Inclusive Capitalism, Property Rights, and Binary Economics

Catalog description

This Seminar may be taken in two ways: (1) as a two-semester, three-credit seminar that may satisfy the writing requirement with instructor permission or (2) as a one¿semester, two-credit seminar (in the Fall Semester only) that does not Satisfy the Writing Requirement. The seminar does not require prior exposure to economics or an above average mathematical aptitude. The seminar explores the relationship among the following subjects: capitalism, property rights, economics, democracy, professional responsibility, and skills of advocacy. It examines (and provides a conceptual alternative to) the mainstream economic theories that provide the foundation important private, business, and public decision-making that dominate political and economic discourse nationally and globally. It provides an alternative economic policy for those who believe that ¿too much government is the problem¿ and those who believe that ¿more government is a necessary part of the solution.¿ Particular attention will be given to fuller-employment and growth consequences of broadening capital acquisition with the earnings of capital. There are no pre-requisites for this Seminar except an open mind and a willingness to explore these subjects from a foundation grounded in professional responsibility. The seminar will provide important understanding regarding (1) legal, economic, and political controversy regarding the regulation and protection of property rights, (2) corporations, corporate finance, fiduciary duties and social responsibility, (3) private and governmental economic policy, (4) the principles of private property, (5) the requisites of a robust democracy, (6) the economic and property rights organization of society and ways to improve it, and (7) the relationship between economic theory and various conceptions of economic justice. Students taking the seminar for two credits (for the Fall Semester only) will take an in-class closed book final exam. Students taking the seminar for three credits (for the Fall and Spring Semesters) may elect to take an in-class closed nook final exam or write a paper. Students taking the seminar for three credits (for the Fall and Spring Semesters) who elect to write a paper will submit one or more drafts of the paper and make an in-class presentation based on the paper. Based on the assigned reading and additional research, the paper will discuss one or more important social problems or issues. LLM degree students may consider writing a paper on how the principles examined in the course relate to one or more important issues in their country.