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Infusing Diversity in a History of Economic Thought Course: An Archival Study of Syllabi and Resources for Redesign

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  • Sarah F. Small

    (University of Utah)

Abstract

History of economic thought courses are touted as opportunities to improve students’ understandings of pluralism in economics. However, a course solely covering the thoughts of White men is unwelcoming and provides an incomplete depiction of the development of economic thought. In this paper, archival research of five decades of history of economic thought syllabi indicates that courses have shifted to include new perspectives but remain fixated on works by White men. To foster inclusivity, I suggest additional, alternative content for a history of economic thought syllabus, incorporating works by more a diverse group of economic thinkers.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah F. Small, 2023. "Infusing Diversity in a History of Economic Thought Course: An Archival Study of Syllabi and Resources for Redesign," Eastern Economic Journal, Palgrave Macmillan;Eastern Economic Association, vol. 49(3), pages 276-311, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:pal:easeco:v:49:y:2023:i:3:d:10.1057_s41302-023-00238-1
    DOI: 10.1057/s41302-023-00238-1
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Inclusive teaching; History of economic thought; Diversifying syllabi; Economics teaching; Economics pedagogy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A20 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - General
    • B30 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought: Individuals - - - General
    • B54 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Current Heterodox Approaches - - - Feminist Economics

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