachandran and Yang-- outline
    TERM PAPER/VIDEO TOPICS/BIBLIOGRAPHIES DUE

    Feb 16 -- FIRST EXAMINATION, TEXT CHAPTERS 1-5

    III. The Western Hemisphere

    Feb 21 Introduction--Gardner, ch. 6 and USMCA Overview and an update and Staudt--- outline 
    Feb 23 UKRAINE UPDATE
    Feb 28

    United States--Gardner, ch. 7 and Global Trends, pp 137-140 and Blanchet/Chancel/Gethin--- outline  
    Mar 2 United States--concluded
    Mar 4-11 SPRING BREAK

    Mar 14

    Latin America--Gardner, ch. 8 and Global Trends, pp 145-147 --- outline  

    IV. Western Europe and Middle East

    Mar 16 Introduction to Europe--Gardner, ch. 9 and Global Trends, pp 131-133--- outline 
    Mar 21 Introduction to Europe, continued
    Mar 23 Great Britain--Gardner, ch. 10 and Economist1 and Economist2 and Steve Redding Interview -- outline
    Mar 28 DIADELOSO
    Mar 30 Germany--Gardner, ch. 11 and Economist1 and Economist2-- outline.
    Apr 4 France and Sweden--Gardner, ch. 12 and Economist1 and ch. 13 and Economist2 -- outline and outline
    Apr 6 SECOND EXAMINATION, TEXT CHAPTERS 6-13

    V. Central Eurasia

    Apr 11 Economic History of Central Eurasia--Gardner, ch. 14-- outline 
    Apr 13 Economics of Central Planning--Gardner, ch. 15 and Marder and Grinberg-- outline
    Apr 18 Market Transition--Gardner, ch. 17 and Ellman and Global Trends, pp 125-127 --- outline 

    VI. Asia and Africa

    Apr 20 Introduction to Asia--Gardner, ch. 18 and Woetzel/Seong-- outline 
    Apr 25

    Japan --Gardner, ch. 19 and Fujikawa-- outline 

    TERM PAPERS/VIDEOS DUE  
    Apr 27 China--Gardner, ch. 20 and Global Trends, pp 96-98 -- outline 
    May 2 China--concluded Economy and Rudd and Shang-Jin Wei
    May 4 Africa and Middle East--Gardner, ch. 21 and Global Trends, pp 117-121 and Stiglitz/Schiffrin-- outline

    THIRD EXAMINATION--CHAPTERS 14-15 and 17-21
    Monday, May 8, 4:30-6:30PM


    Baylor COVID-19 Information is available here.


    Academic Integrity

    Plagiarism or any form of cheating involves a breach of student-teacher trust. This means that any work submitted under your name is expected to be your own, neither composed by anyone else as a whole or in part, nor handed over to another person for complete or partial revision.  Be sure to document all ideas that are not your own. Instances of plagiarism or any other act of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Honor Council and may result in failure of the course. Not understanding plagiarism is not an excuse. I expect you, as a Baylor student, to be intimately familiar with the Honor Code at: http://www.baylor.edu/honorcode/


    Baylor University Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX

    Baylor University does not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, race, color, disability, national origin, ancestry, age (over 40), citizenship, genetic information or the refusal to submit to a genetic test, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, Texas, or local law (collectively referred to as Protected Characteristics).

    If you or someone you know would like help related to an experience involving:

    1.      Sexual or gender-based harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, stalking, intimate partner violence, or retaliation for reporting one of these types of prohibited conduct, please visit www.baylor.edu/titleix, or contact us at (254) 710-8454, or mailto: TitleIX_Coordinator@baylor.edu.

    2.     Harassment (excluding those issues listed in #1) or adverse action based on Protected Characteristics, please visit www.baylor.edu/civilrights, or contact us at (254) 710-7100 or Civil_Rights@baylor.edu.

     The Office of Equity and Title IX 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. 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.

    Except for Confidential Resources, all University Employees are designated Responsible Employees and thereby mandatory reporters of potential sexual and interpersonal misconduct violations. Confidential Resources who do not have to report include those working in the Counseling Center, Health Center and the University Chaplain, Dr. Burt Burleson.

    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 your accommodations from the Office of Access and Learning Accommodation (OALA). Stop by the first floor of Sid Richardson, East Wing in the Paul L. Foster Success Center or call (254) 710-3605 or email OALA@baylor.edu.

    Academic Success

    Every student who has been admitted to Baylor can be successful. Be sure to take advantage of the many resources available for academic success, including coming to see me during my office hours. Students who regularly utilize the great resources in the Paul L. Foster Success Center such as tutoring, Learning Lab, and Academic Mentoring are among my most successful students. If your academic performance in this class is substandard, I will submit an Academic Progress Report to the Success Center so that the team of coordinated care professionals can ensure that you get the help you need.

    University Writing Center

    I encourage you to visit the University Writing Center (UWC) this semester and get feedback on your writing for this course. Located in Moody Library 2nd floor West, the UWC offers free assistance to you at any stage of the writing process (brainstorming, researching, outlining, drafting, revising, editing). In their feedback, the consultants focus on higher order concerns, such as content, thesis, evidence, and organization, before grammar or style. The UWC tutors will not proofread, edit, or write your paper for you, but they will equip you with a toolbox of strategies to improve your writing, research, and editing skills. Please take the assignment prompt, your paper/text, and other materials you might need with you to your appointment. Please include my name as the professor, and a report will automatically be sent to me after your session. Go to the website (www.baylor.edu/uwc) to schedule an appointment, call the UWC at (254)710-4849, or stop by in person.

    First Generation College Students

    Baylor University defines a first-generation college student as a student whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree. The First in Line program is a support office for first-generation college students to utilize if they have any questions or concerns. Please check out First in Line, visit us in the Basement of Sid Richardson West Wing or email  firstinline@baylor.edu.

    Military Connected Students

    Veterans, active duty military personnel, and dependents are encouraged to connect with the VETS program, a space dedicated to supporting our military-connected students. Please communicate, in advance if possible, any special circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployment, drill requirements, disability accommodations).

    Mental Health Resources for Students

    Baylor University is strongly committed to addressing the mental health and wellness needs of students by  providing access to on-campus healthcare resources.

    Crises and Emergencies:

    BUCC Crisis Line: (254) 710-2467 (Business Hours/Non-Business Hours/Weekends)

    Baylor Police Department: (254)710-222

    MHMR Crisis Center: (254)867-6550

    MHMR 24-Hour Emergency/Crisis Number: (254)752-3451

    When home during academic breaks, when the counseling center is closed, please call your local resources. Some national numbers for support during a crisis:

    National Hope Network Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

    National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

    General Guidance for struggling students:  Baylor University CARE Team Services

    Located on the second floor of the Student Life Center, suite 207.

    The Department of CARE Team Services is a team of case managers who work with students who are struggling with mental health issues, financial struggles, and anything else affecting a student’s ability to be successful in the classrrom.

    Contact Information: (254) 710-2100 ; CareTeam@baylor.edu.

     

    Students’ Basic Needs (food & housing)

    Food insecurity is defined as “a lack of consistent access to enough food for you to live an active, healthy life.” At Baylor, we want all students to have access to food resources that will support their holistic well-being and success. If you or someone you know experiences food insecurity at any time, you can find information on campus and community food resources by visiting The Store. You can also contact Store staff at 254-710-4931. For additional basic needs assistance, please reach out to CASE or the Care Team.

    Physical Health and Wellness, Psychiatric Evaluations, Pharmacy:  Baylor Health Services Department

    Baylor Health Services includes Primary Care, Psychiatry, Physical Therapy and Pharmacy and is staffed with fully certified and licensed physicians and nurse practitioners, as well as nurses and administrative staff. Appointments may be made by calling our main number or by logging into the health portal located on our website.

    Contact Information: (254) 710-1010; Health_Services@baylor.edu.

     

    Baylor University Counseling Center  

    The Counseling Center seeks to foster wholeness for every student through caring relationships, cultural humility and integrated mental health services.

    Located on the second floor of the Student Life Center.

    For an appointment, go to our website to schedule an Initial Assessment or call (254) 710-2467.

    Substance and Behavioral Addiction:  Beauchamp Addiction & Recovery Center (BARC)

    The Beauchamp Addiction Recovery Center aims to support students in recovery from substance and behavioral addictions through an all-encompassing level of support approach that includes one-on-one mentorship, support groups, and social events open to all Baylor students.

    Located in the East Village Residential Community (bottom floor of Teal Residential College).

    Contact Information: (254)-710-7092; BARC@baylor.edu

    Spiritual Life:  Baylor University Office of Spiritual Life

    The Office of Spiritual Life offers programs, persons, and resources to nurture theological depth, spiritual wholeness, and missional living.

    Located on the corner of 5th and Speight Street in the BoBo Spiritual Life Center.

    Contact Information: (254) 710-3517; Spiritual_Life@baylor.edu