Below are downloads to writing assignments and the like. Other writing assignments may be found in the syllabi in the Survey Courses and Other Courses sections of the website. The documents are in alphabetical order by the last name of the professor.
Jeff Biddle: Paper Topics, The Emergence of Modern Mainstream Economics
Four paper topics are offered: the debate over the role of quantitative economics; Marshall's value theory; the socialist calculation debate; and the methodology of modern economics.
Avi J. Cohen: Short Reader-Response Paper, History of Economics I, York University
Instructions for a short (1,000-1,300 words) reader-response paper. Six possible paper topics provided.
Avi J. Cohen: Long Paper, History of Economics I, York University
Instructions for a long (3,000-3,500 words) paper about one of the major classical economists. Nine possible paper topics provided.
Avi J. Cohen: Short Reader-Response Paper, History of Economics II, York University
Instructions for a short (1,000-1,500 words) essay about the continuity or discontinuity between classical and neoclassical economics.
Avi J. Cohen: Long Paper, History of Economics II, York University
Instructions for a long (2,500-3,000 words) paper on one of the major post-1870 economists. Eleven possible paper topics provided.
Harro Maas: Observation in the Lab, Fall 2011
Writing assignment in which students are asked to construct a conversation among experimental economists.
Harro Maas: Political Economy and the Science of Man
Writing assignment in which students are asked to construct a correspondence between Smith and Hume.
Kirsten Madden: Ethics and Economics Team Paper
Assignment for a team paper on ethics and economics. Includes required elements and evaluation criteria.
Kirsten K. Madden: Team Project on Women in the History of Economic Thought
Team members design a poster summarizing the results of their research.
Wendy Rayack, Wesleyan University: Essay Assignments
Essay assignments in which students are asked to comment on particular statements. Extensive historical and intellectual background information is given for each assignment. Essay assignments on Smith, the mercantilists, Malthus, and value, among others.