International Summer School 2025: Economic Theories and Methods

The International Summer School on Economic Theories and Methods, held from June 16 to 18, 2025, brought together a dynamic group of 20 graduate students from Canadian and U.S. universities for a rich, interdisciplinary learning experience. The event was hosted by the graduate students of the Department of Economics at the University of Manitoba and proudly organized in collaboration with the Progressive Economics Forum (PEF), the Young Scholars Initiative (YSI), and the Economics Graduate Students Association (EGSA) to promote critical, heterodox, and policy-relevant economic thought, the summer school featured a diverse set of lectures, collaborative discussions, and an educational field tour grounded in historical political economy.

The International Summer School 2025 on Economic Theories and Methods officially commenced on Monday, June 16 with a warm breakfast and two foundational sessions led by Professor Hajer, focusing on Heterodox Economic Methodology and Methods and Community Economic Development and the Social/Solidarity Economy. In the afternoon, Professors Robert Chernomas and Sepehr jointly delivered an engaging two-part lecture on Health Economics, covering topics such as the structural determinants of health and the political economy of healthcare financing. On Tuesday, June 17, the program shifted to macroeconomic and development issues. Professor Baragar opened the day with a comprehensive overview of Macroeconomics, while the afternoon featured Professor Serieux guiding participants through Development Economics, examining themes of global inequality, post-colonial legacies, and alternative development approaches. Evening dinners on both days were offered to participants residing in university housing, encouraging informal dialogue and networking among students. The final day, Wednesday, June 18, featured insightful sessions on Labour Economics with Professor Hudson, addressing both theoretical and empirical aspects of labor market dynamics. Following an early lunch, participants took part in a memorable Winnipeg General Strike Historical Tour, visiting key 1919 strike landmarks such as City Hall, Hell’s Alley, and the General Strike Monument. The tour provided a powerful connection between historical class struggle and contemporary economic discourse. The program culminated in a Closing Session and Dinner held at 600 Fletcher Argue Building, where the President of the University of Manitoba, Dr. Michael Benarroch, delivered a thoughtful address. His remarks emphasized the importance of nurturing a plurality of economic thought and expressed strong institutional support for the Summer School initiative. His presence added significant value and encouragement to the participants, affirming the university’s commitment to academic inclusivity and intellectual diversity.