HS Economics Reading and Writing Workshop

Reading and Writing Workshop: Supply-Side Economics
Objective:
​Students will analyze primary and secondary sources, critically evaluate the principles of supply-side economics, and construct well-reasoned arguments in writing.

Workshop Activities:
​1. Reading Primary Sources: Economic Philosophy and Policy

• Primary Texts:
  • "The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money" by John Maynard Keynes (Public Domain)
    • Key focus: Explore Keynesian economic theory, particularly as a contrast to supply-side economics.
  • "The Economic Consequences of the Peace" by John Maynard Keynes (Public Domain)
    • Key focus: Assess Keynes' perspectives on economic recovery and policy-making, which will serve as a backdrop to understanding supply-side criticisms.
  • Excerpts from Ronald Reagan's Speeches (Public Domain)
    • Key focus: Reagan's stance on tax cuts, economic deregulation, and free-market principles that undergird supply-side economics.
• Activity:
  1. Read and annotate the selected excerpts.
  2. Answer comprehension and analytical questions:
     • What are the key arguments in support of tax cuts and deregulation in Reagan’s speeches?
     • How does Keynes’ view of government intervention in the economy differ from supply-side economic theories?
• Common Core Standards Integration:
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.2: Determine central ideas or information from texts and analyze their development.

2. Reading Secondary Sources: Historical Review of Supply-Side Economics

• Secondary Texts:
  • "The Reagan Revolution: A History of the 1980s" by James Mann (Public Domain)
    • Key focus: A historical look at Reaganomics, including tax cuts, deregulation, and their economic impact.
  • "The Great Transformation" by Karl Polanyi (Public Domain)
    • Key focus: Analysis of market forces and the role of government intervention, which can serve as a critique of supply-side economics.
• Activity:
  1. Read excerpts from the secondary texts.
  2. Write a brief comparative analysis (1–2 paragraphs) of how the secondary texts support or critique the principles of supply-side economics based on Reagan's policies.
  3. Consider the historical and social context in which supply-side economics was implemented.
• Common Core Standards Integration:
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.2: Analyze the development of key concepts.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.6: Evaluate authors' differing points of view.

3. Writing Activity: Constructing an Argument on Supply-Side Economics

• Prompt:
  Write a 2–3 page argumentative essay in response to the following question:
  "Was the implementation of supply-side economics, as seen in the Reagan administration, an effective solution for the economic challenges of the 1980s? Support your argument with evidence from historical and theoretical sources."
• Pre-Writing:
  1. Create an outline with the following sections:
     • Introduction: Present the economic issue (tax cuts, deregulation) and your stance.
     • Body Paragraphs:
       • Analyze the effects of Reagan's supply-side policies on economic growth, inflation, and inequality.
       • Compare supply-side economics with Keynesian policies.
     • Conclusion: Summarize your argument and suggest the future relevance of supply-side economics.
• Writing:
  1. Write a well-organized argumentative essay using historical evidence (from public domain sources).
  2. Ensure to use counterarguments and refutations as part of your analysis.
• Common Core Standards Integration:
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.1: Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content, developing claims and counterclaims with relevant evidence.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.4: Produce clear and coherent writing for the task, purpose, and audience.

4. Peer Review and Revision

• Activity:
  1. Exchange essays with a peer for review.
  2. Provide feedback based on the following criteria:
     • Clear thesis and argument
     • Use of evidence from primary and secondary sources
     • Addressing counterarguments
     • Clarity and coherence of writing
  3. Revise your essay based on peer feedback and teacher guidance.
• Common Core Standards Integration:
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.5: Develop and strengthen writing through revision.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.9: Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

5. Presentation of Findings

• Activity:
  1. Create a presentation summarizing your essay's argument, incorporating data (e.g., GDP growth, unemployment, income inequality) and key quotes from public domain sources.
  2. Present your findings to the class in a clear and persuasive manner, answering questions from peers.
• Common Core Standards Integration:
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.5: Make strategic use of digital media in presentations.

Assessment:

• Formative:
  • Annotated readings, participation in discussions, and peer review.
• Summative:
  • Argumentative essay, presentation, and final revisions based on feedback.

This workshop blends critical reading of public domain texts with research, analysis, and structured writing to explore supply-side economics.