ECC2820

Capitalism: contrasting views

May not be offered in 1999

Associate Professor Ian Ward

6 points · Two 1.5-hour classes per week · Second semester · Clayton · Prerequisite: ECC1000 or equivalent 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 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.

Synopsis Seek 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; who, if anyone, holds economic power, and vegetarianism and the animal production industry.

Assessment Written (2000-word essay): 25% · Assignment (1000 words): 10% · Discussion classes: 15% · Examination (2.5 hours): 50%

Back to the 1999 Business and Economics Handbook