
Issue No 96		18 May 2001

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Political Economy Courses at Sydney University

Union members and activists wanting to come to grips the economic orthodoxies that bombard us daily will find excellent alternatives supplied by the courses presented at Sydney University by the Political Economy Group. They are an ideal antidote to the nostrums of the Economically Correct.

The course modules of study on political economy subjects are on in the evenings. These modules are the components of degree programs, but they are available on a stand-alone basis. It is possible for people to enrol on a one-off basis in units that are of interest to them and could help them in their work activities.

The Political Economy group have been teaching economics from a progressive perspective for over 25 years. This is especially important at a time when economic ideas have been adopted uncritically, with detrimental effects on people's livelihoods.

The units available in the second half of 2001 are:

The Political Economy of Industry Policy [ECOP 6111] Tuesdays 6-9 p.m.

Strategic Debates on Economic Change [ECOP 6103]; Mondays 6-9 p.m.

The Political Economy of Industry Policy [ECOP 6111]

Over the last two decades there has been a continuing debate about how industries and firms can be made viable and survive pressures from competition and takeovers, and what role governments play in this struggle for viability. Whether Australia deserves a strong manufacturing sector is an important part of these debates. This unit examines how these debates are linked to conflicting views of how capitalist economies work; to conflicting interests across manufacturing, finance and agricultural/mining industries; and to the structure and values of the Australian public service. There is an examination of the evolution of a bipartisan consensus from a protectionist stance to the support of 'microeconomic reform'. Case studies are explored, discussing recent experience with industry policy in Australia and its successes and failures.

Strategic Debates on Economic Change [ECOP 6103]

This unit explores the processes of economic change, and the

forces involved in bringing about such change. It introduces alternative

theoretical perspectives on socioeconomic change and considers the interests, relationships and constraints involved in socioeconomic change. Contemporary case studies in finance, the environment, tax, welfare and globalisation are used in an examination of the arguments. Students will consider a range of strategic debates, but will also make a detailed study in one such area.

Administrative details

* the fee for each unit of study is $900.

* classes run from the week beginning 23 July to the week ending 2 November.

� for more information, contact Evan Jones, 9351 6617; [email protected]

or see details at http://www.econ.usyd.edu.au/pe/postgrad/MecSS.htm

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Issue 96 contents

Interview: The Enabler
On the eve of the release of his latest book, Beazley�s brain on the back-bench, Mark Latham, talks about putting the social back into socialism.

Unions: Flogged To Death
One third of Australian workers now work in conditions that would be deemed illegal in Europe. While in our workplaces so much is being done by so few with so little the Howard Government leans on its shovel reports Noel Hester.

Corporate: Nike's Six Broken Promises
A new international report on the labour practices at Nike have placed their stated commitment to ethical employment under the microscope.

International: Jagath at the Solidarity Cafe
When the brave workers at the Shangri-La Hotel in Jakarta marched on May Day, a Sydney unionist was by their side.

Education: The Battle for Free Thought
The recent sacking of Dr Ted Steele at the University of Wollongong has focused attention on the need for vigilant defence of employment rights and academic freedom.

History: Federation and Labour
The labour movement�s role in the 1897 Federal Convention and the subsequent referenda process has been largely forgotten.

Satire: Addict Stops Using Smack After Talk With Parents
A 21-year-old heroin addict has agreed to give up his habit after his parents told him that using drugs was wrong.

Review: Rouge or Red?
Mark Hebblewhite argues that the new Baz Luhrmann blockbuster isn't without its class analysis.

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» Banks Workers Opt for People Over Pay

» Bosses Raise Stakes in State Wage Case

» Refugee Riots Sparked By Strike Action

» Vodafone Promotes It�s Own

» Champion Workers Left With Nothing

» Bid for Reasonable Hours to AIRC

» Political Economy Courses at Sydney University

» Activist Notebook

» The Soapbox

» The Locker Room

» Trades Hall

» Tool Shed

» New Editorial Guidelines

» Letter to Canberra

» A Fowler Smell

» Who Saved May Day?

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