The Economist's View of the World
FYSEMR 43J
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
This seminar's goal is to probe how economists of various perspectives view human behavior and the proper role of government in society. Over the semester, seminar participants will read several brief, nontechnical, policy-oriented books by prominent economists. The participants will discuss each work's strengths and weaknesses, exploring the positive scientific judgments and normative value systems that underlie the author’s policy prescriptions.
To prepare for each book discussion, seminar participants are expected to send the instructor a brief email describing their views of the reading. In addition, each participant will have the opportunity to write his or her own essay addressing an economic policy issue. The essay will be read and discussed by all seminar participants.
NOTE: Prerequisite - Students are expected to have had some background in economics, such as an AP economics course in high school or simultaneous enrollment in Economics 10a.
Class Notes
First-Year Seminars are available only to first-year students. You may apply to both Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 First-Year Seminars via the FYS lottery between July 6 and August 6, 2026 at 11:59PM-midnight.
You may apply to as many seminars each term as you would like, but we recommend you apply to at least six in fall and three in spring.
As part of your application, you must provide a brief statement on why you are interested in each seminar. You will be notified of lottery results for both fall and spring seminars at 5 pm on August 11. If you are unsuccessful in the lottery, you may still join any seminar with open seats. A list of open seminars and instructions on next steps will be available on the First-Year Seminar Program website August 11 at 12 Noon.
Not Available for Cross Registration
