The Penn Initiative for the Study of Markets at the University of Pennsylvania offers an online course on the economic foundations of the American Founding. The course follows the story from colonial settlement through the early republic, showing how economic interests and institutions shaped political decisions at each turn, from the road to independence and the Revolutionary War to the Constitutional Convention and the competing visions of Hamilton and Jefferson. The course draws on primary sources, scholarly debates, and economic data to illuminate how the Founding generation wrestled with trade policy, public finance, and federalism, and what those struggles reveal about the relationship between economic liberty and political freedom.
This course is designed for a wide audience, including undergraduate and graduate students interested in the evolution of economic thought and its societal implications, as well as PhD researchers seeking a deeper understanding of the historical context behind key economic theories and their impact on the social sciences. It also offers valuable insights for professionals in economic policy and applied economics by examining the foundational ideas that have shaped modern policies. Additionally, the course welcomes intellectually curious individuals from all backgrounds who are eager to explore the historical development of economic ideas through the intellectual biographies of influential economists.
This is an open access course. All lectures and sessions will take place via zoom. All interested to participate need to register by the day the classes commence.
All the main and supplementary lectures will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.00 PM -7.15 PM (EDT).
No, there is no coursework involved. We expect you to attend and take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions at the end of each session to experts on the topics.
You need to register. The links to the live lectures will be sent once you have registered for the course.
We recommend that those registered will attend all lectures; however, they are free to attend the sessions as they please. We look forward to a discussion and encourage active participation.
Yes, all lectures will be recorded and uploaded to our website and our youtube channel.