Econ 305 Course Overview

Lectures Summary

Lecture 1

• Lecture 1 Part 1 & 2
  • Introduction to the course.
  • Importance of taking handwritten notes for better retention.

Lecture 2

• Focuses on historical economic trends and their impacts.

Lecture 3

• Historical economic shifts.

Lecture 4

• Cloud recordings available from 2/3/25.

Lecture 5

• Details of economic changes on 2/5/25.

Lecture 6

• Lecture dated 2/10/25.

Lecture 7

• Lecture dated 2/12/25.

Lecture 8

• Covered on 2/17/25.
• Midterm Exam scheduled for February 19.
  • Format: Multiple choice and fill in the blanks.
  • Open note; notes from lectures 1-8 required post-exam.

Lecture 9

• Part 1 & 2
  • Dated 2/19/25.
  • Part 3 available.

Lecture 10

• Part 1 (2/24/25)

  • Discussion on corporate tax rates in the US vs. industrialized countries.
  • Examination of Trump's and Biden's tax policies.

• Part 2

  • Employee payroll tax discussion.
  • Analysis of social safety net expenditures in the US vs. France.
  • Commentary on inequality and social spending.

Lecture 11

• Analysis of labor differences between the US and Europe.
• Examination of marginal tax rates and labor supply.

Lecture 12

• Differences in US vs. European labor supply.
• Discussion on marginal tax rates.
• Hayek's argument on monetary policy.

Lecture 13

• Economic trends and societal impacts.

Lecture 14

• Discussion on socialist policies under FDR.
• Effects of the Great Depression and subsequent recovery efforts.

Lecture 15

• Early New Deal programs: AAA, NIRA.
• Roosevelt's early presidential years.

Lecture 16

• Harvard and UPenn research on Trump tax cuts.
• Analysis of economic outcomes.

Lecture 17

• Focus on wage policies and economic principles.

Lecture 18

• Discussion on economic contracts and minimum wage.

Lecture 19

• Part 1
  • Details on recessions and economic shifts.

Lecture 20

• Analysis of labor supply models and tax implications.

Lecture 21

• The Great Recession (2007-2015)
• Financial Crisis terms and impacts.

Lecture 22

• Examination of mortgage-backed securities.
• Discussion on subprime mortgage responsibilities by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Lecture 23 & 24

• Impact of major financial films on understanding economic crises.

Additional Resources

• Waltham system and wheat farming influence on industrialization.
• Commentary on Boutwell's role in economic policies.

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This comprehensive course covers significant economic trends, policies, and their implications through various historical and contemporary lenses. Maintain organized notes for optimal preparation for exams and assignments.