CSS 291

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CSS 291

Problems of Democracy and Democratization: Order and Planning in Industrial America CSS 291 FA

Section	Class Size	*Available	Times
1	33	9	Times: ..W.F.. 2:40PM-4:00PM;

*The number of spaces listed as available is based on class seats open for the current phase of registration. Some seats may be taken in previous phases while others may be held out for subsequent phases of registration. (Last Updated on Wed Mar 4 05:01:03 EST 1998 )

This seminar examines the transformation of American political and economic institutions in the seventy-five years ending in 1945, and the ideological revolution that occurred along side this transformation and helped bring it about. We first consider the growth of large corporations after 1870, the techniques of management they called forth, and the antitrust movement that arose in response to them. We then turn to the attempts of progressive reformers before World War I to analogize the state to the corporation and bring the techniques of management science to politics, an effort whose impact on American life was far-reaching and profound. Finally, the role played by war in these changes, the creation of the modern American economy in the 1920s, and the New Deal's attempt to adapt the nation's political and legal institutions to the realities of the twentieth century are considered. Along the way, we will address a range of theoretical issues, among them the contrast between markets and central planning as ways of organizing economic activity, the tension between the individual and the collective in complex societies, technocracy and social engineering, and the impact of war on economic and political institutions.

MAJOR READINGS

Substantial reserve readings in economics,
history, philosophy and law, as well as a small number of
required texts.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Three essays, each 6 to 8 pages in length, and a short final exercise.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

This course is required for all CSS seniors. Open to others with permission of instructor. Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00 Gen Ed Area & Dept: SBS ECON

Prerequisites: ECON111 and ECON112 or ECON105

Section 01: Adelstein, R; Times: ..W.F.. 2:40PM- 4:00PM;; Grading Mode: A/F; Registration Preference (1 high to 6 low, 0=Excluded) Sr: 1, Jr: 2, So: 0, Fr: 0; Major Preference Given; Permission of Instructor Required.

Last Updated on MAR-03-1998

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