Like Boyes I begin my classes with a simple survey - I ask the following:
1. Who is the "father" of communisim?
2. Who is considered the "father" of capitalism?
In the 15+ years of surveying introductory students of economics (freshmen or sophomores) well over 50 per cent can answer Marx to the first question. Under 5 per cent answer Smith to the second and over two thirds cannot even venture a guess.
This tends to support Boyes, very, very few of our students have exposure or retention to the big ideas that shape the discourse of freedom, liberty and responsibility.
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As someone who teaches children I can honestly say it's easy to teach about Marx. When you cover the 20th Century in class you must teach two theories Marxism and Fascism. Capitalism is usually considered a "known" idea for most of the students so I do not spend a ton of time on it. As is 95% of my students could care less about any of these theories.
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