Economics 306 Section 740

COMPARATIVE ECONOMIC SYSTEMS

M. C. Mackey
Fall Term 2017
Tuesdays, as scheduled, 6:00 P.M. 8:50 P.M. N125 BCC

Syllabus

REQUIRED READINGS:
Readings as assigned throughout the term.

COURSE HOME PAGE: http://D2L.msu.edu

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Through assigned readings, class discussion, and use of Internet resources:
1. Examine the basic characteristics and functions of economic systems, including alternative patterns of economic
control, planning, and market structure
2. Explore the theories, philosophies and experiences associated with capitalism, socialism, communism, mixed
economies, and economies in transition
3. Increase the understanding of the economic, political, historical, cultural, ethnic, and religious context of changes
taking place in the world today affecting choices of economic systems and their operation
4. Gain experience in applying the general principles of economics
5. Examine the social and public policy context of the economic issues considered in the course, with particular
reference to the interrelationships of economic systems and political systems
6. Develop skills in presenting oral and written analysis and arguments on opposing sides of a given issue
7. Develop the student's ability to formulate and present her or his own reasoned, supportable position on matters of
economics and public policy
8. Develop skills in the use of the Internet for study and research.

COURSE PROCEDURE:

The class is scheduled to meet as a class on the following dates: First class meeting, September 5, subsequent
meeting dates are September 19, October 3, October 17, November 7, and December 5.

Reading assignments and paper topics will be discussed at the first class meeting. Following that discussion, the
initial readings and the topic and due date for the first paper will be assigned. It will then be possible to begin
setting out a schedule for the entire term in a way that will allow each student considerable latitude and
flexibility in approach to issues and material to be covered.

Films and videos will be part of some assignments covered during the term. These films and videos are an
integral part of the assignments.

There will be a number of written assignments during the term. Each assignment should be in informal style.
There is no specified length for the paper. Each one should be long enough to cover the subject matter of the
assignment. A paper covering more than one country should be longer than a paper covering just one country. As
a suggestion, write each paper as a briefing paper. You will want some history and background information as
well as information on current policy questions, implications for the United States and the world community, and
your analysis and conclusions concerning the future.

As part of each assignment you should include at the end of your paper, for my information, an indication of how
you proceeded with your internet search, which sites were particularly helpful or not, and why. Also indicate
sites that might have appeared to have possibilities, but were not useful.
 Your assignments are to be submitted to me by uploading them using D2L. Papers will be due no later than
midnight on the due date of the assignment. Late assignments will receive no credit. (D2L will not accept
uploads after the deadline.) The upload process records the time papers are submitted. If you anticipate difficulty
in meeting the due date, contact me well in advance. In case of emergency or upload failure, paste a copy of your
assignment in an e-mail addressed to me. Use ONLY Microsoft Word for uploading papers.

Normally, I would expect to have read and evaluated the papers by a week following the due date. If I am aware
of circumstances which may cause a delay, I will inform you so that you can know when to expect a response.

I will have regular office hours as indicated below. In addition, you may contact me via D2L e-mail if you have
questions or comments. I remind you that time available for e-mail exchanges is not unlimited. Further, there will
be an opportunity at each scheduled class meeting to discuss questions you may have. I will normally be
available for questions after each of these sessions. If you wish to discuss the substance of a paper or a grade,
you will need to come to office hours or schedule an appointment.

There is the possibility that we may find it desirable to change the order of topics covered, the emphasis given to
some subject areas, or some of the procedures by which we operate as the term progresses. We will be flexible
enough to accommodate such changes in light of world events, developments in the public arena, or other
compelling circumstances.

There will not be a midterm exam or a final exam.

OFFICE HOURS:

Tuesdays 11:00 AM 12:00 noon. Other times by appointment.

W-101 Owen Graduate Center

Office phone: 432-7455

(Messages may be left with the secretary in the Economics Department Office: Phone 355-7583.)

Campus Mail address: W-101 Owen Graduate Center

E-MAIL NOTE:

Use only D2L e-mail to communicate regarding the course. Do not use my regular MSU e-
mail.