HHI1410 History of Economic Policy and Theory of Uneven Development
Section outline
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HHI1410 / HHA1410* HISTORY OF ECONOMIC POLICY AND THEORY OF UNEVEN DEVELOPMENT - Fall 2017
Professor Erik S. Reinert
*HHA1410 for students studying Engineering (4 ECTS); HHI1410 for students studying Technology Governance and Public Administration (3 ECTS); students from other Faculties can choose either. The difference is due to differences in curriculum while the course is the same for everybody.
Assessment: grade (attendance + essay OR attendance + exam)
The course gives an overview of economic and development policies that have made rich countries rich, while at the same time introducing the elements of a theory of uneven economic development. The course discusses policies from the Renaissance, mercantilism and cameralism of continental Europe, and the successful policies of development and industrialization from the rise of the USA, Germany and Japan to the success of Ireland and Finland in the late 20th century. Special attention is given to policy failures: why certain economic policies failed in certain contexts. The policies are discussed against the backdrop of the development of economic theory.
Attendance policy: attendance is compulsory for all course participants, max one class can be missed with prior notification (via email to olga.mikheeva@ttu.ee).
Time of the course: September 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.
Time of the lectures: 17.45 - 20.15 (September 4, 5, 6 and 8) and 18:30 - 20:00 (September 7)
Place: Akadeemia tee 3, auditorium SOC-415 (September 4, 5, 6 and 8) and NRG-226 (September 7)September 7: documentary screening, 'When Bubbles Burst' (2012), brown-bag event. Link to the movie: go.ttu.ee/YB5VB6
For inquiries: teaching assistant Olga Mikheeva (olga.mikheeva@ttu.ee, room X-441).
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Below is the list of obligatory reading materials and lecture slides, which would help to prepare for both written examination and a research paper. Additional reading materials are listed further below.
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Student's paperLimit 3000 words (max). Format: 12 TNR, 1.5 space.Deadline - 6 November 2017.Please submit paper in .doc format via Moodle and name the file HHA1410_essay_YourNamePlease choose one only of the following three themes to discuss:1. What would you identify as important common elements of successful industrial policy over time? Referring to your understanding of capitalist dynamics, please discuss how and why different economic activities have been perceived as qualitatively different as vehicles for creating economic growth and welfare.2. Identify and discuss the toolbox of economic policy suggested by Alexander Hamilton in order to develop the United States in 1791. Discuss what the goals of his policies were then. In your opinion, are these goals still desirable and/or feasible for a nation to strive after today?3. The Financial Crisis and failing economies presently poses serious challenges, particularly to the European periphery. Please attempt to outline the economic forces at work - including the discrepancies between the financial economy and the real economy - and the policy dilemmas facing European politicians.
In the case of all papers you may wish to discuss the issues raised either in general terms, or as the subject relates to the problems of one specific country. Both approaches are equally valid.Note on plagiarism: the profession of scholarship and the intellectual life of a university as well as the field of public administration and public policy inquiry depend fundamentally on a foundation of trust. Thus any act of plagiarism strikes at the heart of the meaning of the university and the purpose of academic studies. It constitutes a serious breach of professional ethics and it is unacceptable. Plagiarism is the use of another’s words or ideas presented as one’s own. It includes, among other things, the use of specific words, ideas, or frameworks that are the product of another’s work. Honesty and thoroughness in citing sources is essential to professional accountability and personal responsibility. Appropriate citation is necessary so that arguments, evidence, and claims can be critically examined.
Before an essay is evaluated it is checked via the software. Sometimes negligence and inaccuracy are the primary sources of unacceptable formatting. Detected cases become subjects to the RNS policy on plagiarism and might involve academic sanctions. Please make sure to provide references, both within the text and at the end of an essay. In case of doubt, please contact the teaching assistant (Olga Mikheeva, olga.mikheeva@ttu.ee) prior submitting the essay for evaluation.
Written Exam
As an option, students can take an exam instead of writing a paper. There will be 5 questions, out of which students MUST answer 4. Every question gives max. 25 points. This is going to be an open-book exam, i.e. lecture slides and personal lecture notes can be used. Exam will last for 2 hours.
The exam will take place - 15 September 2017, room SOC-310, 16:00-17:30.In case of a negative grade or in case a student would like to improve the initial result - second deadline is - to be announced during the course. Essay submissions only. Same formatting requirements apply.
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Please submit your essay in .doc format and name the file HHA1410_essay_retake_YourName by January 10, 2017. The link will be closed on December 10th, at 11:55 PM.
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