Program Description
DIRECTOR
Lauren Feiler (Ph.D. California Institute of Technology) teaches classes in behavioral and experimental economics, game theory, and microeconomics. Her current research focuses on the use of justification in economic decision making. This research includes experimental studies on tendencies to seek information that will support one's beliefs and avoid information that could cause monetary or psychological harm. Lauren's favorite activities include camping, kayaking, and riding roller coasters.
ELIGIBILITY
Students who have completed Economics 110 and 111 by the end of spring term 2010 are eligible to participate in the seminar. Students majoring in economics, political science, and history are particularly encouraged to apply, but the seminar is open to students of all majors.
LOCATION
Cambridge, England
Founded in 1983, the Economics Seminar in Cambridge has been located at the University of Cambridge for over 25 years. The University has been home to many great economic theorists including Alfred Marshall, John Maynard Keynes, and F.A. Hayek. Being in Britain allows students to study the contemporary British economy, the European Union and the Industrial Revolution. The program has become a popular part of the economics curriculum at Carleton, and the faculty believes the seminar’s historical focus and exposure to British culture help students see themselves, their country, and the world with new perspective.
COURSE OF STUDY, 18 CREDITS
ECONOMICS 221: CONTEMPORARY BRITISH ECONOMY (4 CREDITS)
This course will focus on the theoretical and policy debates in British economics since the 1930’s and the development of the structure of the British economy and institutions during that period. Instructor: Dr. Solomos Solomou, Fellow, Peterhouse College
ECONOMICS 222: THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION IN BRITAIN (6 CREDITS)
This course studies the development of the British economy during the Industrial Revolution, with special attention paid to the role of agriculture, foreign trade, capital accumulation, population growth, and technological innovation. The week-long trip to sites of the Industrial Revolution and excursions to other locations of historical significance are important aspects of this course. Instructor: L. Feiler
ECONOMICS 223: THE LIFE OF J.M. KEYNES (4 CREDITS, S/CR/NC)
This course will examine the life and times of J.M. Keynes. In addition to studying the economic ideas of Keynes, students will examine the social and political milieu in Britain in the first half of the 20th Century. Instructor: L. Feiler
ECONOMICS 224: BRITISH CULTURAL EXPORTS (4 CREDITS)
This course will examine cultural and artistic organizations in Great Britain, with a particular focus on the influence of British culture on other parts of the world. Students will study the unique economic properties of creative enterprises and consider how the literature, music, and television of Great Britain have had a pervasive impact overseas. Instructor: L. Feiler
HOUSING AND FACILITIES
The program will start in London where students will spend a few days visiting important sites. In Cambridge, students will stay at Hughes Hall, one of the colleges that make up Cambridge University. Students will have single rooms and a food allowance for meals, which can be taken at Hughes Hall or in town. Laundry facilities are available at Hughes Hall.
Schedule (tentative)
Classes will typically be held three days per week (usually Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays). There may also be occasional class meeting during weekday evenings. Excursions will usually take place on Wednesdays. Students will have the opportunity for individual travel on weekends, most of which will include Friday. A weeklong trip to the Midlands will be part of the Industrial Revolution class. The group will spend a few days in Brussels, after which students will have a break for independent travel.