Tag: Crum

Harvard. Economic Aspects of War Course Organised by Harris, 1940

Post author By Irwin Collier
Post date 2017-01-29

Nine of the Harvard economics faculty pulled together to offer students a course on the Economic Aspects of War in the second semester of the 1939-40 academic year. According to the annual enrollment statistics, 25 students were registered for the course (perhaps there were auditors?). The enrollment jumped to 116 in 1940-41 and then dropped back down to 66 (1941-42) and fell to 34 (1942-43) as the number of concentrators (as well as instructional staff) fell during the course of WWII.

Addition: The final examination for Economics 18b from 1940.

________________________

WAR’S ECONOMIC PHASES STUDIED IN NEW COURSE
Harvard Crimson
December 19, 1939

Will Analyze Changes in Economics Incurred by War, With Emphasis on Present Conflict

Plans for a course on “Economic Aspects of War” to be given in the second semester were revealed yesterday by Seymour E. Harris ’20, associate professor of Economics, following approval by the Faculty Committee on Instruction.

Harris said, “This course will analyze the rapid dislocation of economic variables that occur in war times, and during the transition to peace. War economics is a branch of economics like Industrial Organization or Money and Banking, giving the department a chance to use Economics in the treatment of problems that face the world today.”

Contents of the Course

The course will use the tools of economic analysis, applying them to the present problem. Economics of past wars; market organization, price control and rationing; money and banking in war times; the relation of money and public and private capital markets; and the relation of war to economic fluctuations will be dealt with in the lectures and reading.

Included in the discussion will be a study of the effects of war on international balance of payments, on the distribution of gold and on commercial policy; repercussions on agriculture; methods of finance in the war and post-war periods; effects of war upon the distribution of income and wealth; trade unionism, money and real wages and employment in war times; and, finally, transition to peace.

Harris will be in charge of the course. Professor Harold H. Burbank, Professor William L. Crum, Professor Alvin H. Hansen, Professor Edward S. Mason, Professor Joseph H. Schumpeter, Professor Sumner H. Slichter, Professor John H. Williams, and Paul M. Sweezy ’32, instructor in Economics, will share in the teaching.

________________________

Course Enrollment

[Economics] 18b 2hf. Associate Professor Harris.–Economic Aspects of War.

Total 25: 16 Seniors, 6 Juniors, 2 Sophomores, 1 Other.

Source: Report of the President of Harvard College and Reports of the Departments, 1939-40Harvard University. , p. 99.

________________________

Economics 18b
1939-40

In order to assure more continuity in the course it has seemed expedient to assign virtually all of the following books.

Bresciani-Turoni, The Economics of Inflation (G. Allen & Unwin).

Cannan, E., An Economist’s Protest.

(Not an assignment in any part but is suggested strongly.) The book deals with numerous problems chronologically and hence is not easily apportioned over the various sections of the course.

Clark, J. M., The Cost of the Great War to the American People.

Pigou, A. C., Political Economy of War.

Stamp, J., The Financial Aftermath of the War

E.J. = British Economic Journal.
J.R.S. = Journal of the Royal Statistical Society.

Q.J.E. = Quarterly Journal of Economics.

Proceedings = Proceedings of Academy of Political Science.

R.E.S. = Review of Economic Statistics.

Week 1 (Feb. 5-9)
INTRODUCTORY.
Professor Harris.

Plan, readings, bibliography; war economics in historical retrospect; peace versus war economics in broad outlines.

Assignment:

Pigou, A. C., Political Economy of War, pp. 1-71.

Important suggestions:

Slichter, S. H., “The Present Nature of the Recovery Problem,” Proceedings, 1940, pp. 2-15.

United States Government, Industrial Mobilization Plan (revision of 1939). Senate Document No. 134.

War Office, Statistics of Military Efforts of British Empire during the Great War 1914-20.

Wolf, F. B. “Economy in War Tim” in the volume War in the Twentieth Century, pp. 363-408.

Other suggestions:

Clapham, J. H., An Economic History of Modern Britain—An Epilogue, pp. 511-554.

Einzig, P., Economic Problems of the Next War (1939).

Higgins, B., “The Economic War since 1918” in the volume War in the Twentieth Century, pp. 135-90.

Manual of Emergency Legislation (G.B.) with four Supplements, 1914-17.

Noyes, A. D., The War Period of American Finance, Chs. I-III, pp. 1-162.

Possony, S. T., Tomorrow’s War, pp. 135-235.

Speier, H., and Kahler, A., War in Our Times, Chs. 4-7, pp. 78-171.

United States Council of National Defense, Reports 1917-8.

War Cabinet, Report of 1918, Cmd. 325 (1919).

Weeks 2-3 (Feb. 12-23)
INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATION.
Professor Mason and Dr. Sweezy.

Industry in war time. Industrial planning for war. Priorities, rationing and price control. The War Industries Board. Techniques of price fixing with special reference to the iron and steel industries. Present prospects for raw materials, industrial capacity and prices.

Assignment:

Clark, J. M., Costs of the World War, Chs. 19-21, pp. 262-291.

Heckscher, E., Sweden in the World War, Part I, pp. 3-42.

Keynes, J. M., “Policy of Government Storage of Foodstuffs and Raw Materials,” E.J., 1938, pp. 449-460.

Mason, E. S., “the Impact of the War on American Commodity Prices,” R.E.S., November, 1939.

Pigou, A. C., Political Economy of War, pp. 112-160.

Taussig, F. W., “Price Fixing as Seen by a Price Fixer,” Q.J.E., Vol. 33, p. 205.

Important suggestions:

Baruch, B., American Industry in the War (1921).

Beveridge, W., British Food Control (1928).

Report of War Industries Board, American Industry in the War (1921).

Other suggestions:

Birkett, M. S., “Iron and Steel Trade during War,” R.S.J., 1920.

Clarkson, G.B., Industrial America in the World War.

Clynes, J. R., “Food Control in War and Peace,” E.J., 1920, pp. 147-155.

Cunningham, W. J., “Railroads under Governemnt Operation,” Q.J.E., Vol. 36, pp. 188 et seq. and Vol. 36, pp. 30 et seq.

Day, E. E., “The American Merchant Fleet,” Q.J.E., Vol. 34, pp. 567 et seq.

Emeny, B., The Strategy of Raw Materials.

Final Report of the Chairman of the United States War Industries Board. (Feb. 1919), pp. 1-111.

Fontaine, A., French Industry during the War.

Great Britain Select Committee on High Prices and Profits, Special Report and Evidence (1917).

Great Britain Departmental Committee on Prices, Interim Report on Committee Appointed to Investigate Prices, Cmd. 8358, Cmd. 8483 (1917-18).

Hines, W. D., War History of American Railroads.

Litman, S., Prices and Price Control in Great Britain during the Great War.

Lloyd, E. M. H., Experiments in State Control.

Mitchell, W. C., Prices and Reconstruction (1920).

Morse, L. K., “The Price Fixing of Copper,” Q.J.E., Vol. 33, pp. 71 et seq.

Nolde, Russia in the Economic War.

Noyes, A. D., The War Period of American Finance, Ch. V (Mobilisation of American Industry), pp. 215-78.

Staley, E., Raw Materials in Peace and War (Council on Foreign Relations 1937).

Surface, M., Grain Trade during War (1921).

Scott, W. R., and Cunnison, J., The Industries of the Clyde Valley during the War.

War Industries Board, History of Prices during the War, W. C. Mitchell.

War Industries Board, International Price Comparisons, W. C. Mitchell.

War Trade Board, Government Control over Prices, P. W. Garrett.

Zagorsky, State Control of Industry in Russia during the War.

Zimmern, D., “The Wool Trade in War Times,” E. J., 1918, pp. 7-29.

Weeks 4-5 (Feb. 26-Mar. 8)
MONEY AND BANKING IN WAR TIMES.
Professors Williams and Hansen.

Objectives of monetary policy; weapons (including rationing); inflationary tendencies; relations of money and private and public capital markets.

Assignment:

Bresciani-Turoni, Economics of Inflation, Chs. 2 and 4, pp. 41-120, 145-182; VI, pp. 224-252.

Important suggestions:

Final Report, Committee on Currency and Foreign Exchange, (Cunliffe), (1919).

Hawtrey, Monetary Reconstruction.

Heckscher, Sweden in the World War, Part III (Monetary History), pp. 129-266.

Other suggestions:

Cannan, E., The Paper Pound of 1797-1821.

Cassel, G., Money and Foreign Exchanges after 1914, pp. 1-62.

Dulles, E. L., The French Franc 1914-28.

Edie, L. D., “The Influence of War on Prices,” Proceedings, 1940, pp. 34-46.

Edgeworth, Currency and Finance in Times of War.

Foxwell, H. S., Papers on Current Finance (1919), pp. 34-68.

Graham, F., and Whittlesey, R., Golden Avalanche.

Indian Exchange and Currency Commission, Report, Evidence and Appendices, Cmd. 527-9 (1920).

Rogers, J. H., Process of Inflation in France 1914-27, Ch. 1-4, 6-8.

Week 6 (Mar. 11-15)
RELATION OF WAR TO ECONOMIC FLUCTUATIONS.
Professor Schumpeter

Effects on consumption and investment demand; innovations; costs; employment, etc.

Assignment:

Bresciani-Turoni, Economics of Inflation, Chs. V, pp. 183-223; VII, pp. 253-281.

Important suggestions:

Clay, H., The Post-War Unemployment Problem, Ch. 1, pp. 1-24.

Other suggestions:

Graham, F. D., Exchange Prices and Production in Hyper-Inflation Germany. Part IV (Effects on German Economy), pp. 241-328.

Mills, F., Economic Tendencies in the United States, Ch. V., pp. 186-241.

Week 7 (Mar. 18-22)
EFFECTS ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE.
Professor Harris

Balance of payments and gold; exchange policy; commercial policy.

Assignment:

Bresciani-Turoni, Economics of Inflation, Chs. 1, pp. 23-41; 3, pp. 120-145.

Bullock, Williams, and Tucker, “Balance of Trade during the War,” in Taussig, Readings in International Trade, pp. 198-206.

Harris, S. E., “Gold and the National Economy,” R.E.S., February, 1940.

Hawtrey, R.G., Monetary Reconstruction, pp. 12-22.

Pigou, A. C., Political Economy of War, pp. 161-89.

Important suggestions:

Einzig, P., “The Unofficial Market in Sterling,” E.J., 1939, pp. 670-77.

Keynes, J. M., Tract on Monetary Reform, Chs. III, IV, pp. 81-192.

Other suggestions:

Bergendal, Sweden in the World War: Trade and Shipping Policy, pp. 43-128.

Cassel, G., Money and Foreign Exchanges, pp. 63-100, 137-186.

Dulles, E. L., The French Franc, 1914-28, Ch. 8, pp. 322-361.

Ellix, H., German Monetary Theory, Part III.

Graham, F., Exchanges, Prices, etc. in Germany, Parts II-III, pp. 97-241.

Holden, G., “Rationing and Exchange Control in British War Finance,” Q.J.E., February, 1940.

Loans to Foreign Governments, Senate Document No. 86 (1921).

Reparations and Inter-Allied Debt. Cmd. 1812 (1923).

EFFECTS ON AGRICULTURE.
Professor Harris.

Supply, demand, prices, etc.

Assignment:

Clark, J. M., The Costs of the War, Ch. 15, pp. 227-35.

Important suggestions:

Black, J. D., “The Effect of the War on Agriculture,” Proceedings, 1940, pp. 54-60.

Other suggestions:

Bernhardt, J., “Government Control of Sugar during the War,” Q.J.E., Vol. 33, pp. 672 et seq; “Transition of Control of Sugar to Competitive Conditions,” ibid., Vol. 34, pp. 720 et seq.

Eldred, W., “the Wheat and Flour Trade under Food Administration,” Q.J.E., Vol. 33, pp. 1 et seq.

Hibbard, B. H., Effects of the Great War upon Agriculture in the United States and Great Britain.

Reconstruction Committee, Agricultural Policy, Cmd. 9079, (1918).

Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies, First Report, Cmd. 1544 (1921).

Weeks 8-9 (Mar. 25-29)
PUBLIC FINANCE.
Professor Burbank.

Methods of Financing a war: Borrowing vs. taxes; tax policies, distribution of burden; management of public debt.

Assignment:

Bullock, C. J., “Financing the War,” Q.J.E., Vol. 31, pp. 357 et seq.

Clark, J. M., The Costs of the World War to the American People, Chs. 5-8, pp. 69-118.

Keynes, J. M., “The Income and Fiscal Potential of Great Britain,” E.J., 1939, pp. 626-35.

Pigou, A. C., Political Economy of War, pp. 71-112.

Important suggestions:

Clapham, J. H., “Loans and Subsidies in Times of War, 1793-1914,” E.J., 1917, pp. 493-501.

Edgeworth, Currency and Finance in Time of War.

Foxwell, H. S., Papers on Current Finance, pp. 1-33.

Great Britain Select Committee on National Expenditures, Reports 1917-22, Present and Pre-War Expenditures, Cmd. 802 (1920).

Keynes, J. M., Monetary Reform, Ch. II, pp. 46-81.

Keynes, J. M., Essays in Persuasion, Part I, pp. 3-76.

“Report of Committee on War Finance of the American Economic Association, A.E.R., Supplement, 1919, pp. 1-128.

Other suggestions:

Bogart, E. L., Direct and Indirect Costs of the Great World War (1919).

Fraser, Sir D., “The Maturing Debt,” R.S.J., 1921.

Jeze, G., and Truchy, H., The War Finance of France.

Mallet and George, British Budgets 1913-21.

May, G. O., “Economic Effects of Tax Policy in Peace and War,” Proceedings, 1940, pp. 61-68.

Moulton and Pasvolsky, World War Debt Settlements, pp. 1-425.

Noyes, A.D., The War Period of American Finance, Ch. IV, pp. 162-214.

Rogers, J. H., The Process of Inflation in France, Ch. V., pp. 48-88.

Silberling, N. J., “Financial and Monetary Policy of Great Britain during Napoleonic Wars,” Q.J.E., Vol. 38, pp. 214 et seq., 397 et seq.

Speier, H., and Kahler, A., War in Our Times, Chs. 8-11, pp. 171-245.

Sprague, O. M. W., “Conscription of Income,” E.J., 1917, pp. 1-25.

Stamp, J., Taxation during the War.

Warren, R., “War Financing and Its Economic Effects,” Proceedings, 1940, pp. 69-76.

EFFECTS OF WAR ON DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME AND WEALTH
Professor Crum

Assignment: Read two of the following:

Allen, J. E., “Some Changes in Distribution of National Income during War,” R.S.J., 1920.

Clark, J. M., The Costs of the Great War to the American People, Chs. 10-12, pp. 150-80.

Ezekiel, M., “An Annual Estimate of Savings by Individuals,” R.E.S., 1937, pp. 178-191.

Keynes, J. M., Tract on Monetary Reform, Chs. 1 (Consequences to Society of Changes in Value of Money), pp. 3-45.

Samuel, H., “Taxation of Various Classes of People,” R.S.J., 1919.

Select Committee on Increase of Wealth, Proceedings, Evidence, Appendices, H.C. 102 (1920).

Important suggestions:

Mitchell, W., C., Income in the United States (1921).

Other suggestions:

Bowley, A. L., “Measurement of Changes in Cost of Living,” R.S.J., 1919.

Leven, M., Moulton, and Warburton, America’s Capacity to Consume (1934), Chs. I-IX.

Stamp, J., Wealth and Taxable Capacity, pp. 1-191.

Week 10 (April 15-18)
EFFECTS ON LABOR.
Professor Slichter.

Trade unionism; money and real wages and employment.

Assignment:

International Labour Review, November 1939: Articles on “Labour in War Times,” pp. 589-615, 654-687.

Monthly Labour Review, October, 1939: “American Labour in World War,” pp. 785-95.

Slichter, S. H., Economic Factors Affecting Industrial Relations Policy in War Period (Industrial Relations Counselors), 32 pp.

Robinson, E. A. G., “Wage Policy in War Time,” E.J., 1939, pp. 640-55.

Important suggestions:

Cannan, E., “Industrial Unreset,” E.J., 1917, pp. 453-70.

Makower, H., and Robinson, H. W., “Labour Potential in War-Time,” E. J., 1939, pp. 656-662.

Other suggestions:

Bowley, Arthur L., Prices and Wages in the United Kingdom (Oxford, 1921).

Cole, G. D. H., Trade Unionism and Munitions.

Cole, G. D. H., Self-Government in Industry (1918).

Douglas, P., Real Wages in the United States (selected parts).

Gompers, Samuel, American Labor and the War (1919).

Hammond, M. B., British Labor Conditions and Legislation during the War (1919).

Hanna, Hugh S., and Lauck, W. Jett, Wages and the War (1918).

Industrial Unrese, Cmd. 8696 (1917-18).

Kirkaldy, A. N., ed., British Association for Advancement of Science: Labour, Finance and War (1917).

Lescohier, Don D. The Labor Market (1919), Part II.

Lorwin, Lewis L., The American Federation of Labor, Part III.

National Industrial Conference Board, Changes in Wages, September, 1914 to March, 1920.

National Industrial Conference Board, Problems of Labor and Industry in Great Britain, France and Italy (1919).

Proceedings, 1918-1920, “War Labor Policies and Reconstruction,” pp. 139-358.

Speier, H., and Kahler, A., War in Our Times, Ch. 12, pp. 245-269.

United States Council of National Defense, An Analysis of the High Cost of Living Problem.

United States Council of National Defense, Shortage of Skilled Mechanics (1918).

United States Department of Labor, Bulletins No. 244 and 257. Labor Legislation of 1917 and 1918.

United States Department of Labor, History of the Shipbuilding Labor Adjustment Board, 1917 to 1919.

United States Department of Labor, Reports 1918-1921.

United States Department of Labor, The New Position of Women in American Industry (1920).

United States Department of Labor, Industrial Efficiency and Fatigue in British Munition Factories.

United States Railroad Administration, Report of the Railroad Wage Commission.

Watkins, Gordon S., Labor Problems and Labor Administration in the United States during the World War (1919).

Webb, Sidney, The Restoration of Trade Union Conditions (B. W. Huebsch, 1917).

Wolman, L., Ebb and Flow of Trade Unionism, Chs. 2-3, pp. 15-32.

Wolman, L., Growth of American Trade Unions 1880-1923, Chs. 3-4, pp. 67-97.

Weeks 11-12 (April 22-)
TRANSITION TO PEACE (an attempt at integration).
Professor Harris.

Problems of costs, prices, money, international trade, public debt and taxation, wages, employment and output, agriculture and the distribution of the burden.

Assignment:

Bresciani-Turoni, The Economics of Inflation, Ch. X (Stabilization Crisis), pp. 359-98.

Clapham, J. H., “Europe after the Great Wars, 1816-1920”, E. J., 1920, pp. 423-36.

Pigou, A. C., Political Economy of War, pp. 161-182, 189-238.

Stamp, J., Financial Aftermath of War, Chs. I-III, V, pp. 9-88, 117-37.

Important suggestions:

Committee on National Debt and Taxation (Colwyn) Report.

Hawtrey, R. G., Monetary Reconstruction, pp. 55-91, 122-175.

Keynes, J. M., Economic Consequences of Peace.

Report of Committee on National Debt and Taxation, pp. 233-246 (Burden of Debt), 246-297 (Capital Levy), 297-351 (Taxes and Debt Redemption)

Scott, W. R., Economic Problems of Peace after War. Second Series.

Other suggestions:

Bonn, M. J., Stabilisation of Mark (1922).

League of Nations, Austria Financial Reconstruction, Summary Report 1926.

Macrosty, H. W., “Inflation and Deflation in the United States and United Kingdom 1919-23,” R. S. J., 1927.

Moulton and Pasovolvsky, World War Debt Settlements (Brookings).

Snowden, P., Labour and national Finance.

Stamp, J., Current Problems I Finance and Government, Ch. XI (The Capital Levy), pp. 227-71.

READING PERIOD.
Read one of the following:

Committee on National Debt and Taxation (Colwyn) Report.

Graham, F., Exchanges, Prices, etc. in Germany.

Hawtrey, Monetary Reconstruction.

Keynes, Economic Consequences of Peace.

Mitchell, W., Income in the United States (1921).

Moulton and Pasvolvsky. World War Debt Settlements.

Rogers, Process of Inflation in France, 1914-27.

Scott, W. R., Economic Problems of Peace after War, Second Series.

Speier, H., and Kahler, A., War in Our Times.

Stamp, J., Wealth and Taxable Capacity.

Source: Harvard University Archives. Syllabi, course outlines and reading lists in Economics, 1895-2003. HUC 8522.2.1 Box 2, Folder “Economics, 1939-40 (1 of 2)”.

Image Source: Seymour E. Harris from Harvard Class Album 1942.

Tags Burbank, Crum, Hansen, Harris, Mason, Schumpeter, Slichter, SweezyP, Williams

Exam Questions Fields Harvard Statistics Suggested Reading

Harvard. General Exam Preparation for Statistics, 1947

Post author By Irwin Collier
Post date 2017-01-20

______________________

April 1, 1947

SUGGESTIONS FOR PREPARATION IN THE GENERAL FIELD OF STATISTICS

Work in the two courses, Economics 121a and 121b, is in almost all cases an essential core of the preparation of the field of Statistics for General Examinations (requirements for the Special Field differ substantially), but such work does not constitute sufficient preparation. A considerable volume of additional reading is recommended, and Sections II and III below give certain pertinent suggestions; but candidates who wish to make other selections should submit their choices for the approval of one of the undersigned.

I. Foundation Theory

For statistical theory as such, a thorough knowledge of the work—in the classroom and in reading assignments—of Economics 121a is ordinarily adequate preparation. The main reading assignments in that course are:

C. U. Yule and M. G. Kendall—An Introduction to the Theory of Statistics, 1937 edition, entire book beginning with Chapter 6;

D. C. Jones—A First Course in Statistics, specified chapters on curve fitting and sampling;

W. P. Elderton-Frequency Curves and Correlation, specified portions on curve fitting and correlation;

but candidates should be prepared as well in the other assigned readings.

II. and III. Statistics Applied to Economics

Suggestions under heads II and III aim at giving the candidate an intensive acquaintance with (a) the applied statistical work of three specific authors, and (b) the applied statistical work in some particular economic area. Candidates who, in undertaking to meet these two requirements, select books or memoirs customarily treated in Economics 121b should understand that a more complete and intensive knowledge of such items is expected in the General Field than in 121b. In respect to each of these readings the candidate will be expected to know the contributions to statistical methodology in that item of reading, to have a critical appraisal of the statistical procedure used, and to know the importance and validity of the results for economic analysis.

The items listed below are merely suggestions; candidates may offer substitute readings for the approval of one of the undersigned.

II. Authors in Applied Statistics

In this section, no elementary statistics textbook is acceptable, nor will the classic Bulletin No. 284, U.S.B.L.S., by W. C. Mitchell, be accepted. Knowledge of these is taken for granted. For any author selected below, some book or extensive memoir presenting an application of statistics to economic problems is intended; but in no case should any item here be identical with one chosen under III below. Each candidate should select three authors.

Suggested Examples:

Sir Wm. Beveridge, Wheat Prices and Rainfall in Western Europe

A. L. Bowley, Wages and income in the United Kingdom since 1860

A.F. Burns, Production Trends

A. F. Burns and Wesley C. Mitchell, Measuring Business Cycles – (certain portions may be omitted; see the note at the end of this memorandum.)

W. L. Crum, Corporate Size and Earning Power

*E. E. Day, The Physical Volume of Production

Paul Douglas, Real Wages in the United States

Ralph Epstein, Industrial Profits

Mordecai Ezekiel, Methods of Correlation Analysis

Solomon Fabricant, Output of Manufacturing Industries

Solomon Fabricant, Employment in Manufacturing, 1899 -1939

*Irving Fisher, Making of Index Numbers

Edwin Frickey, Economic Fluctuations in the United States

Ralph G. Hurlin and W. A. Berridge, Employment Statistics for the United States

Simon Kuznets, Commodity Flow and Capital Formation

Simon Kuznets, National Income and its Composition (Vol. 1)

Simon Kuznets, Secular Movements

Wassily Leontief, Quantitative Input and Output Relations

F. C. Mills, Behavior of Prices

*W. C. Mitchell, Business Cycles—1927 ed. (statistical portions)

*W. M. Persons, Construction of Index Numbers (pp. 1-44)

*W. M. Persons, Indices of General Business Condition

Henry Schultz, The Theory and Measurement of Demand (statistical portions)

*Henry Schultz, Statistical Laws of Demand and Supply (the first part, on demand)

J. A. Schumpeter, Business Cycles, Vol. 1 (with emphasis on statistical portions)

Carl Snyder, Business Cycles and Business Measurements

Woodlief Thomas, et al., The Federal Reserve Index of Industrial Production, Federal Reserve Bulletin for August 1940, pp. 753-771; September 1940, pp. 912-924; July 1942, pp. 642-644; October 1943, pp. 940-984.

III. Statistical Studies in a Single Economic Field

The object of this section is to guide the candidate in studying statistical investigations of more than one author in some one economic subject. The candidate should choose one such subject, and have and intensive knowledge of the statistical work in that subject, or two or more leading authors. Comparisons among such authors will constitute a part of the requirement.

Suggested Examples

Index Numbers: *Fisher, Making of Index Numbers; * Persons, Construction of Index Numbers; (also, look briefly at Frickey, The Theory of Index-Number Bias, Review of Economic Statistics, November 1937.)

Secular Growth of Output: Burns, Production Trends; Fabricant, Output of Manufacturing Industries

Cycles, I: *Mitchell, Business Cycles (1927); Burns and Mitchell, Measuring Business Cycles (certain portion of this book may be omitted; see the note at end of this memorandum).

Cycles, II: *Persons, Indices of Business Conditions; Schumpeter, Business Cycles, Vol. 1

Multiple Correlation: Ezekiel, Methods of Correlation Analysis; Black et al., The Short-Cut Graphic Method of Multiple Correlations, Quarterly Journal of Economics, November 1937, pp. 66-112, and February 1940, pp. 318-364.

Employment: Fabricant, Employment in Manufacturing, 1899 – 1939; Hurlin and Berridge, Employment Statistics for the United States

Profits: Epstein, Industrial Profits; Crum, Corporate Size and Earning Power

Wages: Brissenden, Earnings of Factory Workers; Douglas, Real Wages in the United States

Prices: Mills, Behavior of Prices; Warren and Pearson, Prices (or Gold and Prices).

Distribution of Income: Brookings Report, America’s Capacity to Consume; Lough, High-Level Consumption

N.B. OF THE FIVE BOOKS CHOSEN UNDER II AND III, NOT MORE THAN FOUR MAY BE BOOKS WHICH ARE MARKED WITH A STAR (*) IN THE LISTS ABOVE.

Each candidate should submit his program, well in advance, for the approval of one of the undersigned:

L. W. Crum
Edwin Frickey

Source: Harvard University Archives. Syllabi, course outlines and reading lists in Economics, 1895-2003. Box 4, Folder “Economics, 1946-47”.

Image Source: Crum and Frickey in Harvard Class Album, 1942 and 1950.

Tags Crum, Frickey

Economists Harvard

Harvard. 24 Ph.D. candidates examined 1926-27

Post author By Irwin Collier
Post date 2016-07-30

In one box at the Harvard Archives (Harvard University/Examinations for the Ph.D. [HUC7000.70]), I found an incomplete run of published Ph.D. examination announcements for the Division of History and Political Science [later Division of History, Government, and Economics] from 1903-04 through 1926-27. Earlier I transcribed the announcement for 1915-16. Today’s posting gives us (1) the date of the scheduled general or special Ph.D. examinations (2) the names of the examination committee (3) the subjects of the general examination, and (4) the academic history of the examinees for two dozen economics Ph.D. candidates examined during the academic year 1926-27.

The largest shadows cast by members of this cohort belong to the (later) Harvard economics professor Edward H. Chamberlin and the co-author of The Modern Corporation and Private Property, Gardiner C. Means. Laughlin Currie and Harry Dexter White also belonged to this cohort of examinees.

Fun fact: Richard Vincent Gilbert was the father of Walter Myron Gilbert, Nobel laureate in Chemistry, 1980.

________________________________________

DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS

EXAMINATIONS FOR THE DEGREE OF PH.D.
1926-27

Notice of hour and place will be sent out three days in advance of each examination.
The hour will ordinarily be 4 p.m.

James Ackley Maxwell.

Special Examination in Economics, Monday, October 25, 1926.
General Examination passed, October 30, 1923.
Academic History: Dalhousie University, 1919-21; Harvard College, 1921-23; Harvard Graduate School, 1923-27. B.A., Dalhousie, 1921; A.M., Harvard, 1923. Assistant Professor of Economics, Clark University, 1925-.
General Subjects: 1. Money and Banking. 2. Economic Theory and its History. 3. Economic History to 1750. 4. Statistics. 5. History of Political Theory. 6. Public Finance.
Special Subject: Public Finance.
Committee: Professors Bullock (chairman), Burbank, A. H. Cole, and Usher.
Thesis Subject: A Financial History of Nova Scotia, 1848-99. (With Professor Bullock.)
Committee on Thesis: Professors Bullock, Burbank, and Usher.

Kan Lee.

Special Examination in Economics, Thursday, October 28, 1926.
General Examination passed, January 6, 1926.
Academic History: Tsing Hua College, China, 1917-20; University of Missouri, 1920-22; University of Chicago, summer of 1921; Harvard Graduate School, 1922-27. B.J., Missouri, 1922; A.B., ibid., 1922; A.M., Harvard, 1924
General Subjects: 1. Economic Theory. 2. Money, Banking, and Crises. 3. Public Finance. 4. International Trade and Tariff Problems. 5. History of the Far East. 6. Socialism and Social Reconstruction.
Special Subject: Socialism and Social Reconstruction.
Committee: Professors Carver (chairman), James Ford, Mason, and Young.
Thesis Subject: British Socialists: Their Concept of Capital. (With Professor Carver.)
Committee on Thesis: Professors Carver, Mason, and Young.

Donald Wood Gilbert.

General Examination in Economics, Friday, October 29, 1926.
Committee: Professors Young (chairman), Crum, Gay, McIlwain, and Williams.
Academic History: University of Rochester, 1917-21; Harvard Graduate School, 1923-25. A.B., Rochester, 1921; M.A., ibid., 1923. Assistant in Economics, Harvard, 1924-25; Instructor in Economics, Rochester, 1925-.
General Subjects: 1. Economic Theory and its History. 2. Economic History since 1750. 3. Statistical Method and its Application. 4. History of Political Theory. 5. International Trade and Tariff Policy. 6. Commercial Crises.
Special Subject: Commercial Crises.
Thesis Subject: Undecided.

Arthur William Marget.

Special Examination in Economics, Thursday, January 20, 1927.
General Examination passed, May 24, 1923..
Academic History: Harvard College, 1916-20; Cambridge University, England, fall term, 1920; London School of Economics, winter term 1920-21, University of Berlin, summer term 1921; Harvard Graduate School, 1921-27 A.B., Harvard, 1920; A.M., ibid., 1921. Assistant in Economics, Harvard, 1923-27.
General Subjects: 1. Economic Theory and its History. 2. Socialism and Social Reform. 3. Public Finance. 4. Statistical Method and its Application. 5. American History since 1789. 6. Money, Banking, and Crises.
Special Subject: Money and Banking.
Committee: Professors Young (chairman), A.H. Cole, Taussig, and Williams.
Thesis Subject: The Loan Fund: A pecuniary approach to the problem of the determination of the rate of interest.. (With Professor Young.)
Committee on Thesis: Professors Young, Taussig, and Williams.

Richard Vincent Gilbert.

General Examination in Economics, Wednesday, February 9, 1927.
Committee: Professors Young (chairman), Crum, Monroe, Usher, and Woods.
Academic History: University of Pennsylvania, 1919-20; Harvard College, 1920-23; Harvard Graduate School, 1923-. B.S., Harvard, 1923; M.A., Harvard, 1925. Assistant in Economics, Harvard, 1923-.
General Subjects: 1. Economic Theory and its History. 2. Money and Banking. 3. Statistics. 4. Economic History since 1776. 5. History of Ancient Philosophy. 6. Theory of International Trade.
Special Subject: Theory of International Trade.
Thesis Subject: Theory of International Trade. (With Professor Taussig.)

Melvin Gardner deChazeau.

General Examination in Economics, Monday, February 21, 1927.
Committee: Professors Taussig (chairman), A.H. Cole, Crum, Demos, and Young.
Academic History: University of Washington, 1921-25; Harvard Graduate School, 1925-. A.B., Washington, 1924; M.A., ibid., 1925. Instructor and Tutor, Harvard, 1926-27.
General Subjects: 1. Economic Theory and its History. 2. Economic History since 1750. 3. Statistics. 4. Money and Banking. 5. Ethics. 6. Regulation of Public Utilities.
Special Subject: Regulation of Public Utilities.
Thesis Subject: Undecided.

Donald Milton Erb.

General Examination in Economics, Friday, February 25, 1927.
Committee: Professors Carver (chairman), Burbank, Gay, Morison, and Williams.
Academic History: University of Illinois, 1918-22, 1923-25; Harvard Graduate School. 1925-. S.B., Illinois, 1922; S.M., ibid., 1924. Assistant in Economics, Illinois, 1923-25.
General Subjects: 1. Economic Theory. 2. Economic History since 1750. 3. Sociology. 4. Public Finance. 5. American History since 1789. 6. Transportation.
Special Subject: Transportation.
Thesis Subject: Railroad Abandonments and Additions in the United States since 1920. (With Professor Ripley.)

Douglass Vincent Brown.

General Examination in Economics, Wednesday, March 2, 1927.
Committee: Professors Taussig (chairman), Bullock, Ford, Persons and Schlesinger.
Academic History: Harvard College, 1921-25; Harvard Graduate School, 1925-. A.B., Harvard, 1925; A.M., ibid., 1926.
General Subjects: 1. Economic Theory and its History. 2. Statistics. 3. Sociology. 4. Money, Banking, and Crises. 5. American History since 1789. 6. Labor Problems.
Special Subject: Labor Problems.
Thesis Subject: Restriction of Output. (With Professors Taussig and Ripley.)

Mark Anson Smith.

Special Examination in Economics, Friday, April 8, 1927.
General Examination passed, May 11, 1916.
Academic History: Dartmouth College, 1906-10; University of Wisconsin, 1911-14; Harvard Graduate School, 1915-17. A.B., Dartmouth, 1910; A.M., Wisconsin, 1913. Instructor in Economics at Simmons College, 1916-17.
General Subjects: 1. Economic Theory and its History. 2. Economic History since 1750. 3. Money, Banking, and Crises. 4. Economics of Corporations. 5. American Government and Constitutional Law.
Special Subject: Public Finance.
Committee: Professors Taussig (chairman), Bullock, Usher, and Williams.
Thesis Subject: Economic Aspects of the Duties on Wool, with special reference to the period, 1912-1924. (With Professor Bullock.)
Committee on Thesis: Professors Taussig, A. H. Cole, and Usher.

Lauchlin Bernard Currie.

General Examination in Economics, Monday, April 11, 1927.
Committee: Professors Young (chairman), Burbank, A.H. Cole, Usher, and Wright.
Academic History: St. Francis Zavier College, 1921-22; London School of Economics, 1922-25; Harvard Graduate School, 1925-. B.Sc., London, 1925.
General Subjects: 1. Economic Theory. 2. Economic History since 1750. 3. Public Finance. 4. International Trade and Tariff Policy. 5. History of Political Theory. 6. Money, Banking, and Crises.
Special Subject: Money, Banking, and Crises.
Thesis Subject: Monetary History of Canada, 1914-26. (With Professor Young.)

Harry Dexter White.

General Examination in Economics, Thursday, April 14, 1927.
Committee: Professors Taussig (chairman), Dewing, Elliott, Monroe, and Usher.
Academic History: Columbia University, 1921-23; Stanford University, 1924-25; Harvard Graduate School, 1925-. A.B., Stanford, 1924; A.M., ibid., 1925. Instructor in Economics, Harvard, 1926-.
General Subjects: 1. Economic Theory and its History. 2. Money, Banking, and Crises. 3. Economic History since 1750. 4. Economics of Corporations. 5. History of Political Theory. 6. International Trade .
Special Subject: International Trade.
Thesis Subject: Foreign Trade of France. (With Professor Taussig.)

Margaret Randolph Gay.

General Examination in Economics, Friday, April 15, 1927.
Committee: Professors Usher (chairman), A.H. Cole, McIlwain, Taussig, and Young.
Academic History: Radcliffe College, 1918-22, 1922-23, 1925-. A.B., Radcliffe, 1922; A.M., ibid., 1923.
General Subjects: 1. Economic Theory. 2. Money, Banking, and Crises. 3. International Trade. 4. Economic History after 1750. 5. Political Theory. 6. English Economic History before 1750.
Special Subject: English Economic History, 1485-1750.
Thesis Subject: The Statute of Artificers, 1563-1811. (With Professor Gay.)

(Mary) Gertrude Brown.

General Examination in Economics, Thursday, April 28, 1927.
Committee: Professors Gay (chairman), Elliott, Taussig, Williams, and Young.
Academic History: Mount Holyoke College, 1920-24; Columbia University, summer of 1924; Radcliffe College, 1924-. A.B., Mount Holyoke, 1924; A.M., Radcliffe, 1926. Assistant in Economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1924-26. Tutor, Bryn Mawr Summer School, 1926.
General Subjects: 1. Economic Theory. 2. International Trade and Tariff Policy. 3. Money, Banking, and Crises. 4. Comparative Modern Government. 5. Labor Problems. 6. Economic History since 1750.
Special Subject: Economic History since 1750.
Thesis Subject: The History of the American Silk Industry. (With Professor Gay.)

Eric Englund.

General Examination in Economics, Monday, May 2, 1927.
Committee: Professors Bullock (chairman), Black, Dickinson, Usher, and Young.
Academic History: Oregon Agricultural College, 1914-18; University of Oregon, summers of 1915, 1916, and 1917; University of Wisconsin, 1919-21; University of Chicago, summer of 1920; Harvard Graduate School, 1926-. B.S., Oregon Agricultural College, 1918; A.B., University of Oregon, 1919; M.S., Wisconsin, 1920. Professor of Agricultural Economics, Kansas State Agricultural College, 1921-26.
General Subjects: 1. Economic Theory and its History. 2. Money, Banking, and Crises. 3. Economics of Agriculture. 4. Economic History since 1750. 5. History of Political Theory. 6. Public Finance.
Special Subject: Public Finance.
Thesis Subject: Studies in Taxation in Kansas. (With Professor Bullock.)

Walter Edwards Beach.

General Examination in Economics, Wednesday, May 4, 1927.
Committee: Professors Young (chairman), Baxter, A.H. Cole, Dewing, and Williams.
Academic History: State College of Washington, 1919-20; Stanford University, 1920-22; 1923-24, Harvard Graduate School, 1925-26. A.B., Stanford, 1922; A.M., Harvard, 1926. Instructor in Economics, Bowdoin, 1926-.
General Subjects: 1. Economic Theory and its History. 2. Economics of Corporations. 3. International Trade and Tariff Policy. 4. Economic History since 1750. 5. American History since 1789. 6. Money, Banking, and Crises.
Special Subject: Money, Banking, and Crises.
Thesis Subject: International Gold Movements in Relation to Business Cycles. (With Professor Young.)

Ram Ganesh Deshmukh.

Special Examination in Economics, Thursday, May 5, 1927.
General Examination passed, May 13, 1926.
Academic History: Wilson College, India, 1912-17; Bombay University Law School, 1917-20; Harvard Graduate School, 1922-27. B.A., Bombay University, 1917; LL.B., ibid., 1920; A.M., Harvard, 1924.
General Subjects: 1. Economic Theory and its History. 2. Economic History since 1750. 3. Economics of Agriculture. 4. Sociology. 5. History of Political Theory. 6. Public Finance.
Special Subject: Public Finance.
Committee: Professors Bullock (chairman), Burbank, A.H. Cole, and Williams.
Thesis Subject: State Highways in Massachusetts. (With Professor Bullock.)
Committee on Thesis: Professors Bullock (chairman), Burbank, and A.H. Cole.

Charles Donald Jackson.

General Examination in Economics, Thursday, May 5, 1927.
Committee: Professors Young (chairman), Black, Crum, Merk, and Taussig.
Academic History: Leland Stanford Junior University, 1915-16; Northwestern University, 1916-17, 1919-21; University of Wisconsin, summer of 1920 and 1921; Harvard Graduate School, 1921-22, 1924-. S.B., Northwestern, 1920; M.B.A., ibid., 1921; A.M., Harvard, 1925.
General Subjects: 1. Economic Theory and its History. 2. Agricultural Economics. 3. International Trade and Tariff Policy. 4. Statistics. 5. American History since 1789. 6. Money, Banking, and Crises.
Special Subject: Money, Banking, and Crises.
Thesis Subject: Agricultural Credit. (With Professor Young.)

Elmer Joseph Working.

General Examination in Economics, Friday, May 6, 1927.
Committee: Professors Carver (chairman), Crum, Morison, Williams, and Young.
Academic History: University of Denver, 1916-17, 1918-19; George Washington University, 1917-18; University of Arizona, 1919-21; Iowa State College, 1921-23; University of Minnesota, 1922-23, second half-year; Brookings Graduate School, 1924-25; Harvard Graduate School, 1925-26. B.S., Arizona, 1921; M.S., Iowa, 1922. Assistant professor of Economics, University of Minnesota, 1926-27.
General Subjects: 1. Economic Theory and its History. 2. Statistical Method and its Application. 3. Money, Banking, and Crises. 4. International Trade and Tariff Policy. 5. American History since 1789. 6. Economics of Agriculture.
Special Subject: Economics of Agriculture.
Thesis Subject: The Orderly Marketing of Grain. (With Professor Taussig.)

Gardiner Coit Means.

General Examination in Economics, Thursday, May 12, 1927.
Committee: Professors Williams (chairman), Baxter, A.H. Cole, Dewing, and Gay.
Academic History: Harvard College, 1914-18; Harvard Graduate School, 1925-. A.B., Harvard, 1918.
General Subjects: 1. Economic Theory. 2. International Trade and Tariff Policy. 3. Economics of Corporations. 4. Economic History since 1750. 5. American History since 1789. 6. Money, Banking, and Crises.
Special Subject: Money, Banking, and Crises.
Thesis Subject: Fluctuations in New England’s Balance of Trade. (With Professor Williams.)

Bishop Carleton Hunt.

Special Examination in Economics, Friday, May 13, 1927.
Committee: Professors Young (chairman), W.M. Cole, Gay, McIlwain, and Williams.
Academic History: Boston University, 1916-20; Harvard Graduate School, 1925-27, summers of 1921, 1922, 1923, 1924, and 1925. B.B.A., Boston University, 1920; A.M., Harvard, 1926. Professor of Commerce, Dalhousie University, 1920-; Lecturer in Economics, Nova Scotia Technical College, 1920-23.
General Subjects: 1. Economic Theory. 2. Economic History since 1750. 3. International Trade. 4. Accounting. 5. History of Political Theory. 6. Money and Banking.
Special Subject: Money and Banking.
Thesis Subject: Underwriting Syndicates and the Supply of Capital. (With Professor Young.)

Edward Hastings Chamberlin.

Special Examination in Economics, Friday, May 20, 1927.
General Examination passed, May 22, 1924.
Academic History: State University of Iowa, 1916-20; University of Michigan, 1920-22; Harvard Graduate School, 1922-27. B.S., Iowa, 1920; M.A., Michigan, 1922. Instructor in Economics, Iowa, summer of 1921. Assistant in economics, Harvard, 1922-. Tutor in Economics, ibid., 1924-27.
General Subjects: 1. Economic Theory and its History. 2. Statistics. 3. Accounting. 4. Economic History. 5. History of Political Theory. 6. Modern Theories of Value and Distribution.
Special Subject: Modern Theories of Value and Distribution.
Committee: Professors Young (chairman), Monroe, Taussig, and Williams.
Thesis Subject: The Theory of Monopolistic Competition. (With Professor Young.)
Committee on Thesis: Professors Young, Carver, and Taussig.

Christopher Roberts.

Special Examination in Economics, Monday, May 23, 1927.
General Examination passed, April 3, 1925.
Academic History: Haverford College, 1916-18, 1919-21; Harvard Graduate School, 1921-27. S.B., Haverford, 1921; A.M., Harvard, 1922. Assistant in Economics, Harvard 1922-25; Tutor in Economics, ibid., 1925-27.
General Subjects: 1. Economic Theory and its History. 2. International Trade and Finance. 3. Statistics. 4. International Law. 5. Public Finance. 6. Economic History since 1750.
Special Subject: Economic History since 1750.
Committee: Professors Gay (chairman), Burbank, A.H. Cole, and Usher.
Thesis Subject: The History of the Middlesex Canal. (With Professor Gay.)
Committee on Thesis: Professors Gay, A.H. Cole, and Cunningham.

Clayton Crowell Bayard.

General Examination in Economics, Wednesday, May 25, 1927.
Committee: Professors Carver (chairman), James Ford, Hanford, Taussig, and Usher.
Academic History: University of Maine, 1918-22; Harvard Graduate School, 1924-. A.B., Maine, 1922; A.M., Harvard, 1925. Assistant in Social Ethics, Harvard, 1925-26; Tutor in Social Ethics, ibid., 1926-27.
General Subjects: 1. Economic Theory and its History. 2. Economic History before 1750. 3. Socialism and Social Reform. 4. American Labor Problems. 5. Municipal Government. 6. Sociology.
Special Subject: Sociology and Social Problems.
Thesis Subject: Undecided.

Dorothy Carolin Bacon.

General Examination in Economics, Thursday, May 26, 1927.
Committee: Professors Persons (chairman), Carver, Crum, Gay and Holcombe.
Academic History: Simmons College, 1918-19; Radcliffe College, 1919-22, 1923-24, 1926-. A.B., Radcliffe, 1922; A.M., ibid., 1924. Assistant in Economics, Vassar College, 1924-25. Instructor in Economics, ibid., 1925-26.
General Subjects: 1. Economic Theory. 2. Sociology. 3. History of Political Theory. 4. Statistics. 5. Economic History. 6., Money, Banking and Crises.
Special Subject: Money, Banking and Crises.
Thesis Subject: A Study of the Dispersion of Wholesale Commodity Prices, 1890-1896. (With Professor Persons.)

Source: Harvard University Archives. Harvard University, Examinations for the Ph.D. (HUC 7000.70), Folder “Examinations for the Ph.D., 1926-1927”.

Image Source: Photo of Emerson Hall (1905). Harvard Album, 1920.

Tags BaconDC, Baxter, BayardCC, Beach, BlackJD, BrownMG, Bullock, Burbank, Carver, Chamberlin, ColeAH, Crum, Currie, deChazeau, Demos, Deshmukh, Dewing, Dickinson, Elliott, Englund, Erb, Ford, Gay, GayMR, GilbertDW, GilbertVG, Hanford, Holcombe, HuntBC, JacksonCD, LeeK, Marget, Mason, Maxwell, Mcilwaine, MeansGC, Merk, Monroe, Morison, Persons, Ripley, RobertsC, SmithMA, Taussig, Usher, White, Williams, Woods, WorkingEJ, Wright, Young

Courses Curriculum Harvard

Harvard. Mathematical Economics, 1933-37

Post author By Irwin Collier
Post date 2016-05-11
1 Comment on Harvard. Mathematical Economics, 1933-37

In the Spring of 1933 Joseph Schumpeter got the ball rolling for a project to introduce an introductory course in mathematical economics at Harvard. I include here first a memo from statistics professor W. L. Crum to the economics department chair, Professor H. H. Burbank. This is followed by the subsequent proposal signed by six professors (Burbank, Chamberlin, Crum, Mason, Schumpeter and Taussig), presumably sent to some university level curriculum approval committee. From the enrollment records included below we see that 23 people attended that class in the first term of 1933-34. Starting the following academic year the course was taught by Leontief and a new course “primarily for Graduates”, “Mathematical Economics”, was introduced by Professor E. B. Wilson. Course descriptions and enrollments through 1936-37 are included in this posting. Here is an interesting 1936 letter from E. B. Wilson to Columbia’s W. C. Mitchell about what Schumpeter has wrought with economics in the curriculum.

An update with additional material for this course has been included in a later post.

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If you find this posting interesting, here is the complete list of “artifacts” from the history of economics I have assembled. You can subscribe to Economics in the Rear-View Mirror below. There is also an opportunity for comment following each posting….

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Memorandum for Professor Burbank

4 April 1933

I discussed, at his request, the mathematical economics project with Professor Schumpeter last Friday. I will give further consideration to his suggestions, and to the conversations I have had with you on the same subject; and then I will write out, for discussion with you, an outline of my thoughts on the matter.

In the meantime, I am making a specific suggestion with reference to one of the points you raised earlier. You indicated that it might be desirable for those officers interested in mathematical economics to get together as a group and discuss prospects. As things are developing rapidly it seems to me that such a committee (perhaps informal) could well be set up promptly. I hope you will feel that you can meet with the group and act as its chairman. If you cannot, I suggest Professor Schumpeter be asked to head the group. I suggest that its members include also: Professor Black (I think it very desirable that he be brought in early), Professor Wilson, and me. I think it well that this original group be empowered to add shortly the following: Professor Frickey, Dr. Leontief, and Professor Chamberlin (or one of the other interested younger men).

[Signed]
WLC

Source: Harvard University Archives. Department of Economics, Correspondence & Papers, 1902-1950. (UAV.349.10) Box 23, Folder “Course Administration: 1932-37-40”.

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Tentative Proposals for a Course on the Elements of Mathematical Economics to be Given during the Winter Term

The advanced student who is interested in the mathematical aspects of our subject has had in most cases some mathematical training and can be taken care of individually. But something should be done to acquaint a wider circle of less advanced students, or even of beginners, with those fundamental concepts of mathematics which are necessary to understand, say, Marshall’s Appendix and the more important and more accessible parts of the literature of mathematical economics, such as the works of Cournot, Walras, Edgeworth, and a few others. Since the necessary minimum of mathematics can be procured with little expenditure of time and energy, the experiment is proposed of importing this modicum of information to such graduate and undergraduate students as may wish to have it–subject to the approval of tutors in the case of undergraduates.

A half-course two hours a week would meet the case. Since any teaching of mathematics must work with examples if it is to convey any meaning, these examples will be drawn from economic problems. The course, therefore, should not be simply one on “mathematics for economists” but rather on “mathematical theory of economics.” Discussion will cover a number of simple and fundamental problems of economic theory, the mathematical concepts being explained as they present themselves. In the first term the whole venture will be frankly experimental. Coöperation and critique from all members of the economic staff is cordially invited. The final shape of this addition to our offering should, through common effort, be evolved during the next term. The following list is suggested of mathematics subjects with which it is proposed to deal in which seem to be both necessary and sufficient. The economic problems from which, and in connection with which, these mathematical topics are to be developed are merely the time-honored problems of marginal analysis.

(1) The fundamental concepts of analytic geometry, coordinates, transformations, equations of straight-line and curves, tangents, and so forth.

(2) Some fundamental notions of algebra, the theory of equations, forms, matrices, determinants, vectors, and vectorial operations.

(3) The concept of the integral and some of its applications, definite integrals, multiple integrals, and multiple integrals in polar coordinates.

(4) Functions and limits, differential coefficients, the elementary differential operations, maxima and minima, partial differentiations, developments, Taylor series.

(5) Simplest elements of the theory of differential equations. Functional equations and here and there some simple and useful tools from other mathematical fields as occasions may arise.

The course should be open to all who are interested, and participation of those wishing to follow it as auditors will be welcomed. It is highly desirable that as many tutors as possible should be present at the sessions of the first experimental term in order to contribute their advice, so that in the future the course may embody those topics and methods of present presentation which are found to be useful.

April 1933

H. H. Burbank
E. H. Chamberlin
W. L. Crum
E. S. Mason
J. A. Schumpeter
F. W. Taussig

Source: Harvard University Archives. Department of Economics, Correspondence & Papers, 1902-1950. (UAV.349.10) Box 23, Folder “Course offerings 1926-1937”.

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1933-1934

[Courses offered]

Economics 8a ¹hf. Introduction to the Mathematical Treatment of Economic Theory

Half-course (first half-year). Mon. 4 to 6, and a third hour at the pleasure of the instructor. Professor Schumpeter, and other members of the Department.

Economics 8a is open to those who have passed Economics A and Mathematics A, or its equivalent. The aim of this course is to acquaint such students as may wish it with the elements of the mathematical technique necessary to understand the simpler contributions to the mathematical theory of Economics.

Source: Harvard University. Announcement of the Courses of Instruction Offered by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences during 1933-34, 2n ed., p. 126.

[Course Enrollment]

[Economics] 8a ¹hf. Professor Schumpeter and other members of the Department. — Introduction to the Mathematical Treatment of Economic Theory.

15 Graduates, 3 Seniors, 5 Instructors. Total 23.

Source: Harvard University. Report of the President of Harvard College and Reports of Departments for 1933-1934, p. 85.

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1934-35

[Courses offered]

Economics 8a ¹hf. Introduction to the Mathematical Treatment of Economic Theory

Half-course (first half-year). Mon. 4 to 6, and a third hour at the pleasure of the instructor. Professor Schumpeter.

Economics A and Mathematics A, or their equivalents, are prerequisites for this course.

Economics 13b ²hf. Mathematical Economics

Half-course (second half-year). Tu., Th., 3 to 4.30. Professor E. B. Wilson.

Arrangements for admission should be made with the Chairman of the Department
Omitted in 1935-36.

Source: Harvard University. Announcement of the Courses of Instruction Offered by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences during 1934-35, 2n ed., p. 126-7.

[Course Enrollments]

[Economics] 8a ¹hf. Professor Schumpeter. — Introduction to the Mathematical Treatment of Economic Theory.

2 Seniors, 1 Junior, 1 Sophomore. Total 4.

[Economics] 13b ²hf. Professor E. B. Wilson. — Mathematical Economics.

2 Graduates, 1 Junior, Total 3.

Source: Harvard University. Report of the President of Harvard College and Reports of Departments for 1934-1935, p. 81.

__________________________________

1935-1936

[Course offered]

Economics 8a ²hf. Introduction to the Mathematical Treatment of Economic Theory

Half-course (second half-year). Mon. 4 to 6. Assistant Professor Leontief.

Economics A and Mathematics A, or their equivalents, are prerequisites for this course.

[Economics 13b ²hf. Mathematical Economics]

Half-course (second half-year). Tu., Th., at 2. Professor E. B. Wilson.

Arrangements for admission should be made with the Chairman of the Department
Omitted in 1935-36.

Source: Harvard University. Announcement of the Courses of Instruction Offered by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences during 1935-36, 2^nd ed., p. 138-9.

[Course Enrollment]

[Economics] 8a ²hf. Professor Leontief. — Introduction to the Mathematical Treatment of Economic Theory.

4 Juniors, 2 Sophomores. Total 6.

Source: Harvard University. Report of the President of Harvard College and Reports of Departments for 1935-1936, p. 82.

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1936-1937

[Courses offered]

Economics 4a ²hf. (formerly 8a) Introduction to the Mathematical Treatment of Economic Theory

Half-course (second half-year). Mon. 4 to 6. Assistant Professor Leontief.

Economics A and Mathematics A, or their equivalents, are prerequisites for this course.

Economics 104b ²hf. (formerly 13b). Mathematical Economics

Half-course (second half-year). Tu., Th., at 2. Professor E. B. Wilson.

Arrangements for admission should be made with the Chairman of the Department

Source: Harvard University. Announcement of the Courses of Instruction Offered by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences during 1936-7, 2^nd ed., p. 140, 142.

[Course Enrollments]

[Economics] 4a ²hf. Professor Leontief. — Introduction to the Mathematical Treatment of Economic Theory.

1 Graduate, 2 Seniors, 3 Juniors, 2 Sophomores, 1 Other. Total 9.

[Economics] 104b ²hf. (formerly 13b) Professor E. B. Wilson. — Mathematical Economics.

2 Graduates. Total 2.

Source: Harvard University. Report of the President of Harvard College and Reports of Departments for 1936-1937, pp. 92,93.

Image Source: Schumpeter, Leontief, Wilson from Harvard Album, 1934, 1939.

Tags Burbank, Chamberlin, Crum, Mason, Schumpeter, Taussig

Courses Harvard Syllabus

Harvard. The Corporation and its Regulation. Course Syllabus. Crum, Mason & Chamberlin, 1934

Post author By Irwin Collier
Post date 2015-11-08

The division of labor among the three professors jointly responsible for this course appears to be according to topic. The accounting business clearly fell to Crum. Why Mason is listed ahead of Chamberlin (seniority? or order of topic within the course) is not explicit. For now I’ll just conjecture that Mason taught the Dewing (i.e. Finance) part of the course and Chamberlin then taught the Berle and Means material. The enrollment numbers indicate it was a popular course (maybe as pre-law or pre-MBA preparation for economics majors?).

More recently added: the final examination questions for the course.

______________________________

[From the Course Catalogue]

Economics 4a ¹hf. The Corporation and its Regulation

Half-course (first half-year). Tu., Th., Sat., at 11. Professor Crum, Associate Professor Mason, and Associate Professor Chamberlin.

Source: Announcement of the Courses of Instruction Offered by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences during 1934—35 (second edition). Official Register of Harvard University, Vol. 31, No. 38 (September 20, 1934), p.126.

______________________________

[Course Enrollment]

4a ¹hf. Professor Crum, Associate Professors Mason and Chamberlin.—The Corporation and its Regulation.

161 Total: 1 Graduate, 52 Seniors, 86 Juniors, 11 Sophomores, 11 Others.

Source: Harvard University Archives, Report of the President of Harvard College and the departments for 1934-35, p. 81.

______________________________

Economics 4a
The Corporation and its Regulation

Reading Assignments, 1934–1935

BOOKS:

S. Baldwin, Modern Political Institutions
Paton and Stevenson, Accounting Principles
A. S. Dewing, Financial Policy of Corporations (1934 edition) [link to 1926 edition]
Berle and Means, The Modern Corporation and Private Property
Bonbright and Means, The Holding Company
Seager and Gulick, Trust and Corporation Problems
J. B. Hubbard, ed., Current Economic Policies

* * * * * * *

October 1-6:	Baldwin, Ch. 6.
October 8-13:	Paton and Stevenson, pp. 1-207 (Omit Ch. 5)
October 15-20:	Paton and Stevenson, Ch. 22.
October 22-17:	Dewing, Book IV, Chs. 7, 8,9.
October 29-November 3:	Dewing, Book III, Chs. 3, 4.
November 5-10:	Dewing, Book I, Chs. 3, 4, 5.
November 12-17:	Dewing, Book V, Ch. 3 and pp. 730-736.
November 19-24:	Berle and Means, Book II, Chs. 1, 2, 3.
November 26-December 1	Berle and Means, Book II, Chs. 5-8, Book IV (complete).
December 3-8:	Bonbright and Means, Chs. 1, 2, 3, 6 (omit Supplment), 13.
December 10-15:	Berle and Means, Book III (complete). Hubbard, pp. 575-610.
December 17-22:	Seager and Gulick, Chs. 25, 27. Hubbard, pp. 110-126.
	* * * * * * *
Reading Period:	Dewing, Book V, Chs. 9, 11, 12; Book VI, Ch. 5. Berle and Means, Book I, Chs. 3, 4. Hubbard, pp. 610-636.

Source: Harvard University Archives. Syllabi, course outlines and reading lists in Economics, 1895-2003 (HUC8522.2.1). Box 2, Folder “1934-1935”.

Image Source: Crum, Mason and Chamberlin from Harvard Album 1934.

Tags Chamberlin, Crum, Mason

Economists Harvard Transcript

Harvard. Graduate Course Record. Thomas Schelling, 1946-49

Post author By Irwin Collier
Post date 2015-10-05

Included in the materials from the 1949-50 hiring search for someone to teach in Columbia College was a mimeographed fact-sheet/transcript for 28 year old Thomas Schelling together with a departmental statement provided by the Chairman of the Harvard Department of Economics, Harold Burbank. I think we can be pretty sure that both items were attached to a letter Burbank sent to Angell dated December 14, 1949 in which Tobin and Schelling were discussed with supporting data (cf. Appendix C in the Hiring Committee’s Report of January 9, 1950 that clearly provides information on Tobin from the same letter).

Interesting to note perhaps is (i) the future Nobel laureate did not get short-listed by the search committee and (ii) “his interest is mainly in the national income, fiscal policy approach” might have been a contemporary euphemism or dog-whistle for “Keynesian economist”.

In any event, I am delighted whenever I find the complete graduate course records of Ph.D.’s. I have filled in the names of the instructors for the respective courses based on the Harvard President’s Reports.

____________________

Thomas Crombie Schelling

Address: Program Division, ECA-OSR [Economic Cooperation Administration, Office of the Special Representative (Administration of the Marshall Plan)], 2 Rue Saint Florentin, Paris, France

Born: April 14, 1921, U.S.

Married: Yes

Degrees:

A.B., 1944, University of California (Highest honors)

A.M., 1948, Harvard University

Experience:

1941-43 American Embassy, Santiago, Chile

1945-46 U. S. Bureau of Budget, Fiscal Division

1946-48 Teaching Fellow, Harvard

1948 Elected to Society of Fellows, resigned September, 1949

1948- ECA, Copenhagen Paris

Courses:

Summer 1946

Ec. 201 (Reading) Satis.

Fall 1946-47

Ec. 103a (Adv. theory [Schumpeter]) A+

Ec. 104b (Math. Ec. [Leontief]) A+

Ec. 148a (Int. Tr. Sem. [sic, 148a was Fiscal Policy Seminar with Williams and Hansen]) A-

Spring 1946-47

Ec. 103b (Adv. Theory [Schumpeter])) A+

Ec. 121b (Statistics [Frickey])) A-

Ec 148b (Int. Tr. Sem. [sic, 148a was Fiscal Policy Seminar with Williams and Hansen])) A-

Summer 1947

Ec. 201 (Reading) Satis.

Fall 1947-48

Ec. 102a (Adv. Theory [Leontief]) A+

Ec. 133a (History [Usher]) A-

Ec. 161a (Ind. Org. [Alexander and Crum]) A+

Spring 1947-48

Ec. 102b (Adv. Theory [Leontief]) Exc.

Ec. 133b (Ec. History[Usher]) A

Ec. 162b (Ind. Org. [Mason]) Exc.

Fields of study: Economic Theory, Industrial Organization, Money and Banking, Statistics, write-off, Economic History; special field, Business Cycles

Generals: Passed April 7, 1948 with a grade of Excellent Minus

____________________

[Supporting Statement
by Chairman of the Harvard Economics Department,
14 Dec. 1949(?)]

Schelling came to us immediately after the war with a quite extraordinary record in his undergraduate work at Berkeley and an outstanding war accomplishment in the Bureau of the Budget. His intellectual work with us was of the highest order, so high indeed that he was recommended for the Society of Fellows and accepted by them. However, Schelling saw fit to accept a position with the E.C.A. and at the end of the first year elected to stay with that organization even at the expense of resigning his fellowship. I have not heard from him directly but I understand that he intends to take his degree this spring and will be available.

The members of the staff most familiar with Schelling’s work—Hansen, Harris, and Smithies—regard him as one of the very top students we have had at least in the last ten years. I believe those mentioned will recommend him without qualification. It is true that his interest is mainly in the national income, fiscal policy approach, which I believe is one of the areas in which you are least interested, but he certainly is capable of working in theory and perhaps in other areas as well.

Very sincerely,

[signed]

H. H. Burbank

Professor James W. Angell
Columbia University
New York 27, New York

____________________

Source: Department of Economics Collection, Columbia University Archive. Box 6, Folder: “Columbia College”.

Image Source: Harvard Kennedy School Magazine, Summer 2012.

Tags Alexander, Crum, Frickey, Hansen, Harris, Leontief, Mason, Schelling, Schumpeter, Smithies, Usher, Williams

Economists Harvard Transcript

Harvard. Wolfgang Stolper’s Coursework. 1934-37

Post author By Irwin Collier
Post date 2015-07-17

The picture shows the economics department of Swarthmore ca. 1942:
Standing: John W. Seybold (1916-2004), Frank Pierson (1911-1996)
Seated: Wolfgang F. Stolper (1912-2002), Clair Wilcox (1898-1970), Herbert F. Fraser (1890-1953).

One can read about them and others in One Hundred Years of Economics at Swarthmore by Joshua Hausman (Swarthmore, Class of 2005)

Below is the course record of the first author of the classic paper “Protection and Real Wages,” Review of Economic Studies, 1941. The second author was the economist seen in center of this blog’s rear-view mirror.

____________________________________

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

24 UNIVERSITY HALL, CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS

May 23, 1938

Transcript of the record of Mr. Friedrich Wolfgang Stolper

Course	1934-35	GRADE
Economics 11 [Economic theory]	(1 course) [Taussig, Schumpeter]	Excused
Economics 51 [Business cycles and economic forecasting]	(1 course) [Schumpeter]	A
Economics 1a¹[Introduction to economic statistics]	(½ course) Frickey	A
Economics 10a¹[History of commerce, 1450-1750]	(½ course) [Usher]	A
Economics 10b²[History of industry and agriculture, 1450-1750]	(½ course) [Usher]	A minus
Economics 31b²[Theory of economic statistics]	(½ course) [Crum]	Excused

	1935-36
Mathematics A	(1 course)	C plus
Economics 12¹[Monopolistic competition and allied problems in value theory]	(½ course) [Chamberlin]	A minus
Economics 20 [Economic research]	(1 course) Mason	A

	1936-37
Economics 20 [Economic research]	(1½ courses) Schumpeter	A
Economics 147a hf [Seminar: Selected problems in money and banking]	(½ course) [Harris]	A

Mr. Stolper received the degree of Master of Arts in June, 1935.

The established grades are A, B, C, D, and E.

A grade of A, B, Credit, Satisfactory, or Excused indicates that the course was passed with distinction. Only courses passed with distinction may be counted toward a higher degree.

*Courses marked with an asterisk are elementary and therefore may not be counted toward a higher degree.

[signed] Lawrence S. Mayo
Assistant Dean

Source: Wolfgang F. Stolper papers. Duke University, Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Box 23 c. 1.

Image Source: p. 15 of The Halcyon 1943 (Swarthmore Yearbook).

Tags Chamberlin, Crum, Frickey, Harris, Mason, Schumpeter, Stolper, Taussig, Usher

Courses Harvard Syllabus

Harvard Economics. Readings for Taussig’s Economics 11, Theory. 1923-24.

Post author By Irwin Collier
Post date 2015-06-12

From assignments and suggested readings as found in the notes taken by Frank W. Fetter (obituary), son of the economist Frank Albert Fetter. Frank W. Fetter received an A.M. in economics from Harvard. Most of the items below are written at the start of his notes for the class-days Fetter attended. Approximately 110 pages of class/reading notes are in this folder. I have merely extracted the course readings and specific bibliographic references made by Taussig for this posting.

New addition: Mid-year and final examination questions for this course.

________________________

Readings for Economic Theory (Taussig)

Economics 11
MWF 2pm
1923-24
from notes taken by Frank Whitson Fetter

Fall Term

Sept. 26

George, Progress and Poverty. Book I, ch 1-2, 5
F. A. Walker, Wages Question. Ch 8-9
F. A. Walker, Political Economy, Part VI, ch. 5

Sept. 28

Oct. 1

Oct. 3

Oct. 5

Oct. 8

Taussig, Wages and Capital. Ch. 1
Walker, Discussions, vol I, 359-380, 383-413
- Also in QJE vol. I and vol. II. [“On the source of business profits”]
F. A. Walker, Political Economy IV, ch. 9

Oct. 10

Oct. 15

Oct. 17

Oct. 19

Ricardo Ch. I. Value

Oct. 22

Oct. 24

Adam Smith, Bk I-ch V about 2/5, Cannan ed. I, pp. 34-38
Mill, Bk III, Ch. 15
Cliff-Leslie, essays p. 180 re the philosophical method in political economy

Oct. 26

Oct. 29

Read Ricardo also on Rent and Rent of Mines

Oct. 31

Read J. S. Mill, Book III, ch 3,4,5; Book IV, ch. 4, § 4; Book II, ch 16
Orchard in QJE, Feb 1922.
Ricardo, ch 4,5
Ricardo, Chapter on Profits, ch 6,

Nov. 2

Hollander QJE XIIXp. 466
Davidson, Bargain Theory of Wages, pp. 17/8

Nov. 5

Nov. 7

Ricardo, ch Profits

Nov. 9

Nov. 12

Nov. 14 Discusses Ricardo’s biography

H. Hollander “Ricardo” in JHU 1910

Nov. 16 (no class)

Nov. 19

Mill Bk II, ch. 11, 13, 15*, 16
Cf. Patten. The interpretation of Ricardo, p. 351.

Nov. 26

Mill Bk IV, ch 2-6
- Read paragraphs 5-7 in chapter on profits
Taussig, Wages and Capital, Chapter 11, John Stuart Mill.

Nov. 28

Nov. 30 Lecture by Taussig on Mill

Assignment for Dec 3. Mill Bk III, 2,3

Dec. 3. No class

Dec. 5. Class in charge of Prof. Crum.

Marshall, 6^th, Book V, ch. 1,2
Taussig QJE Vol 35, p. 394
Taussig Principles, ch 10, paragraph 1-6

Dec. 7

See Taussig QJE Vol. 35, p. 394
Marshall, V, ch 3 (Bk V, ch 12, paragraph 3), Ch 4,(paragraphs 5 and 6 only), ch 5.

Dec. 10

Marshall 4^th Bk V, ch 12 (paragraphs 1,2,3) or 5 ed and 6^th ed. Bk V, ch. 13 paragraphs 1,2.

Dec. 12

Marshall 8^th p. 335, (abbreviation unclear, looks like: V:12; paragraph 3…need to check)

Dec. 14

Taussig, Price Fixing QJE vol 33, p. 207,
Simpson, QJE vol 35, p. 264 and QJE vol 37, p. 476
Marshall, Book IV, ch 2,3; Book V, ch X (agricultural values) is chapter 8 in 4^th

Dec. 17

Taussig, note, QJE Nov. 1923

Dec. 19

Dec. 21

Usher (on Soil Exhaustion). QJE May 1923
Esslen , Das Gesetz des abnehmenden Bodenertrages

Jan 4

Marshall Book V, Ch. 8-11, in particular ch 8, paragraphs 5-6, 9, 10, 11.

Jan 7

Jan 9

Marshall Book V, ch 12 on “Increasing Returns”

Jan 11.

Jan 14 “increasing returns” (internal and external economies)

Marshall Book III, ch 3,4, 6; Book V, ch 13
See Marshall’s Appendix

Jan 16

Jan 18

Jan 21

Marshall, Book V- ch. 13
For Feb. 11
- Bk II, ch. 14
- Cairnes Leading Principles Pt I, ch 3, paragraphs 5 and 7
- [Taussig?] Principles ch 47-48

Jan 23 Discussion of cases given by Marshall in diagrams on pp. 464-469.

Spring Term

Feb. 11

Ultimate analysis of cost of production chapter.
Marshall Book VI, ch 4,5, also p. 339
Mill, p. 440
Marshall, Fortnightly Review, vol 25, p. 598

Feb. 13

Feb. 15

Feb. 18

Marshall, Book VI, ch. 7, 8.

Feb 20

Ellis. British Men of Genius
Odin, Genèse des grandes hommes.
cf. Ward. Dynamic sociology. [Vol I, Vol II]

Feb 25

Discussion of main idea of Book II, chapter 7 (probably Marshall)

Feb 27

Marshall, Book 4, ch 12 paragraphs 11-12; Book 5, ch 5, paragraph 7; Book 6, ch 11, paragraph 3/end?
Böhm-Bawerk, Positive Theorie Book 3

Feb 29

Böhm-Bawerk. Book 3, ch 1-4, 8; Book 4, ch 1-4.
Marshall, Appendix F.

March 3

March 5

B.B. Book 4, ch 6,7

March 7

BB Book 3, ch 10 instead of Book 4 ch 7

March 10

BB Book I, ch 1,2,4,6. Book II, ch 1,2,4,5

March 12

March 14

BB Book V, ch 1, pp. 237-241, 2,3,4,5 (273-278)

March 17 no class

Assignment for march 19. BB Book 6, ch 1, pp.285-286 and ch 2,4.

March 19

BB Book 6, Ch 5,6

March 21

March 24

BB Bk 7, ch 1,2,5, (419-424)

March 26 pp. 325-327

March 28

BB Book 6, ch 9-10. And chapter 8.

March 31

J.B. Clark Distribution of Wealth, ch 7-8

April 2

April 4

April 7

Alvin S. Johnson’s Introduction to Economics gives an excellent presentation of the Clarkian economics.

April 9

Clark ch 7, 8, 9 (omit pp.138-9)

April 11 Absent.

Clark ch 11, 12, 13
BB in QJE Nov 1906 and Feb 1907

April 21

Clark ch 20

April 23

April 25 absent

April 28

Clark ch 21
Marshall Book VI, ch 1, paragraphs 7,8,9.

April 30

May 2

May 5

Carver. QJE VIII, 40;
Mixter, QJE XIII, 245
*Wolfe QJE XXXV, 1
Mill’s chapter on stationary state [Book IV, Chapter VI]
Marshall’s chapter on stationary state

May 7

May 9

Taussig vol. 2 ch on general level of wages

May 12 Class in charge of Crum

Discussion of Taussig’s wage theory ch 52[51?].

May 14

May 16

Fisher Elem Principles ch 24, paragraph 1
Fetter, Econ Principles ch 16, paragraph 1;ch 18, paragraph 1
Clark, Distribution of Wealth, ch 22, pp. 350 seq.

May 19

No class May 21 or May 26.

May 23

May 28

Veblen’s articles on the Preconceptions of Economic Science Part I, Part II, Part III

Source: Duke University. Rubenstein Library.
Frank Whitson Fetter Papers, 1902-1992. Box 49.
Folder: Student Papers, Graduate Course (Harvard University) Transportation Exams, readings, notes, 1923-1924.

Tags Crum, FetterFW, Graduate student, Taussig

Curriculum Harvard Regulations

Harvard Economics. Information Regarding Graduate Degrees, 1947

Post author By Irwin Collier
Post date 2015-05-16

February 1, 1947

HARVARD UNIVERSITY
Department of Economics
Information Regarding Graduate Degrees

I. ADMISSION TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Application for admission to the Graduate School should be made directly to the Graduate School office in Farlow House, 24 Quincy Street.

II. REGISTRATION FOR GRADUATE STUDENT PROGRAMS

All graduate students, including veterans, are expected to register for full-time study, or four half-courses. Exceptions may be made on the basis of medical or physical reasons. Consult the Graduate School Dean or Secretary.

III. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE A.M. IN ECONOMICS

A. Plan of Study Plans of Study must be approved by the Chairman of the Department before the end of the first term in residence.

B. Residence Two full terms of advanced work with acceptable grades at Harvard are necessary to establish residence.

C. Languages A reading knowledge of one approved language (other than English) in which there exists a significant body of literature in the field of Economics is required. This requirement is satisfied by passing the written examination given by the Department in the first week of November and March. This requirement must be met before taking the general examination.

D. General Oral Examination

1. The candidate will be examined on four fields, as presented in the Plan of Study, selected from the groups below:

(a) Two from Group A, including Economic Theory.

(b) Two from Groups A, B, and C (not more than one from Group C).

Group A

(1) Economic Theory and its History, with special reference to the Development of Economic Thought since 1776.

(2) Economic History since 1750, or some other approved field in Economic History

(3) Statistical Method and its Application

Group B

(4) Money and Banking

(5) Economic Fluctuations and Forecasting

(6) Transportation

(7) Industrial Organization and Control

(8) Public Finance

(9) International Trade and Tariff Policies

(10) Economics of Agriculture

(11) Labor Problems

(12) Socialism and Social Reform

(13) Economic History before 1750

(14) Consumption Distribution and Prices

(15) Economics of Public Utilities

(16) Social Security

Group C

(17) Forestry Economics

(18) Any of the historical fields defined under the requirements for the Ph.D. in History

(19) Certain fields in Political Science listed under the requirements for the Ph.D. in Political Science.

(20) Jurisprudence (selected topics)

(21) Philosophy (selected topics)

(22) Anthropology

(23) History of Political Theory

(24) International Law

(25) Sociology. Certain fields defined under the requirements for the Ph.D. in Sociology.

2. Under certain conditions three fields of study may be offered for the oral examination. If the candidate is to be examined orally in three fields of study, he must present, in lieu of an oral examination on the fourth field, a full course on the graduate level offered by the Department followed by a seminar in the same field. The approval of the Chairman of the Department is necessary. Grades of at least B+ must be obtained in each course.

3. Preparation

(a) The fields of study are covered in part by formal course instruction, but supplementary reading must be undertaken to meet the requirements.

(b) Preparation for the field Economic Theory and its History will normally require two full courses in the field at the graduate level, or equivalent private reading. Candidates should consult the Chairman of the Department concerning their work in this field.

(c) In Statistics, Economics 21a, or its equivalent, is a prerequisite to graduate instruction. Either Professor Crum or Professor Frickey should be consulted.

(d) Usually three terms of graduate study at Harvard are necessary as preparation for the general examination, but a candidate who has been credited with graduate work of high order at another institution may be able to prepare himself in a shorter period.

4. Excuses from final course examinations

Candidates for the Master’s degree who are not candidates for the Ph.D. degree must take the final examinations in courses.

5. Quality of work

Candidates for this degree must give evidence, in their course records, of the capacity for distinguished work. Ordinarily, candidates whose records at Harvard do not average at least B will not be allowed to present themselves for the general examination.

6. Arranging the examination

The oral, or general, examinations are not set at any specified date. The arrangements for the examination must be made at least six weeks in advance of the date proposed by the candidate. Consult the Secretary of the Department, M-8 Littauer Center.

E. Application for the A.M.

Application for the degree must be filed in the office of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, 24 Quincy Street, by December 1 for a degree at Midyear; March 1 for the degree at Commencement. (August 1 if degrees are awarded at end of summer term.)

F. Special A.M. in Economics for Veterans

The only changes from the stated conditions given above are:

(1) On petition a candidate for a master’s degree may present himself for an oral examination in which quantitatively the requirement in Economic Theory is one that can be met in one year of graduate study.

(2) The requirements regarding the offering of Economic History or Statistics are eliminated.

It must be understood that the oral examination for this degree will not be accepted as part of the formal requirements for the Ph.D. degree.

A. Plan of Study Plans of Study must be approved by the Chairman of the Department before the end of the first term in residence.

B. Residence Two full terms of advanced work with acceptable grades at Harvard are necessary to establish residence.

C. General Oral Examination The candidate will be examined on four fields as presented in the Plan of Study. (See list of fields of study above.)

(a) Economic Theory

(b) Three from Groups A, B, and C (not more than one from Group C.)

IV. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PH.D. IN ECONOMICS

A. Residence

To establish residence for the Ph.D. degree, the Faculty requires not less than two full years of advanced work (four terms). To count toward this requirement the quality of the work i each course must be maintained at a high level.

1. Two terms (eight courses) must be taken during the academic year in residence at Harvard.

2. Graduate work completed in other departments of Harvard or at another institution may be offered in full or partial fulfilment of the other two terms required. Consult the Chairman of the Department.

B. Languages

The candidate must present a reading knowledge of two approved languages (other than English) in which there exists a significant body of literature in the field of Economics, one passed before taking the general examination, and both passed at least six months before the special examination. This requirement is satisfied only by passing the examination given by the Department of Economics in the first week of November and March.

The candidate may, if he chooses, offer in place of one of the required languages evidence of his capacity to read and understand the more elementary mathematical presentations used or usable in economics.

Such elementary methods are herein defined to include such knowledge of analytic geometry as is frequently given in the first year of college and such knowledge of differential calculus and integral calculus as is frequently given in a single-year course in college.

In terms of present (1947) courses in Harvard College, this means through Math 2.

Evidence that the student has this knowledge shall be furnished by the passage of an examination “in the reading of mathematical economics” to be set by an officer of this Department and held at the usual date or dates of the language examination. By exception, a pass grade in Math 2a and b at Harvard or Radcliffe will be accepted in place of the special mathematics examination. In unusual cases, the examiner may recommend that appropriate grades in similar mathematics courses elsewhere be accepted instead of the special examination.

C. Plan of Study

Every candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy is required to submit to his Department, on a blank provided by the Department office, a plan showing his fields of study and his preparation in those fields. This plan of study must be submitted not later than the end of the first term of graduate work. The Department reserves the right not to approve any plan which seems unsatisfactory, even though the plan meets the formal requirements of distribution in the various groups. Candidates may present, for the consideration of the Department, reasonable substitutes for any of the fields named in the several groups.

1. The plan of study must include six fields, approved by the Chairman of the Department, selected as follows from the list on pp. 1-2 above:

(a) The three subjects in Group A are required, and

(b) Three from Group B, or

D. General Oral Examination

1. The general oral examination for the Ph.D. is the same as the examination for the Master’s degree.

2. Excuses from final course examinations:

(a) Consult the Secretary of the Department in M-8 Littauer Center.

(b) Ordinarily candidates are excused from the final examinations in courses included in the fields presented for the general examination provided the general examination is passed after December 1 in the fall term and April 14 in the spring term and before the course examinations are held.

E. Fifth Field (write-off field)

The requirement regarding the fifth field of study in the Ph.D. program is usually fulfilled by the passing of the equivalent of a full year graduate course offered at Harvard and completed with the grade of B+ or higher. Seminars offered by the Graduate School of Public Administration are not acceptable for “write-off” purposes. The requirement also may be fulfilled by oral examination at the time of the general. One-half course must have been completed in the write-off field with a grade of B+ or higher before the general examination.

F. Thesis – written within the sixth (special) field

1. Every candidate for the doctorate is required to report to the Secretary of the Department, as soon as possible after his general examination, the subject of his thesis and the member of the Department under whom he intends to work.

2. Two bound copies of the thesis, the original of which may be printed or typewritten, with a carbon copy clear and legible, must be in the hands of the Chairman of the Department by December 1 and April 1 for degrees at midyear or Commencement, and August 1 for a fall degree.

3. The thesis must be accepted by the Department before the candidate can be admitted to the final examination.

4. The thesis must show an original treatment of the subject, and give evidence of independent research.

5. Every thesis must be accompanied by two copies of a brief summary, not exceeding 1200 words in length, which shall indicate as clearly as possible the methods, material, and results of the investigation. These summaries will be printed by the University in an annual volume.

G. Special Oral Examination

1. At present it is expected that one year of residence will elapse between the general and the special examinations. The preparation for the doctorate is regarded by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and by the Department as a continuous process. Ordinarily, the candidate must stand for the final examination within five years after passing the general examination.

2. Applications for the Ph.D. degree must be filed with the Graduate School (24 Quincy Street) and approved by the Administrative Board of the Graduate School before the final examination. The Graduate School requires that the application be filed by December 1 for the degree at midyear, and March 1 for the degree at Commencement (or August 1 if degree is awarded at end of summer term).

3. To arrange for the date of the special examination, consult the Secretary of the Department, M-8 Littauer Center, six weeks in advance of the proposed date, and before December 1, for the degree at midyear, and March 1 for the degree at Commencement.

4. The special examination will include an examination of the candidate on the thesis presented and also an intensive examination on the “sixth field” within which the subject matter of the thesis is included.

5. During the special oral examination, candidates are required to show an acquaintance with the literature in their special field in the two languages approved for their program.

H. For the doctorate in Economics at least three years devoted to advanced study are usually considered as the minimum period of preparation for graduates of colleges in good standing.

I. Candidates for the degree should be well grounded in the main outlines of European and American history, and should have had a general view of the nature and growth of political institutions and constitutional law.

J. Students who wish to pursue special plans of study for the Ph.D., or to work in fields not announced as fields in which the degree may be taken, should consult the Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Science, since in exceptional cases special arrangements may be made.

K. Special Ph.D. in Economics for Veterans

The only change from the stated conditions given above is that in the case of exceptional performance in graduate study, the requirements regarding the number of fields for the Ph.D may be reduced to five fields, but in each case this program must be voted by the Department.

V. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PH.D. IN BUSINESS ECONOMICS

The program of study for the degree will be made up of six fields chosen from the groups given below. Four (or under certain conditions, three) of these fields, including Economic Theory, which is required, will be presented for the general examination. Only two fields, including Economic Theory, may ordinarily be chosen from Group A. Fields other than those here stated may be offered. Emphasis is placed upon an integrated program. in all cases the program of study must be approved by the Chairman of the Department of Economics. For advice, see the Chairman of the Department of Economics. For advice, see the Chairman of the Department of Economics on courses relating to economics and the Secretary of the Doctoral Board at the Graduate School of Business Administration for business subjects.

Group A

(1) Economic Theory and its History, with special reference to the Development of the History of Economic Thought since 1776.

(2) Economic History since 1750.

(3) Public Finance and Taxation.

(4) Economics of Agriculture.

Group B

(5) Accounting

(6) Marketing

(7) Foreign Trade

(8) Production

(9) Money and Banking

(10) Corporate Organization and Finance

(11) Transportation

(12) Insurance

(13) Statistical Method and its Application

(14) Economics of Public Utilities

(15) Labor

Special Examination and Thesis

The procedure in general follows that outlined for the Ph.D. in Economics. The field for the special examination should ordinarily be chosen from Group B.

SOURCE: HARVARD UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES.
UAV 349.11 Box 13. Department of Economics/1930-1961 and some earlier/General Exams to Haberler
Graduate Degree Requirements.

Tags Crum, Frickey

WAR’S ECONOMIC PHASES STUDIED IN NEW COURSE Harvard Crimson December 19, 1939

Will Analyze Changes in Economics Incurred by War, With Emphasis on Present Conflict

Course Enrollment

Economics 18b 1939-40

Week 1 (Feb. 5-9) INTRODUCTORY. Professor Harris.

Weeks 2-3 (Feb. 12-23) INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATION. Professor Mason and Dr. Sweezy.

Weeks 4-5 (Feb. 26-Mar. 8) MONEY AND BANKING IN WAR TIMES. Professors Williams and Hansen.

Week 6 (Mar. 11-15) RELATION OF WAR TO ECONOMIC FLUCTUATIONS. Professor Schumpeter

Week 7 (Mar. 18-22) EFFECTS ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE. Professor Harris

EFFECTS ON AGRICULTURE. Professor Harris.

Weeks 8-9 (Mar. 25-29) PUBLIC FINANCE. Professor Burbank.

EFFECTS OF WAR ON DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME AND WEALTH Professor Crum

Week 10 (April 15-18) EFFECTS ON LABOR. Professor Slichter.

Weeks 11-12 (April 22-) TRANSITION TO PEACE (an attempt at integration). Professor Harris.

READING PERIOD. Read one of the following:

SUGGESTIONS FOR PREPARATION IN THE GENERAL FIELD OF STATISTICS

DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS

EXAMINATIONS FOR THE DEGREE OF PH.D. 1926-27

Memorandum for Professor Burbank

Tentative Proposals for a Course on the Elements of Mathematical Economics to be Given during the Winter Term

1933-1934

[Courses offered]

[Course Enrollment]

1934-35

[Courses offered]

[Course Enrollments]

1935-1936

[Course offered]

[Course Enrollment]

1936-1937

[Courses offered]

[Course Enrollments]

[From the Course Catalogue]

[Course Enrollment]

Economics 4a The Corporation and its Regulation

Reading Assignments, 1934–1935

Thomas Crombie Schelling

[Supporting Statement by Chairman of the Harvard Economics Department, 14 Dec. 1949(?)]

Readings for Economic Theory (Taussig)

Fall Term

Spring Term

HARVARD UNIVERSITY Department of Economics Information Regarding Graduate Degrees

WAR’S ECONOMIC PHASES STUDIED IN NEW COURSE
Harvard Crimson
December 19, 1939

Economics 18b
1939-40

Week 1 (Feb. 5-9)
INTRODUCTORY.
Professor Harris.

Weeks 2-3 (Feb. 12-23)
INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATION.
Professor Mason and Dr. Sweezy.

Weeks 4-5 (Feb. 26-Mar. 8)
MONEY AND BANKING IN WAR TIMES.
Professors Williams and Hansen.

Week 6 (Mar. 11-15)
RELATION OF WAR TO ECONOMIC FLUCTUATIONS.
Professor Schumpeter

Week 7 (Mar. 18-22)
EFFECTS ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE.
Professor Harris

EFFECTS ON AGRICULTURE.
Professor Harris.

Weeks 8-9 (Mar. 25-29)
PUBLIC FINANCE.
Professor Burbank.

EFFECTS OF WAR ON DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME AND WEALTH
Professor Crum

Week 10 (April 15-18)
EFFECTS ON LABOR.
Professor Slichter.

Weeks 11-12 (April 22-)
TRANSITION TO PEACE (an attempt at integration).
Professor Harris.

READING PERIOD.
Read one of the following:

EXAMINATIONS FOR THE DEGREE OF PH.D.
1926-27

Economics 4a
The Corporation and its Regulation

[Supporting Statement
by Chairman of the Harvard Economics Department,
14 Dec. 1949(?)]

HARVARD UNIVERSITY
Department of Economics
Information Regarding Graduate Degrees