Irwin Collier - How Economists Used to Be Made

The video features a professor of economics discussing his research on the graduate Canon in the U.S., focusing on the development of economics departments at major universities. He explores how the Canon became homogeneous and the historical context of economics education. The professor shares his archival research experiences and reflects on his academic journey, including his time at Yale and MIT. He emphasizes the importance of a broad liberal arts background and the challenges of reconstructing historical academic content.

What does the professor believe is important for asking interesting questions in economics?

What was the significance of the reading course in the history of economic thought for the professor?

How does the professor relate his background in applied microeconomics to his current research?

What does the professor suggest about the nature of scholarship in economics?