Course Sequence and Field Exam

The Smith Program offers a two-course sequence in Smithian Political Economy and a qualifying field in the PhD Program of Study in the GMU Department of Economics. In addition to PhD students, the courses are open to MA students and advanced undergraduates (by permission of the instructor and with modified course requirements).

Smithian Political Economy I (ECON 843 for graduates; ECON 485 for undergraduates) is taught by Professor Daniel Klein and explores Smith's moral philosophy through a cover-to-cover reading of The Theory of Moral Sentiments.

Smithian Political Economy II (ECON 845 for graduates; ECON 486 for undergraduates) is taught by Professor Donald Boudreaux and treats Smith's political economy through a cover-to-cover reading of The Wealth of Nations.

Smithian Political Economy I is not a prerequisite for Smithian Political Economy II. PhD students fielding in Smithian Political Economy, however, must take the full sequence.

Links to course syllabi:

• Syllabus for Smithian Political Economy I, Fall 2021.
• Syllabus for Smithian Political Economy II, Spring 2021.

Field Exam

PhD students who have completed Smithian Political Economy I and II may sit for the field exam, which is offered twice a year. Here is a question bank of field exam questions.