On the tradition of teaching basic economic theory at Moscow University: past, present, future

Abstract

The article examines the tradition of teaching economic theory at Moscow University since the late 19th to the early 21st century through basic textbooks, which reflect the specificity, theoretical and practical problems of the corresponding historical periods. The narrative proposed shows the emergence of innovative textbooks that embody the breakthroughs in both the subject and method of economic theory and the methodology for its teaching. Apprehension of students and recognition of colleagues have become well-deserved attributes of manuals by A.I. Chuprov, N.A. Tsagolov and Yu.N. Cheremnykh. As well as many others, they absorbed, developed, and passed on from generation to generation the experience of teaching fundamental economic disciplines. Drawing on the «pendulum principle» widely used in the research of various intellectual thoughts, the authors show the main features of the new generation of textbooks that will be in demand by students and teachers shortly. While maintaining consistency in reflecting economic reality, the new manuals should meet the requirements of digital economy, such as fundamental and, at the same time, practical orientation of students. According to the authors, basic courses and textbooks on economic theory will be more interactive while their content expansion will occur due to behavioral aspects at both micro- and macrolevels. That will allow students to learn the principles of mainstream and alternative theoretical approaches to solving urgent practical problems.