Comparative Economics and Economies in Transition

It has been a few years since I taught this class.  Historically, this was my field of specialization in economics.  I was attracted to the field for the simple reason that it enabled me to pursue the "big" questions in the debate between capitalism and socialism.  Don Lavoie taught this course at the PhD level and he stressed not only the debate between capitalism and communism, but also the totalitarian experience with fascism, the contradictions of Western interventionist welfare-states, and the possibilities of radical libertarianism.  Don was in this class, as in others, a dynamic and inspiring teacher.  I couldn't really imagine working in another field or with anyone other than Don at that time.

My course is cross-listed for undergraduate and graduate students.  The course is focused more on books this time around than on journal articles.  Though I do believe that there have been several important journal articles recently that are fundamental to the way the field is configured today --- e.g., the entire "institutions rule" literature.  But hopefully, I will be able to present the material with the enthusiasm it deserves and give the students the background necessary to tackle this journal literature.  The field (now to include development economics as well) still asks the "big" questions in economics and political economy, and has the possibility to produce 'mind-quakes' to anyone who opens themselves up to the questions.  As Robert Lucas once stated about development economics, once you start asking these questions about the wealth and poverty of nations it is impossible to stop.

Anyway, here is my syllabus.

Comments

[Michael Thomas]

I am very excited about the Aoki book. I found one of his papers last semester, "The Evolution of Organizational Conventions and Gains from Diversity" last semester and was very impressed.

[Rafe Champion]

A review of The Grapes of Wrath can be found on the site of Keith Windschuttle, a reformed radical of the generation of '68 who has become a scourge of the left and the new editor of Quadrant magazine. This is his review
http://www.sydneyline.com/Cultural%20Cold%20War.htm

[liberty]

I'm so sad that I took transition economics last semester. I don't think I can justify taking it again right now, but your course looks so good. Maybe I can take it later as a grad student.