I practice feminist/radical pedagogy, and try to avoid the traditional "conveyor belt" or "banking" model of teaching which views the teacher as the sole possessor of knowledge, and her job as conveying this knowledge to her students. I believe that all members of the class possess knowledge, and view learning as a cooperative process wherein students share and build on their knowledge, and learn how to get information and think critically. I try to construct a democratic and participatory classroom. As a feminist and radical economist, my ultimate goal is empowering my students and helping them find socially constructive paths.

ECONOMICS 101: MICROECONOMICS

|Syllabus|

This course presents a view of our market economy, beginning with the nature of economics and economic systems, supply and demand analysis, and the development of economic thought. It is an analysis of the choices individuals and firms make in the markets where they buy and sell. It deals with questions of equity and efficiency. Policy problems include imposition of price floors and ceilings, income distribution, competition and its regulation, and the performance of particular markets. Open to all students. |Back to top|

ECONOMICS 243: SEMINAR. THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF CLASS, RACE, AND GENDER

|Syllabus|

An introduction to radical economic analysis of contemporary, globalizing capitalism. Analysis of race, class, and gender, and of their interconnections. Radical economic critiques of current neo-liberal economic policies. Study and critique of contemporary radical economic movements, including the environmental movement; the movements for socially responsible consumption, investment, business, and work; and the anti-globalization or globalization from below movement.
Prerequisites:
101 or 102 or permission of instructor.
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ECONOMICS 249: SEMINAR. MARXIST AND POST-MARXIST ECONOMICS

|Syllabus|

Not Offered 2002-3. Study of Marx's analysis and critique of capitalism, and of his vision of socialism. Exploration of contemporary post-Marxist or "radical" economics, including Marxist-feminist, anti-racist, and ecological economics. Study of radical economists' analyses of the collapse of communism in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, and of their current proposals for economic restructuring, including market and participatory socialism. Prerequisite: 101 or 102, or by permission of the instructor. |Back to top|

ECONOMICS 315: HISTORY OF ECONOMIC THOUGHT

|Syllabus|

Not Offered 2002-3. Study of the history of economic theory over the last 200 years, through reading of the original texts. Focus on the development of mainstream, neoclassical theory out of classical political economy, as well as study of various heterodox schools, including Marxist, institutionalist, and feminist economics. Analysis of the topics of scarcity, price determination, income distribution, monopoly, unemployment, economic freedom and democracy, sexual and racial inequality, the environment, and economic methodology Student debates on selected issues. Prerequisite: 201 or 202. |Back to top|

ECONOMICS 343: FEMINIST ECONOMICS

|Syllabus| |Feminist Economics Homepage|

An introduction to the new field of feminist economics, a diverse and multifaceted set of analyses which critique conventional economic theories, analyze the economics of gender difference and inequality, and advocate policies to advance the position of women. Factual, methodological, theoretical, and policy questions will be explored. Has women's economic position been improving historically in the U.S. and in the world? Do existing economic theories embody a masculinist perspective? What role do labor markets play in perpetuating discrimination against women? How can economists best understand housework and childcare, and women's predominance in them? How do race, class, and sexuality differentiate women's economic experiences? What is a feminist analysis of welfare? What insights do feminists have for development economics? And finally, what would women's liberation mean, in economic terms? Prerequisite: 201.|Back to top|