Introductory Economics

Introductory Economics is a Social Science course taught by Noah Enelow.

This course satisfies Division I requirements.

Course Description
This course provides an introduction to economics from a multi-dimensional, political economy perspective. We will examine the historical evolution and structure of the capitalist system, distinguishing it from other economic systems that have preceded it, such as feudalism, and existed alongside it, such as state socialism. We will also critically examine the theories that have been developed to explain the operation of this system: traditional (neoclassical) microeconomics, Keynesian macroeconomics, institutionalist and Marxian theories. We will use these theories to study the determination of prices, wages, profits, aggregate output, and employment at a given point in time (the short run), as well as the forces that determine economic growth and income distribution in the long run. We will examine theories of surplus value and class formation, as well as the evolution of social norms, preferences, and institutions. The relationships between economy, polity, society, and culture will all be discussed and explored. This course functions as an introduction to both micro- and macroeconomics and will prepare the student for intermediate-level work in both fields.

Learning Goals

 * Quantitative