Historical Foundations of Political Economy II
New School for Social Research: Economics
CRN: 13763
Credits: 3
The class explores, through a historical and comparative perspective, the connection between leading trends of economic theory in the XXth century and applied policy-making. We will begin with a study of the concept of economic technocracy to delve into the examination of six noteworthy case-studies in the history of political economy. The first will be the connection between Institutionalism and America's Progressive Era labor reforms. Secondly will discuss the relationship between Marginalism and post-WWI policies, focusing in particular on the British and Italian case. In spite of the radically different political regimes, both in Italy and in England, the 1920s are characterized by austerity measures and the 1930s by interventionist policies. The role of J. M. Keynes' theories in this shift will be examined. With an eye to Latin America we will explore the importance of Structuralism and Dependency theory- stemming from the working of economists at ECLA (The Economic commission for Latin America)- for post-WWII industrial economic policies. We will then consider the Cold War period, studying the role of rational choice theory in the Johnson Administration (1963-69) and the Chicago economists in the Regan Administration (1981-89). The impact of Chicago ideas and monetarism on Pinochet's dictatorship in Chile (1973-1990) and on Argentina's new democracy (1983-1989) will be discussed. We will conclude with an examination of the influence of neo-institutionalism on the World Bank, in particular in its shift from an idea of structural adjustment to comprehensive development. Through this course Students acquire a thorough understanding of the main schools in the XXth century history of political economy. Chiefly, students develop critical tools to appreciate the importance of economic rationales and academic enterprises in the making of the world we inhabit.
College: New School for Social Research (GF)
Department: Economics (ECO)
Campus: New York City (GV)
Course Format: Seminar (R)
Modality: In-Person
Max Enrollment: 18
Add/Drop Deadline: February 4, 2024 (Sunday)
Online Withdrawal Deadline: April 16, 2024 (Tuesday)
Seats Available: Yes
Status: Closed*
* Status information is updated every few minutes. The status of this course may have changed since the last update. Open seats may have restrictions that will prevent some students from registering. Updated: 8:00pm EDT 9/7/2024