PCC/ CCOG / EC

Course Content and Outcome Guide for EC 285

Date:
26-SEP-2012
Posted by:
Justin Elardo
Course Number:
EC 285
Course Title:
Intro. Political Economy
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture hours:
40
Lecture/Lab hours:
0
Lab hours:
0
Special Fee:
 

Course Description

Examines the United States economy from a systems/ institutional perspective. With this approach, students will explore the key institutions that make up the U.S. economy including corporations, government, the market system, labor unions, monetary and financial institutions, and others. Students will also examine three problem areas: environmental degradation and resource depletion; social and political inequality; and economic instability. Also introduces possible solutions based on institutional change and development. Students will deepen their understanding of capitalism in America, as well as gain insights into developing viable economic alternatives based on principles of environmental sustainability, equity and economic stability. Recommended: MTH 95 and WR 115. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description

Credits from this course qualify for general education purposes at Portland Community College and may be applied toward satisfying Associates Degrees at Portland Community College.  Books and other materials are at the discretion of each course instructor.  Prices for texts and/or other materials may be found at the Portland Community College bookstore. 

Intended Outcomes for the course

  1. Define political economy
  2. Define capitalism as an economic system
  3. Describe the salient features of a capitalist economy
  4. Apply lesson learned from a historical/evolutionary understanding of economic systems
  5. Evaluate arguments that apply to key economic issues
  6. Approach economic problems critically and creatively
  7. Evaluate the role of corporations in the U.S. economy
  8. Actively work toward solutions for key economic problems such as inequality, non-sustainability, resource depletion and instability.

Course Activities and Design

This course may include lecture and discussion formats utilizing faculty expertise, texts, supplementary reading materials, films, speakers, and other classroom aids at the discretion of the instructor.  Regular attendance and completion of assigned reading are essential to the successful completion of this course.  Instructors will teach in accordance with the goals and objectives listed in this Course Content Guide.  The Course Content Guides are developed by college-wide subject area faculty and are approved by management.  

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Traditional and nontraditional techniques will be used to assess student mastery of the content, competencies, and outcomes. These techniques can asses either products or processes:
          Products: multiple choice exams, essays, individual group projects, student demonstrations, research projects, other projects with specified rating criteria, and portfolios.
          Processes: interviews, documented observations, web searches, journals, student self-evaluations. 

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

  1. Economic systems, institutions and their historical evolution.
  2. The market system as an institution.
  3. Traditional and nontraditional views of the role governments play in capitalist economies.
  4. The U.S. financial system: monetary institutions and Wall Street.
  5. The need for growth in a capitalist system and the limit to growth.
  6. The causes of economic instability and inequality
  7. Economic alternatives

Instructor's Qualifications:
A Masters degree in economics or a degree in a related discipline with at least 30 hours of graduate credits in economics.  A background of coursework in economic history and economic thought is preferred.