ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
Topic: \Is a general glut possible?"
Details: You must pick a side: either \Yes" or \No". You should include
Historical background: Discuss the historical background to the question.
Say's law: Include a detailed discussion of Say's law including a discussion
of why the law is inconsistent with much of modern macroeconomics.
Modern context: Discuss the great depression of the 1930s and the global
nancial crisis of 2007-2010.
Diversity: Give some account of at least three of the following: Neo-
Keynsianism, New-Keynsianism, Post-Keynsianism, Real Business Cycle
Theory, the Treasury View, and the Austrian School.
Argument: You must take a side. Discuss arguments from both sides, then
argue why the other side is wrong.
Microeconomic foundations: (optional) Describe the operation of your ar-
gument in a two person economy.
References: Include at least 15 references with at least 2 before 1850 and
at least three between 1930 and 1950.
Speci cations:
Submission: The essay must be submitted by 4pm on Monday the 25th of
October. Late submission will result in various penalties.
Word limit There is no word limit however any essay below 2000 words or
above 4000 words will be treated with a high level of suspicion.
Style and referencing: Double spaced with Harvard referencing. The writ-
ing should be as clear as possible. Use George Orwell's Politics and the
English Language (1946) as a style guide.
Plagiarism: Essays must be submitted electronically as well as in hard
copy. The electronic versions will be cross-checked with each other as well
as internet and reference materials. Plagiarism will result in a mark of 0
and being struck o my Christmas card list.
Additional
Beware: This question has political implications and is rarely discussed
objectively. Most sources will be pushing a particular point of view. Stay
on your guard.
Be confused: The issue is complicated and has many aspects. If you are
/ confused that is normal. If you are not confused you probably haven't
understood the question. Nonetheless you must argue as if you are certain
of the answer.
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