ECON 309
Comparative Economic Systems
- Catalog Entry
Economics 309. Comparative Economics
Three Hours Lecture (3).
Prerequisite: Economics 105 and junior or senior standing.
Semester offered: Fall or Spring
Critical study of capitalism, socialism and corporatism. Analysis of contemporary systems with case studies of Japan, France, China, the former Soviet Union, central and eastern European countries, the Baltic nations, and other selected countries. General Education credit – Social and Behavior Sciences.
- Detailed Description of Content of the Course
The objectives of this course is to inform the students, through comparison and contrast, of the workings of the various economic systems encountered in theory and in practice; and the advantages and disadvantages both from a theoretical and empirical standpoint. Finally, methods and problems encountered during transition from one economic system to another are studied.
Topic Outline
1. Introduction to Systems
2. Criteria for Evaluation
3. Capitalism
4. Socialism
5. Transition Economics
- Detailed Description of Conduct of the Course
The following teaching strategies will be employed:
During the first two thirds of the course, lectures and in-class discussions will be predominant. During the last third of the class student presentations and discussions will apply the taught theory to analyze the economic systems encountered in various countries around the world. A written report is required. Guest speakers will be invited to provide insights whenever possible.
- Goals and Objectives of the Course
At the end of the course students are expected to have learned:
1. The definition and classification of Economic Systems.
2. The performance criteria on which evaluation of economic outcomes under different systems is based.
3. The characteristics of capitalism in theory and in practice.
4. The characteristics of socialism in theory and in practice.
5. The characteristics of corporatism in theory and in practice.
6. The performance differences of each system overall and in representative countries.
7. Problems encountered during transitions from capitalism to socialism and vice-versa.
- Assessment Measures
Tests, homework, reports, presentations, class participation. Grades and percentages depend on individual professors.
- Other Course Information
- Review and Approval
Date Action Reviewed by
December 2004 Made alterations to syllabus N. Hashemzadeh, Chair |