Objective:
Students will analyze the factors that contributed to the stagnation of economic growth in Westeros through the lens of the three key sources of growth: factors of production, technological effectiveness, and stable institutions. They will apply economic models (Solow Growth Model and Production Possibilities Model) to evaluate these factors and propose solutions.
Materials Needed:
- Clips from Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon showcasing stagnant economic conditions.
- Handouts explaining the three sources of growth and the two economic models.
- Access to historical and modern economic growth data.
Lesson Steps:
1. Introduction (10 minutes):
- Provide an overview of economic growth and its importance for societal development.
- Introduce the three sources of growth:
- Quantity of factors of production: land, labor, and capital.
- Effectiveness of factors: technological innovation and productivity.
- Stable institutions: political and economic frameworks that promote entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Discuss Westeros as a case study of a society experiencing growth stagnation.
2. Viewing Clips (3 minutes):
- Show two clips from Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon that illustrate stagnant economic conditions, such as:
- Lack of technological progress.
- Feudal political structure limiting innovation.
- Minimal economic mobility or resource utilization.
3. Group Discussion (10 minutes):
- Divide students into small groups to discuss:
- How are the three sources of growth lacking in Westeros?
- What specific examples from the clips highlight these deficiencies?
- How does Westeros compare to a historical period such as feudal Europe?
4. Concept Application (15 minutes):
- Solow Growth Model:
- Explain how capital accumulation, technological progress, and population growth drive long-term growth.
- Discuss how Westeros’ lack of investment in capital and technology constrains its potential for growth.
- Production Possibilities Model:
- Use the PPC to explain an economy’s productive capacity given its resources and technology.
- Clarify:
- Westeros operates on or near its current PPC, but the PPC remains static because of the absence of technological innovation and capital investment.
- Resource inefficiencies, such as underutilized labor or land, might cause the economy to operate inside the PPC.
- Technological progress or institutional improvements are necessary to shift the PPC outward over time.
- Highlight how political instability and feudal systems limit efficient resource use and technological development.
- Interactive Component:
- Provide students with a PPC diagram for Westeros:
- Identify where the economy operates (inside or on the PPC).
- Propose policies or changes to improve efficiency or shift the PPC outward (e.g., investing in education, fostering trade, reforming institutions).
5. Wrap-Up and Reflection (10 minutes):
- Recap the three sources of growth and their relevance to Westeros.
- Discuss parallels between Westeros and modern economies with similar challenges.
- Highlight the importance of combining all three sources to achieve sustainable growth.
6. Homework/Activity (20 minutes):
- Assign each group one of the three sources of growth (factors of production, technological effectiveness, or institutions).
- Task them with creating a policy proposal for improving Westeros’ economy, addressing:
- How to enhance resource availability (e.g., increase capital, improve labor productivity).
- How to foster technological progress (e.g., incentivize innovation).
- How to stabilize institutions (e.g., establish property rights, encourage trade).
- Groups present their proposals in 2-3 minutes, focusing on their assigned source of growth.