Political Economy of Communism

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course examines the creation of the Communist economic system and its social consequences, focusing on the political priorities that drove economic policy. We will look at the development of the Communist system in the USSR and its extension to Central Europe and China after World War II. We also devote attention to attempts to “reform” the communist model and the short- and long-term consequences of the communist experience, including discussion of the world’s remaining communist economies. Assignments for the course will consist of a mid-term and a final examination, both in take-home format. Students will be evaluated on the basis of the two exams and their contributions to class discussion, with the final examination accounting for approximately 50%, the mid-term 25% and class discussion 25%. Course objectives can be described on two levels, specific and general. The specific goal is to provide students with a solid understanding of how communist systems of political economy in general and the Soviet system in particular worked. While fascinating in its own right, this understanding is crucial to understanding the workings of economies in countries that have reformed or abandoned the communist model, as well as those where it is still in place. The more general goal is to think critically about what you read and become a better contributor to discussions and a better writer. To accomplish these goals, students will meet with the instructor on a regular basis, will receive written and oral feedback on their work, and will be expected to discuss this feedback with the instructor.