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Course Module 2: Economic Life (July 29- August 4)
American political
culture stresses not equality of outcome but equality of opportunity.
The development of the massive American economy has reflected this belief:
capitalism, arguably, is as important to “liberal democracy” as
elections are. Market economies are, in turn, linked to the rule of law
and to stable political institutions. Yet this symbiosis is hardly uncontentious:
since its founding, the United States has debated both the shape of its
economy and the role of government therein. How much regulation should
apply to market actors, be they employers or employees?
The second
module will explore these points by critically examining both the actors
and institutions of American capitalism. We will begin by discussing the
competing visions for the American economy held by agrarians like Thomas
Jefferson and industrialists like Alexander Hamilton. With that in place,
we will move roughly chronologically to trace how those competing visions
played themselves out across history. In order to provide chronological
shape to the module, course sessions will cover agricultural life, small
business's role not just in the economy but in the social milieu (and
its contrast with enormous multinational corporations), the industrial
revolution, issues of immigration and industrialization, the Progressive
movement, and contemporary debates about business interests' place in
politics and industrial policy in the face of an economy more and more
dominated by service industries and tourism. We will end with two important
topics for the future of the American economy: the global economy and
American education policy.
Again, these
academic topics will be reinforced where possible with a sense of place.
Carlisle is well-situated geographically to give you a sense of manufacturing,
agriculture, and the service industries. Thus, when we discuss the history
of American agriculture, you will visit both a traditional Amish farm
in nearby Lancaster County and a modern large-scale fruit orchard just
south of Carlisle. When we discuss industrialization, we will meet with
both manufacturers and union groups involved in the local steel industry.
When we dissect consumer culture, we will draw on Prof. Amy Farrell’s
work on the fast food industry and visit the massive entertainment complex
of Hershey Park. You will also have a chance to interact with American
consumers and get a sense of unfettered entrepreneurialism at venues ranging
from the expansive “Summer Carlisle” car show and swap meet
to the farmers' market in Lancaster to a local shopping mall.
Guest speakers
will discuss inequalities of wealth, the role of labor organizations,
the lives of poor Americans, and the massive cultural changes produced
by American industrialization. How, in light of the commitment to equality
discussed in the first module, do Americans tolerate large-scale inequalities
of income and lifestyle? How does “class warfare”–or
its absence—affect American political development? Asking these
questions in this module will link you to what you have already studied
and to what the second half of the Institute will explore further.
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