Economics 249WN - Topics in Economics: 'The Wealth of Nations'

In 2026, we will celebrate the 250th birthday of The Wealth of Nations. Adam Smith's tome is widely known and remarkably influential in both economics and political philosophy. Yet, it is very rarely read in its entirety. To celebrate the semiquincentennial, we will read the book -- the whole book. The book covers a wide scope of topics, including trade, the division of labor, the functioning of markets, labor, capital, land, economic history, economic development, mercantilism and international trade, the role of government, national defense, justice, education, and taxation.

Prereq: ECON-110. Not open to first-year students in their first semester.