Capitalism: contrasting views
Associate Professor Ian Ward
6 points * Two 1_-hour classes per week * Second semester * Clayton * Prerequisite: ECO1020 or ECO1100
Objectives On completion of this subject students should understand why economists disagree about current economic policy issues in societies like Australia; be able to explain why, in addition to the economic analysis studied in other subjects, it is essential to study the economic ideology, or views, of the participants in an economic policy disagreement; have developed greater confidence in their ability to discuss economic policy issues; have developed an ability to assess, critically, differing views about economic policy issues advocated both by individuals and organisations, including Australia's political parties.
Synopsis A comparative study, integrating economic analysis and economic ideology, which seeks to explain why there is disagreement about current economic policy issues in Australia. Among the economic policy issues to be discussed are: manufacturing industry policy, including tariffs, industry planning and microeconomic reform; the funding and organisation of school and university education; taxation - flat and progressive income tax, poll tax, wealth tax and consumption tax; social welfare provision - government, voluntary charity, family; environmental sustainability; enterprise bargaining and centralised wage fixation; worker participation in enterprises; policies towards inflation and unemployment; privatisation of public enterprises; and the question of the concentration of economic power.
Assessment Written (2000-word essay): 30% * Examination (2.5 hours): 60% * Participation in discussion classes: 10%