History of Economic Thought (EC0044)

? Credit Points : 40 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : MSE-3-HIECTH

The History of Economic Thought is a major branch of both Economics and of the History of Ideas. It traces the development of economic theories and ideas from earliest times to the present. The emphasis is on `thought' rather than on `history', although for some topics a knowledge of the institutional background is indispensable, e.g. when studying the Ancient Greeks or classical monetary disputes. For each topic the development of the economic writers' ideas and theories is carefully set out and secondary literature considered. Biographical information is limited to identifying these writers in the chronology of economics and outlining the major intellectual influences upon them. The course aims to provide a survey of economic theories from Aristotle to Keynes and to give an opportunity to study particular economic ideas and theories in considerable depth. Topics covered include: Ancient Greeks and Aquinas; Mercantilism; Precursors of Adam Smith; Adam Smith; David Ricardo; Classical theories of value and distribution; Classical monetary theory; Malthus; Classical economic policy; Pre-Marxian Socialists; John Stuart Mill; Marx as a classical economist; Jevons; Austrian economics; Marshall on price theory; Marshall on economic methodology and economic policy; The Stockholm School; Keynes. As well as a direct knowledge and understanding of major contributions to economics over a long time span, the course provides general insights into economic methodology and reasoning, and helps to deepen understanding of modern economic analysis.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Hons Entry

? Prohibited combinations : History of Economic Thought 1 (EC0074) History of Economic Thought 2 (EC0075)

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Economics, (Management School and Economics, Schedule H)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Full Year (Blocks 1-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 20 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
18/09/2007	13:00	14:00	Room G.01, William Robertson Building	Central	Normal class time Mon 11am-1pm, Rm G3, WRB

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	11:10	13:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this course students should have developed their general skills of critical analyss and assessment; obtaining and processing information from a variety of sources; presentation and communication skills; interpersonal and groups skills; independent action and initiative; managing tasks and time.