Economics and Finance Curriculum for Activists and Engaged Citizens – Resources
(beta 0.5 – MV revised:2012.07.30)
Santa Cruz workshop – 8/24&25
Marco Vangelisti
Since the topics covered are broad and complex, those that are interested in getting the most out of
the workshop might want to prepare by watching, listening or reading the resources below prior to
attending the workshop
Understanding the Economic System
(video) “The Truth about the Economy” by Robert Reich (2’ 40”) http://robertreich.org/post/11113448478
Understanding the Monetary and Banking System
(audio) “The Invention of Money” – This American Life – episode 423 (58’)
http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/423/the-invention-of-money
(audio) “Bad Bank” – This American Life – episode 375 (58’)
http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/375/bad-bank
Understanding the Financial System
(audio) “The Giant Pool of Money” – This American Life – episode 355 (58’)
http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/355/the-giant-pool-of-money
(audio) “Return to the Giant Pool of Money” – This American Life – episode 390 (58’)
http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/390/return-to-the-giant-pool-of-money
(audio) “Inside Job – Prolog and Act One” – This American Life – episode 405 (42’)
http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/405/inside-job
(article) “Titanic Banks Hits the LIBOR Iceberg: Will Lawsuits Sink the Ship?” by Ellen Brown
http://www.nationofchange.org/titanic-banks-hit-libor-iceberg-will-lawsuits-sink-ship-1342969906
Understanding Effect of Current Financial System on our Government
Invest in America – buy a senator (or a congressman)!
(video) The Daily Show – June 14, 2012 episode – part 1 (4’ 10”)
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-june-14-2012/bank-yankers
(video) The Daily Show – June 14, 2012 episode – part 2 (4’)
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-june-14-2012/bank-yankers---jamie-dimon-on-capitol-hill
Alternatives to the Current Economic System
(video) “The Emerging New Economy” by Gar Alperovitz (24’ 28”) http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=njjdaX8G-es
(video) “Shift Change” by Mark Dworkin and Melissa Young (preview 7’ 04”) http://shiftchange.org/
Additional resources:
Understanding the Economic System
(book) “Economics Explained” by Robert Heilbroner and Lester Thurow
(weekly radio program) Economic Updates by Prof. Richard Wolff http://rdwolff.com/articles/audio
Understanding the Monetary and Banking System
(book) “The End of Money and the Future of Civilization” by Thomas Greco
Understanding the Financial System
(book) “The Great American Stickup” by Robert Scheer
(documentary) “Inside Job” by Charles Feguson http://www.sonyclassics.com/insidejob/
Understanding Taxes and Possible Fiscal Reforms
(audio) Class Warfare – Prof. Richard Wolff discusses the tax code with David Barsamian
http://rdwolff.com/content/class-warfare-alternative-radio-podcast
Alternatives to the Current Economic System
(video) Gar Alperovitz and David Schweickhart on democratizing the economy (1h 19’ 09”)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=oGgb-l5qLAI
(weekly radio program)
Economic Updates by Prof. Richard Wolff
http://rdwolff.com/articles/audio
Alternatives to the Current Financial System
(book) “Slow Money: Inquiries into the Nature of Slow Money” by Woody Tasch
(book) “Locavesting” by Amy Cortese
Alternatives to the Current Monetary and Banking System
(website)
Public Banking Institute http://publicbankinginstitute.org/
(book) “The End of Money and the Future of Civilization” by Thomas Greco