Harvard. History of economics through Smith. Description, enrollment, final exam. Bullock, 1911-1912

This year course also would have had a mid-year exam covering economic thought from the ancient Greeks through medieval writers. That exam has not (yet) been found, the 1911-12 materials are incomplete. Bullock’s course was well-established by 1911–12 so one can sample the earlier exams to plug the gap.

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History of economics courses
pre-1911/12

Links to earlier course material for History of Economics at Harvard, 1883-84 through 1910-11.

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Course Description
1911-12

[Economics] 15. History and Literature of Economics to the year 1848. Mon., Wed., and (at the pleasure of the instructor) Fri., at 11. Professor Bullock. (IV)

The purpose of this course is to trace the development of economic thought from classical antiquity to the middle of the nineteenth century. Emphasis is placed upon the relation of economics to philosophical and political theories, as well as to political and industrial conditions.

A considerable amount of reading of prominent writers will be assigned, and opportunity given for the preparation of theses. Much of the instruction is necessarily given by means of lectures.

No undergraduates will be admitted to the course who are not candidates for distinction in economics.

Source: Division of History, Government, and Economics: 1911-12 (1st ed.). Official Register of Harvard University, Vol. VIII, No. 23 (June 15, 1911), p. 60.

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Course Enrollment
1911-12

Economics 15. Professor Bullock. — History and Literature of Economics to the year 1848.

Total 6: 6 Graduates.

Source: Harvard University. Report of the President of Harvard College, 1911-1912, p. 64.

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ECONOMICS 15
Year-end Final Examination
1911-12

In the economic thought of the sixteenth century what evidence do you find of continuity with previous economic thought? What new elements do you find?
Discuss the economic opinions of Bodin, and his influence on later writers.
Discuss the writings of Serra, Montchrétien, and Misselden.
What claims have the following works to be considered scientific economic treatises: Mun’s “England’s Treasure,” Cantillon’s “Essai,” and Turgot’s “Reflexions”?
Discuss English theories concerning the nature of capital and the rate of interest in the eighteenth century.
Discuss the condition of economic thought in Europe at the middle of the eighteenth century.
Compare Adam Smith’s views of capital with earlier views.
Compare Smith’s theory of rent with earlier theories.

Source: Harvard University Archives. Harvard University — Examination papers, 1873-1915. Box 6. Bound volume, Examination Papers, 1912. Harvard University Examinations. Papers Set For Examinations in History, History of Science, Government, Economics […], pp. 58-59.

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