This course focuses on the history of economics. It is not possible nor desirable to cover the whole trajectory of economics, which has many variations in itself. Students will first learn the formation and development of classical political economy, in which all kinds of economics today originate. Then we shall deal with the formation and development of Marxian economics, German historical school, and institutional economics.
The aim of the course is to comprehend why economics has many variants as a social science, in contrast with natural sciences such as physics. It reflects the diversification of society itself.
1) Learn the genealogy of political economy and economics
2) Cultivate critical thinking to systematically understand modern economy and society
Capitalism, Mercantilism, Physiocracy, Classical Political Economy, Marx
✔ Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
Lectures are delivered by using lecture slides. Questions and opinions are accepted by email at any time and will be shared in classes.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Introduction | Overview of the course. Introduction of textbook |
Class 2 | Mercantilism and Physiocracy | Chs. 1,2 of textbook |
Class 3 | Classical Political Economy (1): A. Smith | Sects. 1,2 of Ch. 3 of textbook |
Class 4 | Classical Political Economy (2): D. Ricardo | Sects. 3,4 of Ch. 3 of textbook |
Class 5 | Theory of Capitalism of K. Marx | Sects. 1,2 of Ch. 6 of textbook |
Class 6 | German Historical School and Institutional Economics | Ch. 4 of textbook |
Class 7 | Conclusion, Exam | The future of economics, exam |
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Makoto Itoh, Learning from Economics, Heibonsha, 2015 (Japanese)
TBA
Comments (30%), Exam (70%)
High-level Japanese literacy
ehara.k.ac [at] m.titech.ac.jp