Economics and Literature
This interdisciplinary course introduces students to capitalist principles found in a variety of classic and modern texts. A free market philosophy, in which freedom and individualism are emphasized, will help students appreciate literature more and understand real world interactions among human beings. Plentiful links to both literary and economics materials are included, along with summary videos and discussion/writing prompts. (19 modules)
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Lesson 1: How do Economics and Literature Connect?
Understanding human actions is vital to our education—both economics and literature help us do that.
Understanding human actions is vital to our education—both economics and literature help us do that.
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There are always multiple options in life. So how do you choose?
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Everyone has different values—and that’s where conflict happens.
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The simplest economy is a single actor.
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Property rights are the defining characteristic of a civilization.
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Lesson 6: Human Capital
Everyone has something to offer. What do you have that can make you productive?
Everyone has something to offer. What do you have that can make you productive?
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Can vices benefit an economy as much as virtues?
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The key to capitalism isn’t spending—it’s saving.
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Entrepreneurship is about seeing opportunities others don’t.
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Money has to mean something; otherwise, everyone becomes poorer.
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Your labor is worth whatever someone else is willing to pay for it.
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We don’t work to earn money. We work to earn what money can buy.
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Lesson 13: Division of Labor and Comparative Advantage
People become more valuable when they perform their own special tasks.
People become more valuable when they perform their own special tasks.
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Agreeing to take on debt can have serious consequences.
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How do we know when “fairness” goes too far?
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Sometimes the old has to fail to make way for the new.
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Lesson 17: Protectionism
Whenever the government aims to protect one group of people from free trade, you can be sure another group is being harmed.
Whenever the government aims to protect one group of people from free trade, you can be sure another group is being harmed.
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Lesson 18: Government Intervention
Economic downturns are normal, but when the government intervenes, they tend to become worse.
Economic downturns are normal, but when the government intervenes, they tend to become worse.
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The world is endlessly complicated. We can just focus on doing our part.
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