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Economic History Exam Questions Harvard

Harvard. Economic History of Europe and America, final exam. Dunbar, 1884

 

1883-84 brought a significant expansion in economics course offerings at Harvard. Cf. Report published in the Harvard Crimson and the report published in the New York Evening Post.

    1. Mill’s Principles of Political Economy. – Lectures on Banking and the Financial Legislation of the United States. Mon., Wed., Fri., at 9. Prof. Dunbar and Asst. Prof. Laughlin.
    1. History of Economic Theory and a Critical Examination of Leading Writers. – Lectures. Mon., Wed. at 2 and (at the pleasure of the instructor) Fri. at 2. Prof. Dunbar.
    1. Discussion of Practical Economic Questions. – Theses, Tu., Th., at 3, and a third hour to be appointed by the instructor. Assistant Professor Laughlin.
    1. Economic History of Europe and America since the Seven Years’ War. – Lectures. Mon., Wed., Fri., at 11. Professor Dunbar.
      Course 4 requires no previous study of Political Economy.
    1. Economic Effects of Land Tenures in England, Ireland, France and Germany. – Theses. Once a week, counting as a half course. Asst. Professor Laughlin.
    1. History of Tariff Legislation in the United States. – Once a week, counting as a half course. Mr. Taussig.
    1. Comparison of the Financial Systems of France, England, Germany and the United States. – Tu., at 2, counting as a half course. Professor Dunbar.

Note-to-self: still need to find the mid-year exam for this course.

___________________________

Course Enrollment

[Political Economy] 4. Prof. Dunbar. Economic History of Europe and America since the Seven Years’ War.— Lectures.

Total 40: 17 Seniors, 19 Juniors, 4 Others.

Source: Harvard University. Report of the President of Harvard College, 1883-84, p. 72.

 

 

POLITICAL ECONOMY 4.
[Final Examination, June 1884]

I.

  1. The plan on which the Zollverein was established and the reasons for its beneficial effects.
  2. Devices by which Napoleon III. stimulated the material development of France.
  3. How far the adoption of Free Trade by England would have been affected, had the refusal of other countries to follow her example been foreseen.
  4. Reasons for the grants of land to railway companies in this country, as illustrated by the cases of the Illinois Central and the Union Pacific.
  5. Effects of the Suez Canal.
    Either of the following may be substituted for 1, 4, and 5.

    1. Reasons for the rise and decline of American Navigation, 1840-84.
    2. Sketch of the history and effects of the Zollverein.

II.

  1. The absorption of silver by India and reasons for its recent irregularity.
  2. The causes which prevented the disastrous fall of gold predicted by some writers after 1850.
  3. The heavy demands for gold 1871-83 and their failure to produce financial disturbance.
  4. The circumstances which enabled the United States to accumulate gold with special case after the passage of the Resumption Act.
    The following may be substituted for 8 and 9.

    1. Connection between the revulsion of 1873 and the resumption of specie payments by the United States.

III.

  1. What form of wealth France paid out in settlement of the Indemnity of 1871, and what Germany actually received.
  2. The connection between the Indemnity and the revulsion of 1873.
  3. The concentration of bank reserves in New York and its effect in the fall of 1873.
    The following may be substituted for 10 and 11.

    1. Method by which France effected the payment of the Indemnity to Germany.

 

Source: Harvard University Archives. Harvard University, Examination Papers, 1873-1915. Box 2, Bound volume “Examination Papers, 1883-86”. Papers Set for Final Examinations in Rhetoric, Philosophy, Political Economy, History, Roman Law, Fine Arts, and Music in Harvard College (June, 1884), pp. 10-11.

Image Source: Charles F. Dunbar in E. H. Jackson and R. W. Hunter (eds.), Portraits of the Harvard Faculty (Boston, 1892).

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Exam Questions Harvard Suggested Reading Syllabus

Harvard. Applied Economic Analysis, Readings and Exams. Smithies and Baldwin, 1956-57

For a course that promises applied economic analysis, the content  for the 1956-57 course taught by Arthur Smithies and  Robert Baldwin appears to have been about 2/3 analysis and 1/3 “application”.

The course materials from the previous year (taught by James Duesenberry) have been posted earlier at: 

Applied Economic Analysis, 1955-56.

________________________

Course Enrollment

[Economics] 106. Applied Economic Analysis. Professor Smithies and Assistant Professor Baldwin. Full course.

(F) Total 45: 2 Other Graduates, 36 Seniors, 6 Juniors, 1 Other.
(S) Total 43: 1 Other Graduate, 36 Seniors, 6 Juniors.

Source: Harvard University. Report of the President of Harvard College 1956-57, p. 68.

________________________

HARVARD UNIVERSITY
Department of Economics

Economics 106
Reading List, Fall 1956

  1. Economic Analysis and Public Policy

F. H. Knight, “Economic Objectives in a Changing World,” Economics and Public Policy, The Brookings Institution, 1955.

A. Smithies, “Economic Welfare and Policy,” Ibid.

  1. The Ricardian System

David Ricardo, Principles of Political Economy, Chs. 2-6, 21.

W. J. Baumol, Economic Dynamics, Ch. 2.

Suggested:

Ricardo, Chs. 1, 31

G. J. Stigler, “The Ricardian Theory of Value and Distribution,” The Journal of Political Economy, LX, 3 (June 1952).

J. S. Mill, Principles of Political Economy, Bk. 3, Ch. 6 and 14;

Mimeographed paper on Smith and Ricardo*

  1. Marxian Dynamics

Karl Marx, A Contribution to the Critique of Political Economy, Preface.

M. M. Bober, Karl Marx’s Interpretation of History, Chs. 1-3, 9-13.

Suggested:

Joan Robinson, An Essay on Marxian Economics.

P. Sweezy, The Theory of Capitalist Development, Chs. 4-6, 8, 9,

J. A. Schumpeter, Capitalism, Socialism, and Democracy, Part I.

Mimeographed paper on Marx*

  1. The Neo-classical System

L. Walras, Elements of Pure Economics, Part I.

G. Cassel, The Theory of Social Economy, Ch. 4

W. S. Jevons, The Theory of Political Economy, Introduction.

Suggested:

E. Phelps Brown, Framework of the Pricing System

  1. The Schumpeterian System

J. A. Schumpeter, Business Cycles, Vol. I, Chs. 3, 4.

J. A. Schumpeter, Capitalism, Socialism, and Democracy, Part II

Suggested:

J. A. Schumpeter, The Theory of Economic Development.

Mimeographed paper on Schumpeter*.

  1. Keynesian Economics

J. M. Keynes, The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money, Ch. 19.

D. Dillard, The Economics of J. M. Keynes, Chs. 2, 3.

A. Hansen, Business Cycles and National Income, Part II

Suggested:

A. Hansen, A Guide to Keynes

J. M. Keynes, The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money.

  1. Post-Keynesian Growth Theorists

E. Domar, “Expansion and Employment,” American Economic Review, March 1947.

W. Baumol, op. cit., Ch. 4

Suggested:

R. Harrod, Towards a Dynamic Economics, Ch. 3.

D. Hamberg, Economic Growth and Instability, Ch. 2, 3

*Available in Lamont and Littauer Libraries.

Source: Harvard University Archives. Syllabi, course outlines and reading lists in Economics, 1895-2003. Box 6, Folder: “Economics, 1956-1957 (2 of 2).

________________________

1956-57
HARVARD UNIVERSITY

Economics 106
Fall 1956
Final Examination

Part I
(30 Minutes)
Answer the following question.

  1. Discuss the concept of steady growth in the Post-Keynesian models. Do you consider that steady growth is attainable or desirable?

Part II
(One Hour)
Answer the following question.

  1. Ricardo, Marx, Schumpeter and Keynes all predicted that the capitalist system would either break down or arrive at a stationary state. Compare and contrast these theories. What light does your answer to Question 1 throw on their validity?

Part III
(One Hour and A Half)
Answer TWO questions.

  1. Is there an economic basis for the notion of an optimum distribution of income in (a) a stationary and (b) a developing economy. What economic factors would you consider in defining such a concept?
  2. Keynes produced a theory of involuntary unemployment. How does involuntary unemployment occur in his system and to what extent does his theory constitute a revolution in economic thinking?
  3. Discuss the concepts of profits in the various theories you have studied. In the light of these theories do you consider profits to be pure surpluses or rewards to factors of production?

Source: Harvard University Archives. Final examinations, 1853-2001. Box 25, Volume: Papers Printed for Final Examinations [in] History, History of Religions, …, Economics, …, Naval Science, Air Science, January 1957.

________________________

Harvard University
Department of Economics

Economics 106
[Spring term, 1956-57]

Part I Aggregative Theories (continued from 1st term)

  1. Post-Keynesian Growth Theorists

Domar, E., “Expansion and Employment,” American Economic Review, March 1947.

W. Baumol, Economic Dynamics, Ch. 4

Suggested:

R. Harrod, Towards a Dynamic Economics, Ch. 3.

D. Hamberg, Economic Growth and Instability, Ch. 2, 3

Smithies, A., “Economic Fluctuations and Growth,” Econometrica, January 1957.

Part II Public Policy and Economic Goals

  1. Full Employment and Price Level Stability

    1. General

Maxwell, Fiscal Policy

    1. Policy Approaches

Simons, Economic Policy for a Free Society, Ch. 7.

Committee for Economic Development, “Taxes and the Budget: A Program for Prosperity in a Free Economy,” Readings in Fiscal Policy, Number 23, American Economic Association.

United Nations, National and International Measures for Full Employment, 73-87.

Beveridge, Full Employment in a Free Society, Part IV.

Lerner, Economics of Control, Ch. 24.

Clark, “Criteria of Sound Wage Adjustment, with Emphasis on the Question of Inflationary Effects,” Impact of the Union, Ch. 1, Wright (ed.)

[Note: page 2 of the syllabus is missing, cf. Baldwin’s Spring Term 1956, Economics 206. Missing part B almost certainly included “Equitable Income Distribution” and “Efficient Resource Allocation”]

  1. Continued Growth

Fellner, Trends and Cycles in Economic Activity, Chapters 8 and 9.

Davis, “Economic Potentials of the United States,” Lekachman (ed.), National Policy for Economic Welfare at Home and Abroad.

Wright, Democracy and Progress, Chapters 5-7 and 12.

Hansen, “Growth or Stagnation in the American Economy,” Review of Economics and Statistics, November 1954.

Slichter, “How Big in 1980?” Atlantic Monthly, November 1949.

Hennipman, “Monopoly: Impediment or Stimulus to Economic Progress,” Monopoly and Competition and Their Regulation, Chamberlin (ed.).

Lange, On the Economic Theory of Socialism, 98-120.

  1. International Equilibrium

Snider, Introduction to International Economics, Ch. 11.

Thorp, Trade, Aid, or What?, Chapters 1 and 2.

Humphrey, American Imports, Chapter 24.

  1. General

Tinbergen, J., Economic Policy: Principles and Design.

Source: Harvard University Archives. Syllabi, course outlines and reading lists in Economics, 1895-2003. Box 6, Folder: “Economics, 1956-1957 (2 of 2).

________________________

1956-57
HARVARD UNIVERSITY
Department of Economics

Economics 106
Applied Economic Analysis
Final Examination

ANSWER FIVE (5) OF THE FOLLOWING SIX QUESTIONS.

  1. Contrast the Domar-Harrod and neo-classical analyses of the problem of maintaining full-employment growth.
  2. What policy tools are available to control the level of aggregate demand in the American economy? Outline the policy program you would recommend in a depression.
  3. “There has recently been a tendency, I believe, to exaggerate the effectiveness of monetary policy and to gloss over its weaknesses.” Discuss.
  4. Discuss the policy proposals of the “dynamic competition” group (Schumpeterians) and the “guided capitalism” group (Keynesians) with regard to the problem of maintaining satisfactory growth.
  5. What were the major causes of the post-war balance of payments difficulties for Europe? What measures were taken in an effort to cure the problem?
  6. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the “structure” versus the “performance” criteria of anti-trust policy.

Source: Harvard University Archives. Final examinations, 1853-2001. Volume 113 (HUC 7000.28) Final Exams—Social Sciences—June 1957: Papers Printed for Final Examinations [in] History, History of Religions, …, Economics, …, Naval Science, Air Science, June 1957.

Image Sources:  (Left) John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation website. Arthur Smithies (1955 Fellow); (Right) Robert Baldwin from Selection from photograph (ca. 1975) of Robert E. Baldwin from the University of Wisconsin Archives/The University of Wisconsin Collection/The UW-Madison Collection/UW-Madison Archives Images.

Categories
Exam Questions Harvard Socialism Suggested Reading Syllabus

Harvard. Socialism and Planning. Syllabus and final exam. Tinbergen and Tsuru, 1957

 

During the spring term of 1957 at Harvard, two visiting professors jointly taught an undergraduate course on “Socialism and Planning”. The instructors were future (inaugural!) Nobel laureate, Professor Jan Tinbergen coming from the Netherlands School of Economics and Dutch Central Planning Bureau, and Harvard economics Ph.D. alumnus (1940), Professor Tsuru Shigeto of Hitotsubashi University (Tokyo).

The American-Japan Intellectual Interchange Committee invited Tsuru Shigeto to be a visiting lecturer for one year at Harvard University in 1956-57. In his March 26, 1957 testimony before the Subcommittee to Investigate the Administration of the Internal Security Act and Other Internal Security Laws of the Committee on the Judiciary of the United States Senate (his testimony will be included in the next post), Tsuru was asked “And what do you do, do you teach at Harvard?” and he answered “Under the terms of this invitation, my main job at Harvard is research. But I assist occasionally in a number of courses, to give sort of guest lectures.” This explains why both Tinbergen and Tsuru are listed on the course syllabus and final exam but only Tinbergen’s name appears in the annual report of the President of Harvard College.

__________________________

Course Enrollment

[Economics] 111a. Socialism. Professor Tinbergen (Netherlands School of Economics). Half course.

(S) Total 30: 14 Other Graduates, 5 Seniors, 7 Juniors, 4 Sophomores.

Source: Harvard University. Report of the President of Harvard College, 1956-1957, p. 68.

__________________________

HARVARD UNIVERSITY
Department of Economics

Economics 111a
Professors Tinbergen and Tsuru, Spring 1957

Socialism and Planning
Outline

I. Socialism
Feb. 4 (Tinbergen) Introductory and remarks on treatment of the subject
4 (Tinbergen) History of socialism: “utopian” and “scientific”
6 (Tsuru) History of socialism: “utopian” and “scientific” (cont.)
8,11 (Tinbergen) Types of socialist doctrines in the post-Marxian period (revisionism, Fabianism, etc.)
13, 15, 18 (Tsuru) Economic characteristics of socialism
20 (Tinbergen) Recent socialist policies:
(1) Wage policy
25 (Tinbergen) (2) Social insurance
27
Mar. 1		 (Tinbergen) (3) Socialization
4 (Tinbergen) (4) Anti-depression policy
6 (Tinbergen) (5) War-time regulations
8 (Tinbergen) (6) Regulations of agricultural markets
11 (Tinbergen) (7) Income distribution
13, 15 (Tsuru) (8) Recent socialist policies in the Soviet Union
18, 20 (Tsuru) (9) Recent socialist policies in mainland China
II. Planning
Mar. 22,25 (Tinbergen) Use made of planning since 1940 (also critique of free-pricing society)

27, 29

Apr. 8

 (Tinbergen) “Free” planning illustrated by The Netherlands
10, 12 (Tinbergen) Some points of planning for detailed control
15 (Tinbergen) Development planning: (1) Italy
17, 22 (Tsuru) Development planning: (2) India
24, 26 (Tsuru) “Planning vs. the law of value”

 

READINGS
*Obligatory reading.

Books

Cole, G. D. H., Socialist Economics, London, B. Gollancz Ltd., 1950.

Central Planning Bureau of the Netherlands: Scope and Methods of the Central Planning Bureau, The Hague, 1956.

Government of India: Second Five Year Plan, New Delhi, 1956.

Gray, A., The Socialist Tradition, Moses to Lenin, Longmans, Green & Co., 1947.

Harris, S. E., Economic Planning; The plans of fourteen countries with analyses of the plans, New York, Knopf, 1949.

J. Jewkes, Ordeal by Planning, London, Macmillan, 1948.

W. Keilhau, Principles of Private and Public Planning, London, Unwin Bros., 1951.

Lewis*, W. A., The Principles of Economic Planning, Washington, Public Affairs Press, 1951.

K. Mannheim, Man and Society in an Age of Reconstruction, Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co., London.

J. E. Meade, Planning and the Price Mechanism, London, Allen & Unwin, 1948.

H. Mendershausen, The Economics of War, New York, Prentice-Hall, 1941.

J. Schumpeter, Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy, New York, Harper and Bros., 1947.

Socialist Union*, Twentieth Century Socialism, New York, Penguin Books, 1956.

N. Thomas, Democratic Socialism: A New Appraisal, New York, 1953.

United Nations, Measures for the Economic Development of Underdeveloped Countries, New York, 1951.

Articles

P. Baran, “National Economic Planning,” in: A Survey of Contemporary Economics II.

A. Bergson, “Socialist Economics,” in: A Survey of Contemporary Economics, I.

R. L. Marris, “The position of economics and economists in the government machine, a comparative critique of the United Kingdom and The Netherlands,” Economic Journal 1954.

Source: Harvard University Archives. Syllabi, course outlines and reading lists in Economics, 1895-2003. Box 6, Folder “Economics, 1956-1957 (2 of 2)”.

__________________________

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

Final Examination
ECONOMICS 111a
Spring 1957

(Tinbergen & Tsuru)

  1. Comment on the book or articles which you read during the reading period.
  2. Give an answer to three of the following questions in no more than 15 lines for each:
    1. Which industries are publicly owned in most Western European countries?
    2. What does the term “revisionists” mean?
    3. Why do countries in war usually impose regulations on their economies?
    4. Why do agricultural markets tend to be unstable?
    5. What is the essence of social insurance schemes?
    6. What taxes are favored by socialists and why?
  3. Answer one of the following two questions in about two pages:
    1. Give the main arguments in favor of and those against socialization.
    2. What is meant by the economic surplus and what is its characteristic for a socialist economy?
  4. Answer three of the following questions in at most one page each:
    1. What is the difference between a forecast and a plan for the economy as a whole?
    2. Which are the main instruments used by:
      1. A country applying overall year-to-year planning;
      2. A country applying overall development planning; and
      3. A country applying detailed planning?
    3. What are the assumptions underlying input-output analysis and why are they first approximations only?
    4. What were the difficulties facing the Netherlands economy in 1951 and how were they solved?
    5. What is the issue involved in the controversy of “planning versus the law of value”?
    6. What are the salient features of development planning in the present-day India?

Source: Harvard University Archives. Harvard University, Final Examinations, 1853-2001 (HUC 7000.28). Vol. 113: Final Exams—Social Sciences—June 1957. Papers Printed for Final Examinations [in] History, History of Religions, …, Economics, …, Naval Science, Air Science, June 1957.

__________________________

HARVARD UNIVERSITY
Department of Economics

Economics 111a
Socialism and Planning
Outline and Extended Bibliography

(Professor Tsuru)

An Appraisal of Marx’s Contribution to Socialism

  1. Vision [1] [2] [3]
  2. Analysis [4]
    1. Historical materialism [5]
      1. Positing of objective laws of the development of society in which an economic process is the prime mover. [3] p. 162, [6] p. 8, [7] Ch. 12
      2. Productive relations and productive forces
    2. The nature of capitalism
      1. Its historical mission and achievements [1]
      2. The labor theory of value [8]
      3. Long-run trends [9] ch. 14, 15, 5, 6, 8, 9
        1. Concentration and monopoly
        2. Increasing misery and unemployment
        3. The falling tendency of the rate of profit
        4. Recurrent crises
      4. Explanatory concepts and ideas
        1. The repudiation of Say’s Law
        2. Reproduction scheme [9] Appendix, [10]
  3. Practical politics
    1. Class struggle [1]
    2. Blueprint—“socialism to communism” [11]
    3. Road to socialism [12] [13]

 

[1] K. Marx and F. Engels, The Communist Manifesto

[2] F. Engels, Socialism, from Utopian to Scientific

[3] J. A. Schumpeter, Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy, 3rd ed., 1950

[4] W. Leontief, “The Significance of Marxian Economics for the Present-Day Economic Theory,” American Economic Review, Supplement, March 1938

[5] M. M. Bober, Karl Marx’s Interpretation of History

[6] P. M. Sweezy, The Present as History, 1953

[7] M. Dobb, On Economic Theory and Socialism, 1955

[8] R. L. Meek, Studies in the Labor Theory of Value, 1956

[9] P. M. Sweezy, The Theory of Capitalist Development, 1942

[10] S. Tsuru, Essays on Marxian Economics, 1956

[11] K. Marx, Critique of the Gotha Programme

[12] K. Marx, Civil War in France

[13] N. Lenin, State and Revolution

*   *   *   *

Economic Characteristics of Socialism

  1. Can we speak of economic characteristics of socialism?
    1. In popular usage of the term [1] [2]
    2. In doctrinal discussion
      1. A few representative definitions
        1. W. G. Sumner [3]
        2. James Bonar [4]
        3. Indian Planning Commission [5]
      2. Earlier orthodox Marxist discussion [6] Ch. 1, [7], [8] Vol. 2, p. 52
        1. Public ownership of the means of production
        2. Centralized planning
        3. Corollaries
          1. conscious spelling out of social goals of production
          2. no class antagonism
      3. Official Soviet discussion
        1. “Basic economic characteristics” of Soviet socialism [9] Ch. 24
        2. Characteristics of people’s democracy [9] Chs. 41, 42
      4. More recent re-appraisal
        1. Background in both capitalist and socialist economies
        2. A standpoint which is increasingly supported by many…that economically socialism and capitalism shade into each other.
  2. Economic characteristics of socialism reconsidered
    1. Pivotal significance of the disposal of the surplus
      1. technical aspect of the surplus
      2. significant questions to be asked
    2. The form of the surplus
    3. The size of the surplus
      1. the incentive aspect
      2. Does the form affect the size? [10] [11]
    4. The manner of disposal of the surplus
      1. the interrelation between the form and the manner of disposal [12]
      2. the interrelation between the size and the manner of disposal
    5. Concluding remarks
      1. John Strachey’s position [13] Ch. 9
      2. What still remains of the economic distinction between socialism and capitalism
      3. Possibility under capitalism of ameliorating undesirable aspects through the action of the state [14] [15] Ch. 13, 19
  3. Secondary distinctions
    1. Insulation of wage-as-cost from wage-as-demand
      1. their unity under capitalism and its consequences
      2. the degree of freedom which exists under socialism and its consequences
      3. modifications which are now feasible under capitalism
    2. Full employment and the problem of cycles
      1. Cycles as characteristics of capitalism [16] Ch. 2
      2. Full employment under socialism
      3. Modifications which are now feasible under capitalism
    3. The role of money and the rate of interest
      1. Early discussions of the subject [8] Vol. 1, Ch. 3; [17]
      2. Different significance of money under capitalism and socialism
      3. The place of interest rate under socialism [18]
    4. The question of incentives
      1. Incentives geared to money return under capitalism vs. incentives geared to targets of limited specifications under socialism
      2. Attempt under socialism to substitute impersonal criteria in the case of firms
      3. Attempt under socialism to introduce more of monetary incentives in the case of individuals [19]
    5. Technological development and the price level
      1. Introduction of technological innovations [20] Ch. 7
      2. Possibility of lowering price level [21]

 

[1] Fortune, Feb. 1957, “The Crisis of Soviet Capitalism”, pp. 102ff.

[2] Sutton and others, The American Business Creed, 1956

[3] C. H. Page, Class and American Sociology: From Ward to Roos, p. 103

[4] Encyclopaedia Britannica, 13th ed. “Socialism”

[5] A. K. Dasgupta, “Socialistic Patterns of Society and the Second Five Year Plan,” The Economic Weekly (Bombay), January 1957, pp. 91-2

[6] P. M. Sweezy, Socialism, 1949

[7] P. M. Sweezy, “Marxian Socialism,” Monthly Review, November 1956

[8] K. Marx, Das Kapital

[9] Political Economy: Textbook (in Russian), Rev. ed., 1955

[10] Joan Robinson, Marx, Marshall & Keynes, (Tokyo) 1956

[11] P. M. Sweezy, The Present as History, Ch. 32, “A crucial difference between capitalism and socialism”

[12] S. Tsuru, “On the Soviet Concept of National Income,” The Annals of Hitotsubashi Academy, October 1954

[13] John Strachey, Contemporary Capitalism, 1956

[14] S. W. Moore, The Critique of Capitalist Democracy, 1957

[15] P. M. Sweezy, The Theory of Capitalist Development, 1942

[16] S. Tsuru, Essays on Marxian Economics, 1956

[17] N. Lenin, Collected Works (Russian ed.), Vol. 29, pp. 329-38

[18] G. Grossman, “Scarce Capital and Soviet Doctrine,” Quarterly Journal of Economics, February 1953

[19] O. Lange, “Sans du nouveau programme économique,” Cahiers Internationaux, Sept.-Oct. 1956, pp. 72-81

[20] John K. Galbraith, American Capitalism, revised ed., 1956

[21] N. M. Kaplan and E. S. Wainstein, “A comparison of Soviet and American Retail Prices in 1950,” Journal of Political Economy, December 1956

Source: Harvard University Archives. Syllabi, course outlines and reading lists in Economics, 1895-2003. Box 6, Folder “Economics, 1956-1957 (2 of 2)”.

Image Source: Jan Tinbergen from Dutch National Archives (February 25, 1966 photograph by Joost Evers).  Tsuru Shigeto from Eumed.net website, webpage: “Economistas”. Shigeto Tsuru (1912-2006).

 

Categories
Exam Questions Harvard Policy Suggested Reading Syllabus

Harvard. Economic Analysis and Public Policy, Readings and Exams. Baldwin, 1955-56

 

While Harvard archive’s collection of old course syllabi and reading lists offers a treasure chest of material, there still are plenty of “missing observations” and lost pages between us and a complete record. Fortunately there is often significant inertia in the actual syllabi so that interpolation is less hazardous than one might expect in filling the gaps. The next several posts will be dedicated to the graduate course taught for graduate students of economics and of public administration “Economic Analysis and Public Policy”. Robert Baldwin’s spring term syllabus for 1955-56 gives us a valuable clue as to the likely content of a missing page in the syllabus for the course as taught in 1956-57.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Arthur Smithies’ syllabus for this course as taught in 1949-50 has been transcribed and posted.

Biographical information along with the reading list for Robert Baldwin’s course “Theories and Problems of Economic Development” taught in 1955 have been posted earlier.

_______________________

Course Enrollment

[Economics] 206 Economic Analysis and Public Policy. Assistant Professor Baldwin. Full course.

(F) Total 36: 10 Graduates, 22 Other Graduates, 2 Seniors, 1 Radcliffe, 1 Other.

(S) Total 34: 10 Graduates, 21 Other Graduates, 2 Seniors, 1 Other.

Source: Harvard University. Report of the President of Harvard College, 1955-56, p. 78.

_______________________

HARVARD UNIVERSITY
Department of Economics

Economics 206
[Baldwin, Fall Term, 1955-56]

Baumol, W. J., Economic Dynamics, Chapters 2, 3, and 4.

Bober, M. M., Karl Marx’s Interpretation of History.

Cassel, Gustav, The Theory of Social Economy, Chapter 4.

Domar, E., “Expansion and Employment,” American Economic Review, March 1947.

Dillard, Dudley, The Economics of J. M. Keynes.

Gray, Alexander, The Development of Economic Doctrine, Chapters 5, 6, 11.

Hansen, A. H., Business Cycles and National Income, Parts II and III.

Hansen, A. H., A Guide to Keynes.

Harris, S. E. The New Economics, Chapters 12, 13, 14, 16, 39.

Harris, S. E., Schumpeter, Social Scientist.

Harrod, Roy, The Life of J. M. Keynes.

Heilbroner, R. L., The Worldly Philosophers.

Jevons, W. Stanley, The Theory of Political Economy, Introduction.

Keynes, J. M., The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money.

Klein, L. R., The Keynesian Revolution, Chapters 3 and 4.

Malthus, T. R., Essay on Population.

Marshall, A., Principles of Economics, Book V.

Marx, Karl, Communist Manifesto.

Mill, J. S., Principles of Political Economy, Book 4, Chapters 1-4.

Ricardo, David, Principles of Political Economy, Chapters 1-6, 21.

Ricardo, David, Notes on Malthus, Chapter 7.

Robinson, Joan, Essay on Marxian Economics.

Schumpeter, J. A., The Theory of Economic Development.

Schumpeter, J.A., Capitalism, Socialism, and Democracy.

Schumpeter, J. A., Ten Great Economists, Chapters 1, 4, 10.

Schumpeter, J. A., History of Economic Analysis.

Smith, Adam, The Wealth of Nations, Bk. I, Chs. 1-9; bk. II, Ch. 3; Bk. IV, Ch. 2.

Smithies, Arthur, “Reflections on the Work and Influence of J.M. Keynes,” Quarterly Journal of Economics, November 1951.

Smithies, Arthur, “Joseph Alois Schumpeter,” American Economic Review, Sept. 1950.

Stephen, Leslie, The English Utilitarians, Volume 2, Chapter 5.

Sweezy, Paul, The Theory of Capitalist Development, Chapters 4, 5, 6, 8, 9.

Walras, L.,  Elements of Pure Economics, Part I.

Source: Harvard University Archives. Syllabi, course outlines and reading lists in Economics, 1895-2003. Box 6, Folder: “Economics, 1955-1956 (2 of 2).

Reading Period Assignment:

No additional assignment

Source: Harvard University Archives. Syllabi, course outlines and reading lists in Economics, 1895-2003. Box 6, Folder: “Economics, 1955-1956 (1 of 2).

_______________________

1955-56
HARVARD UNIVERSITY

Economics 206
Mid-year Examination
January, 1956

(Three Hours)

Answer four (4) of the following six questions.

  1. Some economists have advocated a flexible money wage rate policy to ensure full employment. Discuss and contrast the effects of a cut in money wage rates on aggregate employment in the Keynesian and in the Classical (or neo-Classical) systems.
  2. Both Marx and Schumpeter believe that capitalism is doomed, but their reasons for this conclusion are quite different. Explain and criticize the analysis of each in regard to this point.
  3. According to Keynes, the habit of thrift may be a vice instead of a virtue. In Classical and neo-Classical thought, however, thrift is invariably regarded as a virtue. Explain the reasons for this difference in viewpoint.
  4. Discuss and appraise the analyses of Smith, Ricardo, and Marx concerning their view that the long-run rate of profit will decline.
  5. What is wrong with the labor theory of value as an explanation of how relative prices are determined? How did the neo-Classical theorists solve the problem of how relative prices are determined?
  6. In the Ricardian and Marxian theories of growth, labor fails to share in the fruits of long-run progress (in the sense of receiving a higher per capita income). However, according to Schumpeter and the neo-Classsical writers, this is not a necessary (and, indeed, is an unlikely) result. Why do these writers disagree on this matter?

Source: Harvard University Archives. Final examinations, 1853-2001. Box 23, Volume: Papers Printed for Final Examinations [in] History, History of Religions, …, Economics, …, Naval Science, Air Science, January 1956.

_______________________

HARVARD UNIVERSITY
Department of Economics

Economics 206
[Baldwin, Spring Term, 1955-56]

Part I (cont.) The Post-Keynesian Growth Theorists

Readings:

Domar, “Expansion and Employment,” A.E.R., March 1947.

Baumol, Economic Dynamics, Ch. 4

Part II. The Changing Structure of the U.S. Economy

  1. “Real” Factors
  2. Institutional Conditions

Readings:

Dewhurst and Associates, America’s Needs and Resources, A New Survey, Chs. 4, 18, 28.

Galbraith, American Capitalism, Chs. 1, 4-10.

Kaysen, “Looking Around—Books About Competition,” Harvard Business Review, May-June, 1954.

Lilienthal, Big Business: A New Era

Slichter, The American Economy, Ch. 2.

Part III. Public Policy and Economic Goals

  1. Full Employment
  2. Price Stability
  3. Equitable Income Distribution
  4. Efficient Resource Allocation
  5. Economic Growth
  6. International Equilibrium

Readings:

A.E.A. Committee, “The Problem of Economic Instability,” American Economic Review, Sept., 1950.

Economic Report of the President, January 1956.

Elliot, The Political Economy of American Foreign Policy, Part II.

Galbraith, “Farm Policy: The Current Position,” Journal of Farm Economics, May, 1955.

Hansen, Business Cycles and National Income, Part III.

Hearings before the Joint Committee, January 1955 Economic Report of the President, Statements by Professors Hansen (p. 491) and Harris (p. 291).

Knight, “Economic Objectives in a Changing World,” in Economics and Public Policy, Brookings Institution

McDonald, “The Sherman Act and ‘Workable Competition’,” No. 28 in Readings in Economics, Samuelson, Bishop, and Coleman.

Mason, “Prices, Costs, and Profits,” in Money, Trade, and Economic Growth: Essays in Honor of J.H. Williams.

Maxwell, Fiscal Policy

Report of the Joint Committee on the Economic Report, Foreign Economic Policy, January, 1956.

Smithies, “Economic Welfare and Economic Policy,” in Economics and Public Policy.

Smithies, “Full Employment at Whatever Cost: A Comment,” Q.J.E., November, 1950.

Subcommittee on Monetary, Credit, and Fiscal Policies of the Joint Committee on the Economic Report, Money, Credit, and Fiscal Policies, No. 2 in Gramp and Weiler, Readings in Political Economy.

United Nations, National and International Measures for Full Employment.

Viner, “Full Employment at Whatever Cost,” Q.J.E., August, 1950.

Wright, The Impact of the Union, Ch. 8, 10.

Source: Harvard University Archives. Syllabi, course outlines and reading lists in Economics, 1895-2003. Box 6, Folder: “Economics, 1955-1956 (2 of 2).

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HARVARD UNIVERSITY
Department of Economics

Economics 206
Final Examination
June, 1956

Answer four (4) of the following seven questions:

  1. What are the major problems facing American agriculture? Analyze the economic forces behind these problems, and suggest the kind of policies you would favor in order to mitigate the difficulties.
  2. “The strained relations between the Federal Reserve and Treasury since the end of World War II clearly indicate the undesirability of the existence of a semi-autonomous monetary authority in this country.” Discuss.
  3. Domar’s condition for the maintenance of continuous full employment is not unlike the Queen’s observation in Through the Looking Glass; “A slow sort of country. Now here, you see, it takes all the running you can do to keep in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else, you must run at least twice as fast as that.”
    Explain and evaluate the requirements for full employment in Domar’s model.
  4. “The traditional view of anti-trust policy is based on a static conception of economic activity. What is needed is a revision of anti-trust policy which recognizes the dynamic nature of the American economy.” Discuss.
  5. Carefully explain and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of monetary policy versus fiscal policy as counter-cyclical weapons.
  6. Discuss the causes and attempted cures of the post-war dollar shortage.
  7. “The economist must attempt to formulate a compromise among various, and possibly conflicting, economic objectives. He must attempt to discuss the economic objectives of society, to remove contradictions among them, and to harmonize economic objectives with those that lie outside the economic field.” Do you agree? What are some of the possible conflicts among various economic objectives? Are there any policy changes which you would recommend “to remove contradictions” among various economic objectives?

Source: Harvard University Archives. Final examinations, 1853-2001. Box 24, Volume: Papers Printed for Final Examinations [in] History, History of Religions, …, Economics, …, Naval Science, Air Science, June 1956.

Image Source: Selection from photograph (ca. 1975) of Robert E. Baldwin from the University of Wisconsin Archives/The University of Wisconsin Collection/The UW-Madison Collection/UW-Madison Archives Images.

Categories
Exam Questions Harvard Policy

Harvard. Exams for Economic Analysis and Public Policy. Smithies, 1949-1950

Arthur Smithies’ 1949-50 graduate course “Economic Analysis and Public Policy” was the subject of an earlier post. There I transcribed the course syllabus, provided enrollment figures, and added the Harvard Crimson’s 1981 obituary for him.

Several years after that post, I was able to copy the course examinations during a research visit to the Harvard University archives. Transcriptions of those exams are included below.

_________________________

1949-50
HARVARD UNIVERSITY

ECONOMICS 206
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND PUBLIC POLICY
[Mid-year Examination, January 1950]

(Three Hours)

Answer all questions.

  1. Characterize various types of economic organization according to the degree of central planning and control and the methods by which control is exercised.
  2. Discuss the wage-price question that seems to confront most private enterprise economies. Is a wage-price spiral inherent in a full employment economy? Could it be eliminated by allowing a sufficiently large pool of unemployment? Are compulsory and widespread wage and price controls consistent with democratic government?
  3. Compare the relative merits of a free price system and a controlled price system from the point of view of optimum allocation of resources and optimum rate of economic progress. What, if anything, is meant by these terms?
  4. Define the multiplier with numerical illustrations.
  5. From your reading of the Reports of the Council of Economic Advisers, what do you conclude about the type of stabilization policy they favor?

Source: Harvard University Archives. Harvard University Final Examinations, 1853-2001. Box 27. Papers Printed for Final Examinations [in] History, History of Religions, …, Economics, …, Military Science, Naval Science, February 1950.

_________________________

1949-50
HARVARD UNIVERSITY

ECONOMICS 206
[Final Examination, June 1950]

  1. Discuss Schumpeter’s concept of the entrepreneur and innovation from the point of view of its value (a) in explaining capitalistic development in the past, (b) in explaining the present in the U.S.
  2. Discuss “functional finance” from the point of view of its feasibility and desirability as a guide to policy in the U.S. How do you think Marshall, Schumpeter, the Council of Economic Advisers, and the Anti-Trust Division would react to Lerner’s ideas?
  3. Is there a monopoly problem in the U.S.? If so, what ought to be done about it?
  4. The statement was made in class that the more we know about the operation of the economy the more difficult it becomes to operate it. How much nonsense and how much truth is there to this statement?

Source: Harvard University Archives. Harvard University Final Examinations, 1853-2001. Box 27. Papers Printed for Final Examinations [in] History, History of Religions, …, Economics, …, Military Science, Naval Science, June 1950.

Image Source: Arthur Smithies, Harvard Album 1952.

Categories
Exam Questions Harvard Undergraduate

Harvard. Final Exam for Theories and Problems of Economic Development. Baldwin, 1956.

 

In an earlier post I provided the syllabus for the undergraduate Harvard course “Theories and Problems of Economic Development” taught by Robert Baldwin in the second term of 1955-56. Career and other biographical information for this 1950 economics Ph.D. alumnus from Harvard are presented there.

This post adds the final examination for that course copied during a later visit to the Harvard Archives.

____________________

HARVARD UNIVERSITY
Department of Economics

Economics 108

Answer two (2) questions from Part I and two (2) questions from Part II.

PART I.

  1. Post-Keynesian growth theorists conclude that in order to maintain a continuous state of full employment in the economy, investment must grow at a constant annual percentage rate.
    1. How do they reach this conclusion?
    2. Explain why this condition is not required in the neo-classical model of economic growth.
  2. “In the Ricardian system the rate of profit declines due to the absence of sufficiently rapid technological progress; in the Marxian model the rate of profit declines because of rapid technological progress.” Discuss.
  3. Explain and criticize Schumpeter’s analysis of the process of economic development. (Do not discuss in any detail his general sociological analysis of capitalist development).

PART II.

  1. What factors should be considered in determining investment criteria for poor countries?
  2. Discuss and appraise the arguments for tariff and exchange control policies in the poor countries.
  3. Explain the following concepts:
    1. the vicious circle of poverty
    2. disguised unemployment
    3. balanced growth
    4. underdevelopment and backwardness

Source: Harvard University Archives. Final examinations, 1853-2001. Box 24, Volume: Papers Printed for Final Examinations [in] History, History of Religions, …, Economics, …, Naval Science, Air Science, June 1956.

Image Source: Selection from photograph (ca. 1975) of Robert E. Baldwin from the University of Wisconsin Archives/The University of Wisconsin Collection/The UW-Madison Collection/UW-Madison Archives Images.

Categories
Economic History Exam Questions Fields Harvard

Harvard. History, Government, and Economics Division Exams, 1919

 

 

While during the fall of 1918 both Harvard and M.I.T. found themselves caught in the influenza epidemic, it is interesting to note that not a single question in the undergraduate divisional examinations for History, Government, and Economics was dedicated to that significant current event.

This post adds to the slowly growing Harvard divisional exams collection here at Economics in the Rear-view Mirror.

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Previous Division A.B. Exams from Harvard

Division Exams 1916

Division Exams, January 1917

Division Exams, April 1918

Division Exams 1931

Special Exam for Money and Government Finance, 1939

Special Exam Economic History Since 1750, 1939

Special Exam for Economic Theory, 1939

Special Exam for Labor and Social Reform, 1939

_______________________

DIVISION EXAMINATION

Beginning with the Class of 1917, students concentrating in the Division of History, Government, and Economics will, at the close of their college course and as a prerequisite to the degree of A.B. and S.B., be required to pass an examination upon the field of their concentration. This examination ·will cover the general attainments of each candidate in the field covered by this Division and also his attainments in a specific field of study. The examination will consist of three parts:—

(a) A general examination, designed to ascertain the comprehensive attainment of the candidate in the subjects of this Division. The paper will be the same for all students, but there will be a large number of alternative questions to allow for differences in preparation.

(b) A special examination, which will test the student’s grasp of his chosen specific field (see list of fields below). The candidate will be expected to show a thorough understanding of the subject of this field; knowledge of the content of courses only will not suffice. The examination will be upon a subject, not upon a group of courses.

(c) An oral examination, supplementary to either or both of the written examinations, but ordinarily bearing primarily upon the candidate’s specific field. The specific field should ordinarily be chosen from the following list, which indicates also the courses bearing most directly upon each field. In special cases other fields or combinations of fields may be accepted by the Division. This field should be selected by the end of the Sophomore year.

Specific field of concentration:

History

  1. Ancient History
  2. Mediaeval History
  3. Modern History to 1789
  4. Modern History since 1789
  5. American History
  6. History of England
  7. History of France
  8. History of Germany
  9. History of Eastern Europe
  10. History of Spain and Latin America
  11. Economic History
  12. Constitutional and Legal History
  13. History of Religions

Government

  1. Modern Government—American
  2. Modern Government—European
  3. Municipal Government
  4. Political Theory
  5. Constitutional Law
  6. International Law and Diplomacy

Economics

  1. Economic Theory and its Application
  2. Economic History
  3. Economics and Sociology

Applied Economics

  1. Money and Banking
  2. Corporate Organization, including Railroads
  3. Public Finance
  4. Labor Problems
  5. Economics of Agriculture

Source: Division of History, Government, and Economics, 1917-18. Official Register of Harvard University, Vol. XIV, No. 25 (May 18, 1917), pp. 78-81.

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DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION GENERAL EXAMINATION
[May 9, 1919]

PART I

The treatment of one of the following questions will be regarded as equivalent to one-third of the examination and should therefore occupy one hour. Write on one question only.

  1. Compare the methods of guaranteeing private rights against the government in England, France, and the United States.
  2. How far is it true that agriculture is the most stable source of a country’s material prosperity?
  3. Show the effect of changes in the systems of land holding upon political life.
  4. What should be the foreign policies of a socialist state?
  5. Contrast Roman and English systems of legislation.
  6. Were American colonial institutions indigenous or exotic?
  7. Compare the administrations of Washington, Adams, and Jefferson with those of Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson.
  8. To what extent do events since 1800 bear out the following proposition:
    “As the Creator is a being, not only of infinite power and wisdom but also of infinite goodness, he has been pleased so to contrive the constitution and frame of humanity that we should want no other prompter to enquire after…but only our self-love, that universal principle of action. For He has…inseparably interwoven the laws of external justice with the happiness of each individual.”
  9. Comment on the following quotation from de Tocqueville:
    “America is the country of the whole world where the Christian religion has conserved the most real power over the souls of men.”
  10. What are the arguments for and against a general agreement that “all states shall grant equal treatment to all aliens within their borders.”

Part II

Answers to questions 11 and 12 are required and will be regarded as equivalent to one-third of the examination, and should therefore occupy one-half hour each.

  1. Estimate the situation on August 4, 1914; on May 7, 1915; on April 6, 1917, and on November 11, 1918 with reference to:
    (1) Political power.
    (2) Military power.
    (3) Economic conditions.
    (4) National ideals.
  2. Give an outline and critical report upon some one standard work (not the course textbook) the whole of which you have studied as collateral reading with reference to this General Examination.

Part III

Three questions only from the following groups, A, B, and C are to be answered, of which two must be from one group and the third from either of the remaining groups.

A

  1. Give a brief account of the career of Alexander the Great. Why has it been so attractive to modern German scholars?
  2. Describe the relations of Innocent III to the sovereigns of his time.
  3. In his recent debate with President Lowell, Senator Lodge said, “I believe there are some thirty (leagues of nations) in the pages of history.” Mention, with approximate dates, as many of these thirty as you can, and give a full account of one of them.
  4. Discuss the rivalry of Russia and Austria in the Balkan peninsula since 1815.
  5. Wherein lies Lincoln’s right to a place in world history?

B

  1. What factors were most important in the earlier development of the modern city?
  2. What have been the interrelations of international balances of trade and national foreign policies?
  3. To what extent and for what reasons are monetary inflation and the financing of war inseparably connected?
  4. Trace the evolution of one of the following:
    (a) The eight-hour working day.
    (b) Syndicalism.
    (c) Vocational education.
    (d) Protectionism on the continent of Europe.
  5. To what extent and under what conditions does national well-being rest upon political control of essential raw materials?

C

  1. Does history show that law stifles originality and individuality? Use illustrations freely.
  2. Explain the ideas or movements, giving approximate dates, with which five of the following were associated:
    1. Fremont,
    2. Garibaldi,
    3. Kotzebue,
    4. Metternich,
    5. Moltke,
    6. Parnell,
    7. Raphael,
    8. Renan,
    9. Sully,
    10. Thiers.
  3. Distinguish the following terms: (a) federation, (b) confederation, (c) alliance, (d) league of nations, (e) federal state, (f) international union, (g) society of nations, (h) world state.
  4. Discuss the historical, political, and economic aspects of “freedom of the seas.”
  5. “Neighboring nations are naturally enemies to each other unless their common weakness forces them to league in a confederative republic.” Can this be supported by the history of the eighteenth century?

_______________________

DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

MODERN HISTORY SINCE 1789
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions in all, taking at least one from each of the three sections into which the paper is divided.

I

  1. The years 1796-97 have been characterized as the most critical in the history of the British navy. What was the nature of the crisis? Account for the subsequent naval successes.
  2. Compare the attitudes of England and of the United States towards the movement for the independence of Latin America.
  3. Give a brief history of the Papacy from 1848 to 1870, with special reference to political affairs.
  4. Account for the revival of the Austrian Empire after the shocks it received in 1848-49.
  5. Give a brief account of the relations of China and Japan from 1890 to 1910.

II

  1. What are the origins and principal features of the present constitution of the French Republic?
  2. Outline the principal changes that have taken place in England’s outlying possessions since 1815 and in her relations to them.
  3. Give a brief account of the international questions which have arisen in connection with Venezuela in the past twenty-five years.
  4. What have been the principal issues between Madrid and the northeastern part of Spain during the past one hundred years?
  5. What do you understand by nationalism? Is it true that the proposed league of nations will safeguard it?

III

  1. Give a brief history of the Church in France from 1789 to 1815.
  2. What measures have been taken in England during the past one hundred years for the amelioration of the conditions of the working classes?
  3. What is Bolshevism? What is its probably future? Does the past history of Russia account for its presence there today?
  4. What are the principal natural resources of Latin America, and where are they located? In what natural resources is Latin America preeminently lacking?
  5. Do you think that clauses relative to labor and labor conditions ought to have a place in the peace treaty at present under discussion at Paris? Give your reasons for your answer.

_______________________

DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

AMERICAN HISTORY
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions in all, taking at least one from each of the three sections into which the paper is divided.

I

  1. How were the English Colonies in North America affected by the course of events in Europe between 1650 and 1670?
  2. Compare the methods by which the United States acquired Texas with those by which she acquired Oregon.
  3. Describe the various projects for the annexation of Cuba by the United States, and give the reasons for their failure.
  4. Give a brief account of the military operations of 1864. What do you consider to be the turning point of that campaign?
  5. What are the principal international questions which have arisen in connection with Venezuela in the past twenty-five years?

II

  1. Compare the political organization of colonial Virginia with that of colonial New England, and explain the reasons for the differences.
  2. Is the Union older than the States?
  3. What were the effects of the administration and character of Andrew Jackson on the national government?
  4. Criticize the policy by which Reconstruction was carried out.
  5. Comment on, discuss or explain, as the case may require, eight of the following: Tordesillas Line, Mason and Dixon’s line, Greenback, Fundamental Constitutions, Barnburners, Drago Doctrine, Forty acres and a mule, Kitchen Cabinet, Bear Flag, Writs of Assistance.

III

  1. Give a short account of the Society of Jesus in the New World.
  2. “The development of transportation in the years following the treaty of Ghent is the most significant factor in American life between the inauguration of Washington and the firing on Fort Sumter.” Is this statement true? Explain at length.
  3. What arguments for the continuance of slavery could have been advanced by a conscientious slave holder in 1860?
  4. Describe the origin of Mormonism, and the importance of the Mormons in the western movement of population.
  5. Mention, with approximate dates, the names and principal works of four American poets, of three American painters, of three American inventors, of four American historians.

_______________________

DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

ECONOMIC HISTORY
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions.

A

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

  1. Trace the course of the rate of interest in modern times. What probably will be the course of the rate during the next few years? Why?
  2. Give a brief history of the trade balance of the United States since 1850. Account for the changes noted.
  3. What factors have contributed most to changes in the distribution of wealth in the United States since 1870?
  4. What contribution has statistical method to make to historical research? Offer illustrative suggestions.

B

Take from this group at least two and not more than four.

  1. Outline the history of the merchant marine of the United States.
  2. What was the Chartist movement? To what extent were its fundamental causes economic? To what degree was it associated with the trade union movement? the movement for the repeal of the Corn Laws?
  3. What part was played by the Zollverein, in the different stages of its development, in the struggle for the balance of power in the Germanic Confederation?
  4. Compare the economic life and organization of colonial Virginia with that of the New England colonies, and account for the differences.
  5. Trace the history of the public debt of the United States.
  6. What have been the most important developments in American agriculture since 1850?
  7. Sketch the development of the railway net of the United States.

C

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

  1. Discuss critically the “free silver” agitation of the nineties.
  2. In what particulars and for what reasons has labor legislation been backward in the United States?
  3. Describe the traditional German policy toward industrial combination. Analyze the more important consequences of the policy.
  4. In what respects is the present railway situation in the United States like, in what respects unlike, that prevailing before the War?

_______________________

DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

ECONOMICS AND SOCIOLOGY
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions. Take at least one question from each group.

A

  1. Discuss the distinction between “fair” and “unfair” competition.
  2. Analyze the probable economic after-effects of the War.
  3. What is the social justification of speculation?
  4. Discuss the following statement: “Products that are made for wages less than living and by hours longer than health endurance are anti-social and immoral products and express a ruinous social cost, no matter what the selling price may be. Such products are the result of parasitic industry and are filled with social poison. All industry of this nature is a leech upon the economic and race life and should be outlawed as we outlaw adulterations and fought as we fight pestilence.”

B

  1. Give a critical account of marriage and divorce statistics in the United States.
  2. Compare birth registration in the United States and Great Britain.
  3. What are the principal difficulties in the collection and subsequent use of statistics of crime?
  4. Discuss critically the decline of the birth rate during recent times.

C

  1. What is social progress? Indicate the importance of racial factors in social progress.
  2. Discuss “freedom of speech” as the right of every individual in a democratic society.
  3. Contrast the different bases of morality.
  4. Discuss the origin and effect of “fashion” on social and economic life.
  5. In a few words indicate the most important contributions to sociology by three of the following: (a) Comte, (b) Darwin, (c) Spencer, (d) Galton, (e) Kidd, (f) Ward, (g) Tarde, (h) Giddings.
  6. What are the most serious evils of modern social life? Why are these “most serious”?

D

  1. What are the principal causes of interruptions of family income? How are such interruptions to be prevented, or their evil consequences reduced to a minimum?
  2. What are the essentials of a satisfactory system of poor relief?
  3. What are the principal problems of rural community life in the United States?
  4. What is Bolshevism? What is its probable future?

_______________________

DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

LABOR PROBLEMS
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions.

A

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

  1. What are “fair wages”? Consider the question with reference to (a) the effects of unrestricted competition; (b) the influence of collective bargaining; (c) the problems of compulsory arbitration; (d) the ideals of socialism.
  2. Discuss the following analogy: “Like machinery, the immigrants have relieved native laborers of heavy and disagreeable toil and have elevated them to an aristocracy of labor.”
  3. What are the principal difficulties in the statistical analysis of the course of real wages?
  4. What are the chief sources of industrial accident statistics in the United States?

B

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

  1. Contrast the development of social insurance in England, Germany, and the United States before the War. How do you account for the differences?
  2. Sketch the history of one of the following: (a) Knights of Labor; (b) American Federation of Labor; (c) British Labor Party; (d) German Social Democrats.
  3. Give an account of one of the following strikes: (a) Homestead; (b) Pullman; (c) Patterson; (d) Lawrence (1912); (e) French railway employees (1910); (f) British coal miners (1912).
  4. Compare the positions and policies of labor in the United States, England, and France during the War

C

Take from this group at least two and not more than four.

  1. Describe and criticize the organization and work of the United States Department of Labor.
  2. What are the present relations between the labor and socialist movements?
  3. Analyze critically the results of compulsory arbitration in Australia.
  4. What are the functions of the employment manager?
  5. Classify and characterize the different types of labor union.
  6. Discuss the nature and uses of sabotage.
  7. Discuss critically the present attempt to internationalize labor policies.

_______________________

DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

PUBLIC FINANCE
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions.

A

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

  1. Discuss “conscription of income” as a measure of war finance.
  2. What is the case for and against a tax on capital in England at the present time?
  3. To what extent and by what methods are statistics regarding the distribution of income and wealth in the United States to be derived from the present Federal income tax returns?
  4. Describe critically the form of budget employed by some important city, American or foreign.

B

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

  1. Trace the evolution of the taxation of land in England.
  2. What has been the history of the fee system of compensating public officials?
  3. Give a brief history of the state income tax in the United States.
  4. Compare British war finance during the past five years with the policies of the Napoleonic period.

C

Take from this group at least two and not more than four.

  1. What is meant by “classification of property for purposes of taxation”? What are the reasons for such classification? What obstacles have stood in its way in American states?
  2. What have been the effects of the Congressional committee system upon national finance in the United States?
  3. State the case for and against the increment tax. What is the best mode of levying increment taxes?
  4. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of the protective customs duty and the bounty as a means of encouraging home industry.
  5. Discuss the chief problems of inheritance taxation.
  6. What is the science of public finance? What is its relation to (a) economic theory? (b) political science? (c) administrative law?

_______________________

DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

CORPORATE ORGANIZATION, INCLUDING RAILROADS
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions.

A

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

  1. Discuss the following statement: “When you find a business in staples attaining size, you may be sure that in some broad economic way it makes for increased efficiency and gives a very fundamental service to consumers. In no other way could it continue to exist.”
  2. What theoretical problems are involved in government regulation of corporate security issues?
  3. Enumerate and explain the more important statistical units employed in analyses of railroad operations.
  4. What is the present practice of American railroads in regard to depreciation of equipment under the Interstate Commerce Commission regulations?

B

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

  1. Give an account of the organization and subsequent career of one of the large American industrial combinations.
  2. Compare the history of water transportation in the United States, England, and Germany.
  3. Trace the evolution of English policy toward industrial combination.
  4. Outline the history of the railroads of France.

C

Take from this group at least two and not more than four.

  1. Discuss critically the financial results of government operation of the railroads in the United States since January 1, 1918.
  2. In what particulars, if at all, should the Sherman Anti-Trust Law be amended?
  3. Describe and criticize the Federal Income Tax insofar as it applies to corporations.
  4. Discuss the organization and work of the Federal Trade Commission.
  5. Should concerns doing an interstate business be compelled to incorporate under the Federal government? Why, or why not?
  6. Upon what different bases may railway systems be appraised? In what ways, if at all, is railway valuation related to railway rate regulation?

_______________________

DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

MONEY AND BANKING
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions.

A

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

  1. Of what concretely do uninvested, of what do invested, savings consist? Can they accumulate to an indefinitely large amount? Can saving be carried to excess?
  2. Indicate the means by which the amount of monetary inflation is to be measured.
  3. Describe the principal books of a large city commercial bank.
  4. Draft an income or profit and loss statement suitable for a commercial bank.

B

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

  1. Trace the evolution of modern coinage practices.
  2. What kinds of money circulated in the United States in 1800? 1840? 1860? 1870? 1880? 1895? Explain any changes noted.
  3. Outline the history of the Bank of France.
  4. Give a brief account of the office of Comptroller of the Currency.

C

Take from this group at least two and not more than four.

  1. “The pivotal thing in sound banking is the character of the bank’s assets.” Is this statement correct? What kind of assets, if any, are of particular importance?
  2. Describe critically the use of gold during the War.
  3. Explain briefly the functions of the following officers and departments in a large bank: (a) note teller; (b) collection department; (c) credit department; (d) cashier; (e) loan department.
  4. Wherein, if at all, might the monetary system of the United States be substantially improved?
  5. Discuss the banking problems involved in the flotation of an immense government war loan.
  6. What is to be said for and against the separation of commercial and investment banking? How extensively are the two combined today in (a) the United States, (b) England, (c) France?

_______________________

DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

POLITICAL THEORY
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions.

A

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

  1. “In every body politic there is a maximum strength which it cannot exceed and which it only loses by increasing in size. Every extension of the social tie means its relaxation; and generally speaking, a small state is stronger in proportion that a great one.” Has this opinion been accepted by any political philosophers? Does history support it?
  2. How has political theory been influenced at different periods by the prevailing economic doctrines?
  3. Who were the authors of the following: (a) Oceana, (b) The Prince, (c) A Fragment on Government, (d) Democracy in America, (e) The Republic, (f) The Wealth of Nations. In what order should these be recommended to a student of government? Justify this order.
  4. Name and give with brief criticism the ideas of the leading political theorist of (1) France, (2) Germany, (3) America.

B

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

  1. Discuss “He who serves the state should rank above all others.”
  2. Could Plato’s ideas of a republic be applied in the twentieth century?
  3. State in outline your own theory of the state and show how this would apply to the United States.
  4. How far has the war of 1914-19 a justification in political theory?

C

Take from this group at least two and not more than four.

  1. “Law is regarded as a truth to be discovered not as a command to be imposed.” Discuss critically giving conclusions with reasons.
  2. Contrast the political ideas of (1) Hobbes, (2) Rousseau, (3) Kant.
  3. Has progress in Europe been more rapid since than before the thirteenth century.” What is progress?
  4. “Who is wise and prudent, cannot or ought not to keep his parole, when the keeping of it is to his prejudice and the causes for which he promised removed.” Discuss the theory based on and give the source of this quotation.
  5. Give a brief outline of two of the following and name the authors: (a) City of the Sun, (b) The Federalist, (c) On Liberty, (d) Philosophical Theory of the State, (e) Principles of Political Obligation, (f) Patriarcha, (g) Two Treatises of Government, (h) Politics.
  6. What has been the relation of Common Law to national development?
  7. Compare the following methods of study of political theories: (a) Metaphysical, (b) Analytical, (c) Historical, (d) Comparative.

_______________________

DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

ECONOMICS OF AGRICULTURE
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions.

A

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

  1. Discuss the significance of joint cost in the calculation of the cost of production of agricultural staples.
  2. To what extent have American farming methods been characteristically wasteful?
  3. Describe a model system of accounts for a large dairy farm.
  4. Give an account of the organization and work of the International Institute of Agriculture.

B

Take from this group at least one and not more than two.

  1. Describe the part played by the American farmer in the (a) Granger movement; (b) Populist Party; (c) Free Silver campaign of 1896; (d) Non-Partisan League.
  2. Outline the history of wheat-growing on the North American continent.
  3. Describe in detail the methods of agriculture in England during the Middle Ages.
  4. Trace the development of the manufacture of farm implements.

C

Take from this group at least two and not more than four.

  1. Analyze the problem of farm labor.
  2. Discuss critically the work of the United States Food Administration during the War.
  3. Describe the present organization of the meat-packing industry in the United States.
  4. To what extent and in what particulars is agricultural credit different from mercantile credit?
  5. What are the opportunities for cooperation in agriculture?
  6. Discuss the principal problems of rural community life in the United States.

_______________________

DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

STATISTICS
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions. Take at least one question from each group.

A

  1. What is meant by “statistical method”? What is the scientific importance of the method? What are its limitations?
  2. What is the logical distinction, if there be any, between a weighted and a simple arithmetic mean? What are the reasons for and against weighting? Under what circumstances may weighing safely be omitted?
  3. Discuss the standard deviation of a series with reference to (a) its meaning; (b) its computation; (c) its merits and defects as compared with other measures of dispersion; (d) its use in graphic analysis and presentation.
  4. Criticise the following statement: In the case of historical variables, “no coefficient equals the graphic method for demonstrating whether correlation does or does not exist.”
  5. Describe the methods of obtaining an approximation to the value of r without actually computing the coefficient.

B

  1. What are the more important steps in preparing for the actual field count of a population census?
  2. Describe the successive steps of machine tabulation. What are the advantages and disadvantages of such tabulation?
  3. Explain the nature of, and indicate the best form for, each of the following varieties of statistical table:
    (a) historical,
    (b) cumulative frequency,
    (c) contingency,
    (d) correlation.
  4. Draft a set of rules for the graphic presentation of historical series.
  5. In a few words indicate the contributions to statistics of three of the following: (a) Petty; (b) Achenwall; (c) Süssmilch; (d) Quételet; (e) Pearson; (f) F. A. Walker; (g) A. Bertillon; (h) Levasseur; (i) Edgeworth.

C

  1. Trace the development of the United States Census.
  2. Compare the present status of birth registration in the United States and Great Britain.
  3. Discuss the different statistical devices now in use for the forecasting of general business conditions.
  4. Enumerate and criticize the chief sources of wage statistics in the United States.
  5. Give a brief account of the organization and work of the International Institute of Agriculture.

_______________________

DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions. Answer at least one question in each group.

A

  1. Compare the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution.
  2. Give brief sketches of five of the following: (a) T. H. Benton, (b) Louis Cass, (c) Cyrus Field, (d) John Jay, (e) William L. Marcy, (f) S. F. B. Morse, (g) Richard Rush, (h) M. P. Trist, (i) William Walker, (j) Eli Whitney.
  3. Discuss the following statement attributed to President Jackson: “John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it.” Show the application of this quotation.
  4. Explain four of the following: (a) “Era of good feeling,” (b) “The Battle of the Maps,” (c) “The Great Expounder of the Constitution,” (d) “Fifty-four, forty or fight,” (e) “Millions for defence but not one cent for tribute,” (f) “They ask of me a town, I give them an empire.”
  5. “The Northern Hive would excite the same ideals and sensations in more southern parts of America which it formerly did in the more southern parts of Europe. Nor does it appear to be a rash conjecture that its young swarms might often be tempted to gather honey in the more blooming fields and milder air of their luxurious and more delicate neighbors.” (From the Federalist discussing a proposal that the American colonies divide themselves into three or four nations.) To what events in European history does the above quotation allude? Is the conjecture sound? Why?
  6. What constitutional questions have arisen in the United States in regard to the acquisition of territory and how have these been decided?

B

  1. Give the reasons for and against the appointment of the following to negotiate a treaty: (a) the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, (b) the Commanding General of the Army, (c) the Secretary of the Navy, (d) the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, (e) the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
  2. Discuss “Our peculiar security is in the possession of a written constitution. Let us not make it a blank paper by construction.”
  3. What extraordinary powers may be exercised by the President and by Congress in time of war?
  4. What lines should be drawn in limiting the powers of municipalities?
  5. “The Fourteenth Amendment does not enact Mr. Herbert Spencer’s Social Statics.” Explain.
  6. Name five important acts of Congress for the regulation of business. To what extent have these attained their object?

C

  1. What readjustment of governmental functions should be made in the United States?
  2. Have recent state constitutions containing detailed provisions proven more satisfactory than the older constitutions?
  3. “A war declared by Congress can never be presumed to be waged for the purpose of conquest or the acquisition of territory, nor does the law declaring the war imply an authority in the President to enlarge the limits of the United States by subjugating the enemy country.” Discuss with reference to international law and the constitutional law of the United States.
  4. What are the defects in the method of taxation in the United States, and what are the proposed remedies?
  5. Would it be advantageous for the United States to substitute for the system of geographical representation, a greater degree of class representation?
  6. What conclusions can be drawn from the recent experience of the United States in operating public utilities?

_______________________

DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

INTERNATIONAL LAW
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions, of which at least three must be from Group B, and one from each of the other Groups.

A

  1. What did three of the following contribute to the development of International Law: (a) Bentham, (b) Bluntschli, (c) Hobbes, (d) Machiaevelli, (e) Pufendorf, (f) Suarez, (g) Wolff?
  2. Compare the Hague Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes with the League of nations Covenant.
  3. Compare the state of international law at the following periods: 100, 800, 1414, 1914.
  4. Does the rule of Jus Sanguinis or Jus Soli most widely prevail? Which doctrine should prevail? Why?
  5. “Sea Power is essentially a defensive weapon.”
    “To be master of the sea is an epitome of monarchy.”
    Are these statements accurate? Are they compatible?

B

  1. A, the United States sheriff is pursuing X, a horse-thief, near the Mexican border. Just before X reaches the border Mr. A lassos him, but X has sufficient impetus to get across the border. There he falls down and Mr. A drags him back. Mexico demands the return of X.
  2. After neutral state X has issued regulations forbidding all foreign submarines in its ports, a submarine of the navy of neutral state Y enters in stress of weather. A cruiser of X opens fire and the submarine is damaged. State Y demands reparation and a salute of her flag.
  3. A, B, and C living in states X, Y, and Z respectively are in partnership, the business of the firm being the shipping of raw products from X and Y to Z where they are manufactured. War breaks out between X and Y. A cruiser of X captures a vessel flying the flag of X loaded with cotton shipped by the firm to Mr. C. They are placed before the prize court.
  4. Is it ever justifiable under international law to employ armed forces on the territory of a friendly state? If so, under what circumstances?
  5. States X and Y being at war, an armed merchant vessel of X enters a port of neutral state N and takes on a cargo of guns and ammunition. It captures a merchant vessel of Y on the high seas and brings it in to port where it is condemned. State Y demands the value of the vessel from state N.
  6. What exemptions from territorial jurisdiction and exceptions to the theory of territorial jurisdiction are recognized by international law?

C

  1. Explain (a) sovereignty, (b) independence, and (c) equality of states. Should these conceptions be maintained?
  2. “The theory that the treaty (guaranteeing the rights of sovereignty and property of Colombia in the Isthmus of Panama) obliged the government of the United States to protect the government of Colombia against domestic insurrection or its consequences, is in its nature inadmissible.” Is this good law?
  3. In what respects does the right of the United States over the Panama Canal Zone differ from its right over Porto-Rico?
  4. To what extent are the following doctrines recognized in international law: (a) most favored nation treatment, (b) the open door, (c) the Monroe Doctrine, (d) intervention, (e) freedom of immigration.

_______________________

DIVISION OF HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS
DIVISION SPECIAL EXAMINATION

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT
[May 15, 1919]

Answer six questions of which three questions must be from one group, two must be from another group and one must be from the remaining group.

A

  1. Explain the rules governing the legal liability of a municipal corporation for the torts of its employees.
  2. Give reason why the city manager plan is suitable or is not suitable for cities with over 200,000 population.
  3. What are the essentials of a satisfactory street railway franchise?
  4. What are the relative merits of the sinking-fund and serial bond methods of municipal borrowing?
  5. Describe the framework of government in any one of the following cities: (1) Des Moines, (2) Dayton, (3) San Francisco, (4) Washington, (5) Philadelphia.
  6. Granting a condition similar to that of a former industrial city in a devastated war area in Europe, what methods of reconstruction should be adopted?

B

  1. Give a sketch of municipal government in the United States before 1850.
  2. Explain the system of administration of municipal corporations in Colonial America.
  3. Give an idea of conditions in English municipalities before 1835. What is the source of information for this period?
  4. When New York had a population of 60,000 the city expenditure was about $100,000. When Ann Arbor had a population of 15,000 the city expenditure was about $150,000. Why?
  5. Explain three methods of election of municipal officials and show why one is best.
  6. Under what conditions was the present system of city administration in France established? What are its merits?

C

  1. Should American cities adopt a segregated budget system, and what should be its main divisions?
  2. Can civil service principles be applied in all city departments, and with what advantages and disadvantages?
  3. Should the city of Boston own the docks, and railroad terminals?
  4. What principles of valuation for tax purposes should be applied to land or to buildings in municipalities?
  5. How far would the Prussian system of municipal government as it existed in 1914 be suitable for American cities?
  6. (a) Should there be a limit on campaign expenses for municipal office? What should this limit be? (b) Has there been a relatively greater misuse of municipal than of other public funds? Why?

 

Source: Harvard University Archives. Divisional and general examinations, 1915-1975.  Box 6. Bound volume [from the private library of Arthur H. Cole]: Divisional Examinations, 1916-1927. Division of History, Government and Economics for the Degree of A.B. Division Examinations, 1918-19.

Image Source:  Sever Hall, Harvard University, ca. 1904. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C.

Categories
Exam Questions Harvard

Harvard. Year-end exam on Practical Economic Questions. Laughlin, 1884

 

 

The 1883-84 academic year at Harvard marked a notable expansion in economics course offerings. That year the third course (on practical economic questions) was taught by J. Laurence Laughlin. According to the brief description included in the annual report of the Harvard College President, it appears that the first semester was devoted to “the general question of Bimetallism”. Unfortunately, I haven’t yet found the mid-year final examination for the first semester. However, I have found a copy of the end-of-year final exam covering government policy regarding sea transportation and paper currency. Those questions have been transcribed and are included below.

_____________________

Course Enrollment

Political Economy 3. Prof. Laughlin. Discussion of Practical Economic Questions. — Theses and lectures on the general question of Bimetallism, on its history, and on the production of gold and silver. — Lectures on the Navigation Laws and American shipping, and on the relative advantages of government issues and national bank notes.

Total 7: 1 Graduate, 6 Seniors.

Source: Harvard University. Report of the President of Harvard College, 1883-1884, p. 71

_____________________

POLITICAL ECONOMY 3.
[Year-end Examination. June 1884]

  1. Discuss the effects of the English Navigation Acts of 1651 on English and Dutch shipping.
  2. Explain the following terms: enumerated articles, Pacte colonial, droit de tonnage, surtaxe de pavillon, surtaxe d’entrepôt.
  3. Describe the causes which led to the American Navigation Laws. State some of the existing anomalies in their provisions.
  4. To what do you ascribe the decline of our merchant marine? What is our position in regard to wooden sailing vessels since 1869?
  5. Discuss the argument that so long as foreigners carry our goods, this country is paying them a tribute for freight which is an utter loss to us.
  6. In looking at the history of the issues of paper money by the two United States Banks and the State Banks, which have furnished the safest currency? Why?
  7. Describe the workings of the New York Banking Act of 1838, and its results. Of what was this legislation the natural outcome?
  8. In the provisions of the National Banking Act of 1864, what are the exact provisions as to immediate, and ultimate redemption of notes? Is convertibility secured?
  9. Explain the operations by which the national banks can now contract their issues. Does this furnish an “elastic currency” since the passage of the Free Banking Law?
  10. Discuss the main disadvantages of a government paper money. By what interpretation of the Constitution has the recent decision of the Supreme Court declared the post-bellum issues constitutional?
  11. What are the merits of the Potter Bill now pending in the present Congress?

 

Source: Harvard University Archives. Harvard University Examination Papers, 1873-1915. Box 2. Bound Volume: Examination Papers 1883-1886. Papers set for Final Examinations in Rhetoric, Philosophy, Political Economy, History, Roman Law, Fine Arts, and Music in Harvard College (June, 1884), pp. 9-10.

Image Source: Portrait (1885-88) of James Lawrence Laughlin. Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Transfer from the Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts.

Categories
Economists Exam Questions Johns Hopkins

Johns Hopkins. Career of economics Ph.D. alumnus (plus doctoral exams), George H. Evans, 1925

 

This post began as a straightforward transcription of the final Ph.D. examinations of George Heberton Evans, Jr. who was to stay on at Johns Hopkins, becoming professor of political economy, then long serving chairman of the department (1942-1960), and finally serving as Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy (1959-1966).  But as I was typing the questions below, I had the feeling that I had seen these questions before and began to fear that maybe I was senselessly duplicating a previous post at Economics in the Rear-view Mirror. 

It turns out that the Johns Hopkins Department of Political Economy engaged in a fairly vigorous recycling of final Ph.D. examination questions over the years. I remember wondering what sense there was in having written final doctoral examinations in May for a degree to be awarded in June, literally weeks away. This practice of posing virtually identical examination questions would seem to indicate that the department did not regard the examinations as much more that an academic formality.

Cf. the very high correspondence of questions with those of the 1933 examinations. Incidentally the economic theory questions below are completely identical to those of the May 19, 1927 exam and in the applied economics questions below six of the questions are the same as the May 21, 1927 exam.

_______________________

Vital dates, George Heberton Evans, Jr.

Born January 20, 1900 and died October 12, 1979 in Baltimore, Maryland.

_______________________

Awarded the Ph.D. at the 1925 Commencement
of Johns Hopkins University

George Heberton Evans, Jr., of Maryland, A.B. Johns Hopkins University 1920. Political Economy, Political Science, Psychology

Dissertation Title: Apartment Rents in Baltimore, January 1917 Through October 1923.

Source: Johns Hopkins University, Conferring of Degrees at the Close of the Forty-Ninth Academic Year (June 9, 1925), p. 8.

_______________________

AEA 1969 Biographical Listing

Evans, George Heberton, Jr., academic; b. Baltimore, Md., 1900; A.B., Johns Hopkins U., 1920, Ph.D., 1925. DOC DIS. Apartment Rents in Baltimore January 1917 through October 1923, 1925. FIELDS 1bc, 7a, 6b. PUB. Business Incorporations in the United States, 1800-1943, 1948; Principles of Investment, 1940; British Corporation Finance, 1775-1850: A Study of Preference Shares, 1936. RES. History of American Business Corporations, 1800-1950. Prof. political economy, Johns Hopkin U. since 1942, dean, Faculty of Philosophy, 1959-66. ADDRESS Political Economy Dept., Johns Hopkins U., Gilman Hall 411, Charles and 34th Sts., Baltimore, MD 21218.

Source: American Economic Review, Vol. 59, No. 6. 1969 Handbook of the American Economic Association (January, 1970), p. 127.

_______________________

G.H. EVANS, JR.
May 21, 1925

EXAMINATION IN POLITICAL ECONOMY AS A PRINCIPAL SUBJECT
(Principles of Political Economy)

  1. What is the relation of Political Economy to economic history in scope and method of investigation?
  2. What important economic doctrines had been clearly formulated prior to the year 1600? [sic, in several other exams with nearly identical content “1800” so probably “1800” is correct]
  3. Discuss the personal contacts and doctrinal contrasts of Quesnay and Adam Smith.
  4. Contrast the theories of distribution formulated by (a) Adam Smith, (b) David Ricardo, (c) Alfred Marshall.
  5. What has been the development of the principle of population since the time of Malthus?
  6. Discuss the origin and development of the wage fund theory.
  7. What have been the most important contributions of the Austrian economists?
  8. What scientific theory of wages have your own studies of wage conditions tended to confirm?
  9. What assignable limit is there to the size of the modern industrial unit?
  10. What would be the theoretical effects of a horizontal increase of ten per cent in general wages upon the several classes of society?

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

G.H. EVANS, JR.
May 22, 1925

EXAMINATION IN POLITICAL ECONOMY AS A PRINCIPAL SUBJECT
(Applied Economics)

  1. What principles should govern the governmental commission in the fixture of railway rates?
  2. Outline the history of (a) metallic and (b) paper money in the United States since the adoption of the federal constitution.
  3. Discuss the history, the defects and the incidence of the General Property Tax.
  4. State and criticize the Quantity Theory of Money.
  5. On what grounds can the sale of protected manufactures in foreign markets at less than domestic prices be justified?
  6. Discuss modern industrial combinations in the light of an assignable limit to the growth in the size of the modern industrial unit.
  7. Trace the progress of the U.S. Tariff since the Civil War.
  8. State the theory of large numbers and explain the relation of the theory to the logic of chance.
  9. Compare the administrative organization of the Bank of France and the Reichsbank.
  10. What is the relation of labor legislation to economic organization? What are the natural limits of labor legislation?

Source: Johns Hopkins University. Eisenhower Library, Ferdinand Hamburger, Jr. Archives, Department of Political Economy. Series 6. Box 3/1, “Graduate Exams 1903-1932.”

Image Source: Johns Hopkins University, Sheridan Libraries, Graphic and Pictorial Collection. George Heberton Evans at approximately 40 years old.

 

Categories
Exam Questions Harvard

Harvard. Final examination for Chinese Economic Problems. Lindsay, 1947

 

Michael Francis Morris Lindsay, 2nd Baron Lindsay of Birker, taught “Chinese Economic Problems” (Economics 14a) at Harvard during the Spring term 1947. The short bibliography of course readings has been posted earlier along with details of Lindsay’s interesting life.

Reading list and final exam for the 1955 course taught by Douglas Seymour Paauw have also been transcribed and posted.

This post adds a transcription of the course final examination.

_____________________

1946-47
HARVARD UNIVERSITY
ECONOMICS 14a

Chinese Economic Problems
[Final Examination, May 1947]

(Answer at least three, preferably four, of the following questions, not more than one from each section.)

(a)

  1. How far has China got the natural resources necessary to develop into an important industrial power?
  2. Discuss the possibilities of economic development in the West and Northwest of China.
  3. Discuss the transportation system of China and give some suggestions as to the most urgently required improvements and the most suitable plans for future development.

(b)

  1. How far can China be taken as an illustration of the Malthusian theory?
  2. Discuss the evidence for the view that the population of China has not increased appreciably during the last century.
  3. To what extent is there a surplus of unemployed labour available in China?

(c)

  1. “There is no want of available land in this country which is more than sufficient for distribution among the population…The question of exploitation and readjustment is therefore, in my opinion, more important than that of distribution.” (Chiang Kai-shek in 1933) Discuss this view of the agrarian problem.
  2. How far can food production be increased in China?
  3. What are the essentials for a programme of rural economic reconstruction?

(d)

  1. What part can co-operatives and handicraft industry play in the future economic development of China?
  2. What are the difficulties that have hindered the development of industry in China?
  3. To what extent is government action necessary to secure industrialization in China?

(e)

  1. Discuss the problem of China’s balance of payments.
  2. What are the main differences between the monetary system of China and those of Western countries?
  3. What are the main problems in getting a satisfactory taxation system in China?

 

Source: Harvard University Archives. Harvard University Final Examinations 1853-2001, Box 14. Papers Printed for Final Examinations [in] History, History of Religions, …, Economics, …, Military Science, Naval Science. May, 1947.

Image Source:  Michael Lindsay tuning a radio receiver at the Jinchaji base in Hebel province, sometime between 1941 and 1944. China Daily April 8, 2015.