Integrating heterodox economics into the orthodox introductory course Online publication date: Sat, 16-Aug-2014
by Terrence McDonough
International Journal of Pluralism and Economics Education (IJPEE), Vol. 3, No. 4, 2012
Abstract: The introductory course poses a particular problem for a pluralist approach. The mainstream has assumed that its paradigm constitutes the whole of what is worthwhile communicating to first year students. Thus a substantial portion of the available teaching time has been pre-allocated. The typical pluralist response is to allocate time at the end of the semester to present alternative perspectives. This is problematic. This article proposes a practical alternative strategy by introducing alternative paradigms, specifically Marxian economics and institutionalism/post-Keynesianism, through using the standard introductory textbook sequence of definition, basic concepts, general model, description of capitalism, identification of key economic factor, and theory. This allows presenting alternative perspectives from the beginning of the course without necessarily abandoning the standard textbook. Macroeconomics can be introduced through presenting the three paradigms approach to issues, including unemployment, inflation, the business cycle, and trade/development.
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Pluralism and Economics Education (IJPEE):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:
Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.
If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com
Our Blog 
Follow us on Twitter 
Visit us on Facebook