The Penn Initiative for the Study of Markets at the University of Pennsylvania offers an online course that explores the historical evolution and philosophical underpinnings of markets as social institutions. It critically examines how economists, philosophers, sociologists, and social scientists in general have grappled with the concept of markets and the various criticisms that have been leveled against them. The objective is to provide students with a deep and critical understanding of the historical development, ethical dilemmas, efficiency considerations, fairness debates, and potential alternatives to market-based economic systems.
Advanced undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students in social sciences interested in economic history, history of economic thought, and philosophy of economics. The course is also well-suited for professionals in policy-oriented organizations such as development agencies, non-governmental organizations, and development finance institutions. Anyone who wants a firm grasp of the historiography in Economics regarding the major debates surrounding the suitability of markets as an economic system.
This is an open access course. All lectures and sessions will take place via zoom. All interested to participate need to register by the day the classes commence.
All the main lectures will take place on Tuesdays at 11.00-12.30 (EDT), and the supplementary topic lectures on Thursdays at 11.45- 13.00 (EDT).
No, there is no coursework involved. We expect you to attend and take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions at the end of each session.
You need to register before March 01. The links to the live lectures will be sent once you have registered for the course.
We recommend that those registered will attend all lectures; however, they are free to attend the sessions as they please. We look forward to a discussion and encourage active participation.
Yes, all lectures will be recorded and uploaded to our website and our youtube channel.