ECON131

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ECON131

From Socialism to Capitalism: The Economics of Transition ECON131 FA

Next Offered in 9899 FA

Using historical background readings, this course will begin by developing the legacies of the old system that hang like albatrosses over the transformation. Using recent materials, we will examine in detail three major aspects of the transition, namely, stabilization, privatization, and restructuring. Hungary, Poland and the Soviet Union will be showcased but other countries will be considered as well (e.g., Czechoslovakia, Romania). Students will also write a mini "research paper" using current media sources. Group presentations to class based on this research will be required.

MAJOR READINGS

Janos Kornai, THE ROAD TO A FREE ECONOMY
(W.W. Norton & Co., 1990)
Other sources: To be announced
Current articles from journals and the press

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Several short papers. One mini research paper. Group presentations.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

No knowledge of economics is presumed. 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 still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion Lecture Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

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

Prerequisites: None

Last Updated on MAR-03-1998

About the Photo:

A Mosccow queue waits patiently for ice cream. Consumer goods took second place in the planned economies.

Reference:

Pollard, Sidney, WEALTH AND POVERTY: AN ECONOMIC HISTORY OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY, New York: Oxford University Press, 1990

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