What is the relation between the Social Sciences and the Humanities? In an era in which interest in the humanities has precipitately decreased, is there an argument to be made that this threatens the social sciences too? Do the social sciences and humanities involve two utterly different ways of making sense of the world? Can the humanities inform the social sciences? This course will address these issues with a particular focus on the case of economics and literature. Aspects of the dependence of economics on the humanities which may be explored include the role of rhetoric and narratives in economic analysis and in the making of economic arguments in society; the role of contextual and perspectival judgments in economic and social policy; the foundations of objectivity, subjectivity, empathy and sympathy and their function in interpersonal comparisons; the sources of ethical motivation for economic policy more generally; and the limits of the image of economics as science which are suggested by a humanistic understanding. The intention is to focus on literature, but the course may address other perspectives and examples from the humanities. The course is experimental and will center on collective discovery and discussion. Given its intensive nature, some reading materials may be circulated in advance. Knowledge of technical economics will be helpful in drawing connections central to the course but those without such knowledge may take the course with the permission of the instructor.