Preliminary Syllabus
ECON E-2888a (12837)
Fall semester 2 credits [meets Mondays 3:30 pm--5 pm on seven dates at 53 Church
Street, Lower Level classroom; see course description below]
SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, AND US ECONOMIC PROGRESS
Faculty
Richard B. Freeman PhD
Herbert S. Ascherman Professor of Economics, Harvard University
Daniel L. Goroff PhD
Vice President and Dean of the Faculty, Harvey Mudd College
Course Administration/ Distance Learning contact person
John Trumpbour PhD
Research Director, Labor & Worklife Program, Harvard Law School
John_ Trumpbour@ harvard.edu
Tel (617) 495-9265 (afternoons and evenings)
Course Description:
This is a seminar on the economics of science and engineering, with special attention to
workforce and career issues. Topics include the effects of globalization on the science
and engineering workforce and on innovation; growth of team activities and networks in
work; impact of career incentives on productivity; university policies; mobility between
academe and industry; links between ideas and economic outputs. The class initially
convenes on September 25 for an overview of the field, and then there will be seminar
meetings on October 2, October 16, October 23, November 6, November 13, and
December 4. The course will also be available through a webcast for distance learners
(see below for more information). Students will work with the professors and teaching
staff to develop understanding of the issues and ultimately to complete a seminar paper
due on January 12, 2007.
Prerequisites: Microeconomics helpful but not required; a course in public policy or
political science might be useful for a few topics.
ECON E-2888a is not a prerequisite for ECON E-2888b. Extension and distance learning
students must view sample online lectures before they register.
The seminar will continue in the Spring as ECON E-2888b for two additional credits.
While students are certainly encouraged to continue the seminar in th