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Class number:
3028
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Title: America & Wealth of Nations |
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Department: Formal Organizations |
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Career: Undergraduate |
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Component: Seminar |
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Session: Regular |
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Instructor's Permission Required: Yes |
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Grading Basis: Regular |
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Units: 1.00 |
| Enrollment limited to 18 |
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Current enrollment: 15 |
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Available seats: 3 |
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Start date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 |
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End date: Friday, May 8, 2026 |
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Mode of Instruction: In Person |
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Schedule: MWF: 12:00PM-12:50PM, SH - N128 |
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Instructor(s): Alcorn, John |
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Prerequisite(s): None |
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Distribution Requirement: Meets Social Sciences Requirement |
Course Description:
1776 was a year of wonders in the development of liberty. The Founders published The Declaration of Independence, inspiring the American Revolution. Adam Smith published his masterpiece, The Wealth of Nations, making the case for free markets. Prompted by the 250th anniversary of these watershed moments in liberty and social theory, this course examines the legacy of 1776 for private governance. We will focus on the roles of self-mastery, community, voluntary association, property, and the market in “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” We will give due attention alike to brilliance and blind spots. We will study classic texts by Founders, Adam Smith, and Alexis de Tocqueville, and fresh appraisals by scholars in the humanities and social sciences.
The course has a seminar format. |