AMES CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
HIS 4052:  AMERICA:  A WORLD REVOLUTION
Dr. Joe LeVesque
ASSIGNMENTS

General Introduction

The purpose of this course is primarily to analyze and understand the foundations of the Free Market system of Economics.  In order to do so effectively, the concepts of Capitalism, Socialism, and other systems will be compared and contrasted.  In addition, the ideas surrounding private property, the profit and loss system, flexible wages and prices, and limited government will be explored.  The specific importance of the effects of a Judeo-Christian heritage will be examined, explored, and critiqued.

The purpose of the following assignments is to provide a  Study Guide for the student to follow throughout the eight weeks.  The topics, and related exercises, have been chosen to highlight particular concepts, theories, philosophies, and beliefs.  It is hoped that, upon completion of this course, the student will have mastered the eight goals and objectives as stated in the syllabus.

Assignment # 1:

Reading Assignment:  Unit 1 in the Text:  (Chapters 1-6.)

Writing Assignment:  Prepare a 3-4 page paper covering one of the topics discussed in the readings.  The ideal paper will be 3-4 pages long, typed, double-spaced, with a 1" margin top, bottom, left, and right.  The ideal paper will have 2 additional outside references located in the bibliography.  The first two pages should discuss the chosen topic in some detail.  The second two pages should include the personal opinion of the student.  What do you like about the topic?  What makes sense?  What does not make sense?  What would you like to see changed in the future?   Some suggested topics would be " Individual Responsibility", "The Nature of Private Property", or the "Nature of Rights".

Assignment # 2: 

Reading Assignment:  Unit 2 in the Text

Writing Assignment:    Prepare a 3-4 page paper covering one of the topics discussed in the readings.  Some suggested topics would be "Problems with Government", "Free Enterprise",  or "Frederick Bastiat".

Assignment # 3: 

Reading Assignment:  Unit 3 in the Text

Writing Assignment:  Prepare a 3-4 page paper covering one of the topics discussed in the readings.  Some suggested topics would be "Capitalism versus Socialism", "Poverty", or "The Problem with Free Riders."

Assignment # 4: 

Reading Assignment:  Unit 4 in the Text

Writing Assignment:  Prepare a 3-4 page paper covering one of the topics discussed in the readings.  Some suggested topics would be "Global Economic Philosophy", "The Fall of Rome", or  "Current American Value Systems."

Assignment # 5:

Reading Assignment:  Units 5 and 6 (You may feel free to skim the chapters for information that you find valuable.)

Writing Assignment:  Please answer the following questions from the chapters.  You will find the related page numbers next to each question.  Most of the questions can be answered in a short paragraph.   Some will take a little more, some a little less.  The important thing is that you provide some evidence that you are able to apply the information in a practical manner.

1. What does the term "impotent abstraction" refer to?  Page 9
2. Why are incentives important?  Page 15
3. Thomas Merton is quoted on page 30.  Evaluate this quote.
4. What did Bastiat mean by the two hands?  Page 51
5. What is a taxonomy?  Why is it important in this course?  Page 53
6. Explain the two dimensions of force.  Page 54
7. Ludwig von Mises is quoted on page 66.  Evaluate this statement.
8. Visit www.mises.org.   What is your impression of this web site?
9. Bismark is quoted on page 67.  Evaluate his quote.
10. What is your definition of a free market?

Assignment # 6:

Reading Assignment:  Unit 7 & 8

Writing Assignment:  Answer the following questions from the related pages.

1. "Government has no economic responsibility."  Evaluate this statement from page 87.
2. "The major beneficiaries of higher education are those of us who get the education, the students including me and others who got a tax-subsidized education."  Evaluate this statement from page 94.
3. Read the section on page 99 about the two cows.  What is your opinion?
4. "Where your treasure is, so your heart is also."  Evaluate this statement on page 111.
5. Why are flexible wages and prices important?  Page 115
6. "If you do not do something good for me, then I will do something bad to you."  Evaluate this statement found on page 133.
7. There are two theories of compassion found on pp. 149-150.  Do you agree or disagree with the author?  Why or why not?
8. What is meant by the "Third World?"  Give a few examples from page 199.
9. What is meant by "Federalism?"   Explain the concept on page 217.

Assignment # 7:

Reading Assignment:  Chapter 30.  Please read this chapter in its entirety.  This is the only reading assignment for this week.

Writing Assignment:  Please write a 2-3 page summary of your thoughts, opinions, and philosophies concerning the ideas brought forth in this chapter.  It is the opinion of this instructor that this chapter is the most significant, important, and worthwhile chapter in the entire book.  This is not to say that the rest of the book is not significant.  This is to say that "Not Yours to Give" summarizes everything that is covered in the rest of the readings.  Certainly, that is just the opinion of this instructor, but I like to call specific attention to this one.  As a result, take some time this week to reflect on this reading, and share with me some of your reflections.

Assignment # 8 (Final Paper):
Reading Assignment:  No reading assignment this week, but I encourage you to skim through the remaining chapters of the text in an effort to see if anything is of particular interest to you.

Writing Assignment:  Your final project for this course is a reflective paper on one or more of the major topics which we have covered.  The ideal paper will be 15-20 pages in length, with a minimum of 7 outside references.  The purpose of the paper is two-fold.  First, the exercise will give you the opportunity to research several related web sites, periodicals, and/or other sources to further your base of information.  Second, the paper will allow you to take this sources and develop them, along with much of your own opinion, into a personal statement of your position.

I am certainly available, on a weekly basis, to help you understand the assignments, clarify information, and generally be a helpful facilitator.  Please do not hesitate to email at any time, and if a phone call is needed,  simply let me know.   I hope that you enjoy the course.