INTL 2862 Comparative Economic Systems
Capitalism is not a monolithic system but varies significantly across space and time due to distinct historical, cultural, and institutional contingencies. By understanding these variances, students gain a nuanced view of capitalism beyond its liberal market-centered instantiation in the U.S. This course explores the diverse forms of capitalism and other economic systems (e.g., socialistic command economies in the former Soviet Union, the state-centric model of China, etc.) from a comparative perspective. Students will engage with key concepts in comparative political economy, institutional economics, and economic sociology. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of how politics, culture, and historical evolution shape national economic systems in the global economy.
Course overview
- Department
- International Studies
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Annually
Catalog details
Requirements fulfilled
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 3.81 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 4.00 / 5 · Very Good
- Terms evaluated
- 2
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Aaron Medlin | 3.9 | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4–6 hrs/week | 17 of 20 |
| Fall 2024 | Aaron Medlin | 3.7 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 3.8 | 1–3 hrs/week | 19 of 24 |