Vassar College Department of Economics

Economics 367b, Spring 2003

Blodgett Hall 122, Mondays and Wednesdays 10.30 - 11:45

Comparative Economics

1. Text

The basic text is: Kennett, A New View of Comparative Economic Systems, Dryden Press, 2000. Most of the other readings are web accessible.

2. Course Requirements

1. Four sets of essays to be done as take home on given questions. ( 4 x 11% = 44%)

2. A paper to be written on the economic system of a country of your choice (46%). We will discuss this in class. You will probably want to start by going through the research webpage. This year's paper topic selections are shown here.

Class attendance is essential and contribution is desirable. Attendance and contribution will be worth 10% of final grade. You will lose 1% per two unjustified absence or tardiness. The other 5% is for contribution in class.

Readings are all required, except where instructed, and are to be done before the class for which they are required. You may be called upon to comment on or describe the readings during class. Late assignments will be penalized, and may not be accepted if unjustifiably tardy.

3. Syllabus

Overview - Jan 22

Section One -- Introduction to the Study of Comparative Economics (Jan 25 - Jan 29)

Section Two -- Market Economies (Feb 3 - Feb 10)

Feb 10 -- Paper 1 and "Choice of Economy" due

Section Three - European Economies (Feb 12 - Feb 19)

March 1 -- Paper 2 and "Key Feature and Bibliography" due

Section Four -- Asian Economies (Feb 24 - March 26)

Section Five -- Planned Economies (March 31- April 9)

April 10 -- Paper 3 and Draft Due

Section Six -- Economies in Transition (April 14 - April 28)

Section Seven - South Africa and Argentina (April 30 - May 5)

May 5 -- Paper 4 Due

May 13 Final Paper Due