Fall 2005

GOV 370L • American Political Economy-W

Course Description

Course may be repeated for credit when topics vary. This course studies the role of government in economic outcomes. The role of government will be examined primarily along the lines of policy, but will also include other aspects such as partisanship and political institutions. Both domestic and international economic outcomes are considered, ranging from budget deficits, the Phillips Curve, to trade. The course will also examine the on-going relation between the government, the public, and economic outcomes. The course places a strong emphasis on the role of prices as the mechanism that links government policy to public behavior and economic outcomes.

Grading Policy

This course requires analytical skills, including some (high school level) mathematics, logical deduction, tabulating, reading diagrams, and mastery of abstract concepts. There are three papers in the course. The first two papers are each 25% of the course grade (50% of the total). The third paper is 30% of the course grade. Students must also present the 2nd and 3rd papers. The presentation is 10% of the course grade. Attendance constitutes the remaining 10% of the course grade. Regular class attendance is required. If class is missed without permission, one-fifth (1/5) of the 10% total grade allocated for attendance will be deducted. The penalty will be doubled during the presentation weeks.

Texts

W. R. Keech. 1995. Economic Politics: The Costs of Democracy. Cambridge. P. Kennedy. 2000. Macroeconomic Essentials-2nd Edition: Understanding Economics in the News. MIT. P. Krugman. 1997. Pop Internationalism. MIT. T. Sowell. 2004. Basic Economics: A Citizens Guide to the Economy. 2nd ed. Basic.

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