Economics 339 Term Paper Topics

Economics 339

Term Paper Topics

 

Important dates and instructions:

 

The paper proposal is due no later than Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. In the proposal you will demonstrate that the preliminary literature search has been undertaken, a clear thesis statement has been developed and clear direction for the paper and the argument supporting the thesis is in place.

 

The completed term paper is due no later than Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016. The paper will be double spaced, no longer than 25 pages of written text and will have a cover page and full bibliography of citations.

 

You are not required to select your paper topic from this list. Furthermore, you are expected to customize the topic to suit your particular interests. Simply answering the questions listed is not sufficient.

 

 

Possible paper topics:

 

1. The changing role of science in technological change. What is the relationship between technology and science? Is one necessary for the other? If so how? Does the LCB view that science was a necessary antecedent for the industrial revolution hold? How does this relationship translate into successful creation of competitiveness in the West relative to China and Islam?

 

2.  Printing: Dudley (1999) gives a two-stage story about the impact of printing the second stage requiring the standardisation and spread of literacy in the vernaculars. Other stories tell of one stage impact. Is there any evidence in the literature to support Dudley?

 

3. The 12 century legal revolution. Huff discusses the 12 century legal revolution and contrasts it with Islam as a source of western pluralism. Was the legal revolution a technological change? Did it support or deter technological growth and competitiveness in Europe? Elaborate on this story.