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Harvard. Theory of Monopolistic Competition, Final Examinations. Chamberlin, 1936-37

 

Having recently published his magnum opus in 1933, Harvard economist Edward H. Chamberlin taught a one semester graduate economic theory course devoted to the theory of monopolistic competition three successive years (1935/6 through 1937/8) before going on to teach the core graduate theory course. In the Harvard archives I have been able to find copies of the final examination questions for the first two years which along with course enrollment data are transcribed below.

Chamberlin, Edward Hastings. The Theory of Monopolistic Competition–A Re-orientation of the Theory of Value. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 1933.

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Course Announcement
1935-36

Economics 12 1hf. Monopolistic Competition and Allied Problems in Value Theory

Half-course (first half-year). Tu., Th., at 3, and a third hour to be arranged
Associate Professor Chamberlin

 

Source: Harvard University. Announcement of the Course of Instruction offered by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences for the Academic Year 1935-36 (Second Edition), p. 139.

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Course Enrollment
1935-36

[Economics] 12 1hf. Associate Professor Chamberlin.—Monopolistic Competition and Allied Problems in Value Theory.

Total 8: 8 Graduates.

 

Source: Harvard University. Report of the President of Harvard College and Reports of Departments for 1935-1936, p. 83.

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1935-36
HARVARD UNIVERSITY

ECONOMICS 121
[Final exam]

Answer either four or five questions.

  1. Discuss the influence of the number of producers in an industry upon the elasticity of demand for the product of the individual firm.
  2. Discuss the difficulties inherent in the concept of a “group equilibrium.” In what degree do you regard the concept as valid? useful?
  3. Discuss either (a) excess capacity, or (b) “product” variation under imperfect knowledge.
  4. Discuss alternative methods of treating selling costs, giving your preference and the reasons for it.
  5. In what respects do the theories of monopolistic and imperfect competition alter the case both for and against interfering with the “free play of competitive forces,” as developed by traditional economic theory?

Mid-Year. 1936.

 

Source: Harvard University Archives. Examination Papers Finals, 1936 (HUC 7000.28 vol. 78 of 284)

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Course Enrollment
1936-37

[Economics] 102a 1hf. (formery 12). Associate Professor Chamberlin.—Monopolistic Competition and Allied Problems in Value Theory.

Total 6: 4 Graduates, 1 Senior, 1 Radcliffe.

 

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

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1936-37
HARVARD UNIVERSITY

ECONOMICS 102a1
[Final exam]

  1. Discuss the question of “free entry” into an industry and its significance for the theory of monopolistic competition.
  2. “The problem of the individual demand curve bears on the questions whether we can discuss the competitive position of an isolated firm at all; a demand curve of a single firm is drawn, which presupposes that the other firms do not change their supply, or change it in a distinct way…Must we not make it clear that such a curve is valid only for a short interval?” Discuss.
  3. To what extent do you regard the standardization of products as a remedy for the ignorance of buyers as to their qualities? Discuss briefly any other remedies you might wish to propose.
  4. “The production cost curve and the selling cost curve are really nothing more than alternative techniques for treating what is essentially the same problem.” Discuss.
  5. “Value productivity, and nothing but value productivity, is what matters in distribution theory.” Discuss.
  6. Discuss one of the following:
    1. Monopsony.
    2. Monopolistic competition and the theory of profits.
    3. Monopolistic competition and the business cycle.
    4. The definition of a “commodity.” 

Final. 1937. 

Source: Harvard University Archives. Examination Papers Finals, 1937 (HUC 7000.28 vol. 79 of 284)

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Course Enrollment
1937-38

[Economics] 102a 1hf. (formerly 12). Professor Chamberlin.—Monopolistic Competition and Allied Problems in Value Theory.

Total 6: 2 Graduates, 2 School of Public Administration, 1 Radcliffe.

 

Source: Harvard University. Report of the President of Harvard College and Reports of Departments for 1937-1938, p. 86.

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1937-38
HARVARD UNIVERSITY

ECONOMICS 102a1
[Final exam]

[Not (yet) found.]

 

Image Source: Edward H. Chamberlin from the Harvard Class Album, 1939.