History of Economic Thought

Subject ECON30008 (2014)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2014.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Three hours of lectures/seminars per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:

Both of:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Summer Term, Semester 1
12.50
Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge:

Please refer to Prerequisites and Corequisites.

Non Allowed Subjects:

None

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements for this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Subject Overview:

The development of neoclassical theory emphasising the work of Jevons, Walras, Wicksell, Marshall and Edgeworth. The subject will be concerned with looking at modern economic theory from an historical perspective. Students will be expected to read original works as well as secondary literature.

Learning Outcomes:
  • Understand the pre-occupations of economists and the way these have changed over time.
  • Appreciate the main contributions to economics, during the neoclassical period.
  • Compare alternative views and approaches to economics.
  • Contrast developments in various countries.
  • Appreciate the influence of other subjects on the development of economics.
  • Become familiar with major personalities and literature of economics.
Assessment:

One 2-hour end-of-semester examination (80%) and one essay of approximately 2000 words.

Prescribed Texts:

You will be advised of prescribed texts by your lecturer.

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • High level of development: written communication; interpretation and analysis; critical thinking; receptiveness to alternative ideas.

  • Moderate level of development: oral communication; problem solving; accessing data and other information from a range of sources.

  • Some level of development: collaborative learning; application of theory to practice.

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