Business : Harvard Course 2024
- 26akrishan-dobhal
- Dec 31, 2024
- 15 min read
Updated: Jun 27
Business has always been my passion in terms of career paths and I am so excited to be exploring it further in an abundance of ways. In this particular post, I detail my experience as a Harvard Secondary School student.
A Summer at Harvard: My Macroeconomics Adventure
Day 1: A Taste of Harvard Life
We arrived at Harvard to check in on Sunday, June 23rd where I was assigned my room number
and met all of my 5 roommates!!
Day 2: A Taste of Harvard Life
Monday, June 24th marked the official start of classes. The professor kicked things off with a discussion
on ChatGPT, which, while informative, felt a bit basic for my taste. However, the real highlight of the day was my first lunch at Annenberg Hall with my new friends, Analiese and Chloe.
The day took an unexpected turn when I realized I needed to get my ID card fixed at the Smith Campus Center. What should have been a simple errand turned into quite the adventure! I had to make multiple trips back and forth because I forgot my passport. Thankfully, my friend Soyoka joined me on my second attempt, and we bonded over the mishap.
Widener Library and Studying
The crowning moment of the day was my first visit to the legendary Widener Library. As we stepped into this architectural marvel, I was awestruck. Being in the largest and oldest academic library in the world felt surreal.
The grand columns and elaborate Corinthian
capitals left me speechless. We spent a few hours studying there, soaking in the atmosphere of centuries of knowledge.
The day ended on a sweet note with ice cream alongside Soyoka and her classmate Kendall. Despite my questionable choice of blackberry flavor (note to self: stick with cookie dough next time), the company and the cute pictures we took made it all worthwhile.
Day 3: Diving Deeper into Economics
Day Summary :
Tuesday brought more substantial content in class. We delved into the moral relationships guiding the economy and explored different economic modes. The pace was challenging, but it only fueled my determination to work harder.
Another ID card mishap (printed upside down this time!) led to more bonding time with Soyoka. We shared laughs over my unfortunate luck and a particularly disappointing hibiscus iced tea from Clover.
The highlight of the day was discovering the farmers market and indulging in a giant pitcher of fresh lemonade – a perfect antidote to the earlier tea disaster.
Class Notes Summary : On the first day, we began by expanding our understanding of the economy through a broader lens—one that includes various economic systems shaped by politics, social structures, and human relationships. A key contrast explored was that between gift exchange and market exchange. Gift exchanges foster emotional connections and ongoing relationships, whereas market exchanges are transactional and often impersonal, driven by profit. Interestingly, framing an exchange as a market exchange can sometimes preserve dignity—like buying a newspaper from a homeless person, even if you plan to throw it away. However, market exchanges tend to signal the end of interaction, while gift exchanges often imply future obligations or continued relationship.
We also challenged the notion of “the economy” as a concrete entity. Rather than being a tangible “thing,” the economy is a theoretical construct—a dimension of social life involving production, exchange, and consumption. Understanding the economy, then, requires examining different perspectives. Three major frameworks were introduced: Mainstream Economics (including neoclassical and Austrian schools), Political Economy (rooted in thinkers like Smith, Ricardo, and Marx), and Economic Anthropology.
Mainstream economics treats “the economic” as a distinct sphere of life, with its own logic, much like religion. It assumes that individuals act rationally in pursuit of their preferences and are motivated by self-interest. While economists acknowledge these assumptions are simplifications, they use them as heuristics to explain economic behavior. Central to this approach is individualism—the idea that society consists of rational individuals whose behaviors can be isolated and analyzed.
This is where economic anthropology steps in with a critique. Anthropologists argue that people are never abstract individuals, but always embedded in social relationships and cultural contexts. They reject the notion that the economy exists apart from society or operates by its own logic. That doesn’t mean mainstream economics is entirely wrong—it does offer valuable insights and intuitive models. However, its focus is narrow. What we call “economics” in the mainstream sense largely studies capitalist or market-dominated economies, not the wide array of economic systems that have existed throughout human history.
Day 4: Bugs, Books, and Bonding
Day Summary : Wednesday started with an unexpected encounter with some unwelcome guests in the
bathroom sink. But the day quickly improved as I dove into class discussions, connecting economy to native peoples and tribes, and exploring the intersection of economy and history.
I found myself growing closer to Analiese and Chloe as we studied together in Lamont Library, which I found more conducive to focusing than Widener. Our study session was punctuated by a delicious
frozen yogurt break and some amusing debates about our classmates.
As I reflect on these past few days, I'm struck by how quickly Harvard has started to feel like home.
From the grandeur of Widener Library to the cozy atmosphere of Lamont, from the bustling Smith Campus Center to the serene Harvard Yard, every corner of this campus holds a new adventure.
This journey has already taught me so much – not just about macroeconomics, but about friendship, adaptability, and the joy of learning. As I look forward to the rest of my time here, I can't help but feel a surge of excitement for all the experiences yet to come.
Class Notes Summary :
Tributary Systems, Economic Institutions, and Debunking Social Evolution
This day focused on the tributary mode of production (MOP) and its subtypes, especially the "Asiatic" model, where a centralized elite controls infrastructure like irrigation and maintains power through tribute and military force. Kin-ordered MOPs, by contrast, are organized around family ties and reproductive labor rather than coercive institutions. However, they struggle to institutionalize political power, relying instead on consensus among kin groups.
Key distinctions:
Tributary MOP: Power centralized or fragmented, based on tribute circulation
Kin-ordered MOP: Power rooted in kinship, reproductive roles, and obligations
The class then explored Karl Polanyi’s concept of “embedded” economies, where economic behavior is shaped by social norms, not abstract markets. For example, the Trobriand yam economy is driven by ritual and kin obligations, not profit.
Polanyi contrasts:
Substantivist view: Economies are socially embedded
Formalist view: Economies follow rational, universal logic
Polanyi also outlined three basic forms of economic organization:
Reciprocity
Redistribution
Market exchange
The second half of the lecture addressed Graeber and Wengrow’s critique of social evolution—the belief that inequality and domination are inevitable outcomes of agriculture and complexity. They argue this view is mythical, rooted in Western ideology and not supported by evidence. Many ancient societies were complex without being hierarchical. Therefore, the common belief in a scale–inequality tradeoff is flawed.
Day 5: A Deep Dive into History and Economics
Day Summary : Waking up a bit later than usual, I rushed straight to class, eager to continue our exploration of macroeconomics. Today's discussion centered on the fascinating link between history, indigenous troops, and the economy. We delved into the complex relationship between slavery and its lasting impact on our modern economic landscape, which prompted me to raise questions about moral
obligations.
The professor then dropped a bombshell - assigning us a midterm, essay, and final paper! The collective groan from the class was audible, and I felt the weight of college-level expectations settling on my shoulders.
Despite the pressure, there was an exhilarating sense of growth and maturity in tackling such challenging coursework.
Post-class, Chloe, Annaliese, and I treated ourselves to poke bowls. It was our first lunch outing as a trio, and the conversation flowed effortlessly. On our way back, we encountered some Chinese tourists snapping photos of Harvard's iconic buildings. Annaliese offered to help, and before we knew it, we were the subjects of an impromptu photoshoot that had passersby staring and us in stitches.
The day ended with a much-needed nap (jet lag is real!), a delicious dinner at Sweetgreen, and some late-night reading to prepare for the next day's class.
Class Notes Summary :
The Indigenous Critique and the Myth of Social Evolution
The conventional view from Hobbes and Rousseau holds that inequality and domination are inevitable features of human society, and the best we can do is manage them—through reform, mobility, and fairness. Graeber and Wengrow (GW) challenge this, arguing that this view is a political myth, created in response to Indigenous critiques of European unfreedom. Native societies in the upper Great Lakes (Algonkian, Iroquoian) had baseline communism, gendered division of labor, and chiefs with no coercive power. In these societies, wealth did not translate into power, and no one could force another to act. The Indigenous critique centered on how European societies were deeply unfree, ruled by people who could command others. In response, European thinkers developed the theory of social evolution, suggesting that unfreedom is the cost of progress—cities, civilization, and productivity.
GW instead emphasize that many societies were historically free and highlight three features of free societies:
Exit: the ability to leave coercive situations
Autonomy: the right to disobey orders
Alternatives: the freedom to live differently or form new social systems
As societies lost these freedoms, they became more prone to domination. GW also suggest that ideas like private property may have originated not from material necessity but from spiritual or sacred practices. In early societies, seasonal variation and dual structures (moving between foraging and settled life) helped preserve freedom and limit domination.
Day 6: Art, Shopping, and Campus Adventures
Friday arrived with a burst of energy. In class, it was my turn to lead the discussion, and I was thrilled when even the professor complimented my thinking. The complex topics we covered were becoming clearer, and I found myself actively participating and comprehending at a higher level.
After class, Annaliese and I embarked on a Harvard adventure. Our first stop was the Harvard Art Museum, where we marveled at the extensive collection. Next, we hit the shops, starting with the COOP for some Harvard merch and then Anthropologie for some fashion finds.
We then settled into the library to review our notes and start on our midterm. Discussing the material aloud with Annaliese proved to be an excellent study method, deepening our understanding of the
course content.
The evening took an unexpected turn when we encountered some of Harvard's less desirable residents - rats! Despite the shock, it became a funny story to share. We capped off the night with a trip to Chipotle (a must for Soyoka's American bucket list) and stumbled upon a festive event complete with color-changing swings - a surreal end to an already eventful day.
Back at the dorm, news of a rat sighting brought everyone together in a mix of panic and excitement. Although we never found the elusive rodent, the impromptu gathering allowed us to bond with our dormmates, truly feeling like college students.
This day epitomized the college experience - a blend of academic challenges, cultural exploration, and unexpected adventures. I went to bed feeling like I was living the authentic Harvard life, complete with its quirks and charms.
Class Notes Summary :
The Origins of Domination and Slavery
Building on Day 4 of class, GW reject the notion that domination arises naturally from increasing complexity. Instead, they argue that early humans actively tried to resist domination by maintaining seasonal social flexibility, limiting hierarchy to ritual contexts, and avoiding agriculture. However, domination emerged between societies—especially through slavery. Slavery introduced a parasitic relationship, where war captives were socially excluded and treated as "socially dead." This allowed societies to remain "free" internally while embedding domination in the household.
In Indigenous Northwest societies, for example, slavery was used to solve labor shortages during resource-intensive tasks like salmon harvesting. Elites, unable to coerce their own people, used enslaved outsiders for labor. These societies had wealth and status, but elites couldn’t issue commands. Domination was introduced into intimate, household life, where women also began to lose status due to the privatization of domination.
This led to a trajectory:
Kin-based production gave rise to elites
Elites needed labor to build prestige
Slavery introduced coercion into private life
Domination spread outward via fictive kinship (e.g., “children of the king”)
Elite households became centers of power and social control
Day 7, 8: Weekend Escapades
Last Saturday, I nearly missed the bus to Rhode Island! Thankfully, I made it just in time for a day trip with Jemma, Soyoka, and Mahika. The two-hour journey flew by as I caught up on some much-needed sleep. Once in Newport, we indulged in delicious hotdogs, burgers, and a refreshing lemon-raspberry sorbet slushie. Our attempt to find a famous mansion led us on an unplanned 49-minute walk, resulting in a whopping 23,000 steps for the day! The playground swing session on our way back was a highlight, reminding us that even aspiring economists need to let loose sometimes.
Sunday Funday
The following day, Natalie, Soyoka, and I visited the New England Aquarium. As a long-time marine life enthusiast, seeing the penguins waddle about was a dream come true. We then explored Quincy Market, where I savored a mouthwatering lobster bisque that transported me back to the familiar
flavors of Pike's Place. The market's vibrant atmosphere was perfect for souvenir shopping and bonding with my new friends.
Back to Business
Returning to campus, reality set in as I remembered my looming midterm. I dedicated Sunday evening to intense studying, fueled by a quick Shake Shack burger break. The hard work paid off, and I completed my assignment successfully by 11:30 PM.
Harvard's Iconic Landmarks
Throughout my time here, I've been in awe of Harvard's historic campus. The red-brick buildings of Harvard Yard exude a sense of academic prestige. I've found myself drawn to the John Harvard Statue, resisting the urge to rub its shoe for luck like so many before me. The Gothic Revival style of Memorial Hall never fails to impress as I walk to class
My favorite study spot has become the Science Center plaza, where food trucks and occasional events provide a welcome distraction from economic theories. The Widener Library, with its vast collection, has become my second home for research and quiet contemplation.
As I prepare for another day of lectures and problem sets, I'm grateful for this opportunity to learn at such a renowned institution. The blend of rigorous academics and vibrant student life at Harvard has made this summer course an unforgettable experience. Who knows what adventures the coming days will bring?
Day 9: Communism, Cookies, and Cultural Cuisine
Monday brought a fresh wave of intellectual stimulation. Our class discussions centered around
midterm submissions, followed by small group debates. In the larger group session, I found myself diving deep into the intricacies of communism and its connection to the tributary mode.
The academic atmosphere at Harvard never fails to challenge and inspire me.
After a lunch with Analiese and Chloe in the bustling cafeteria, I retreated to the library with Soyoka for an intense study session. The evening took an unexpected turn when Jemma, Soyoka, and I embarked on a midnight snack adventure. Our quest led us to Crumbl Cookies and H-Mart, where we indulged in a mix of sweet treats and daring culinary experiments.
The highlight (or lowlight) of our gastronomic journey was trying natto, a Japanese fermented soybean dish. While Soyoka bravely consumed her portion, Jemma and I struggled to keep it down. Thankfully, the delicious Crumbl cookie more than made up for the natto experience, proving to be one of the best things I've ever tasted.
Class Notes :
The Nature of the State and Social Power
Traditional theories define the state as a monopoly on violence (Weber), as a tool of class power (Marx), or as a necessity for managing complexity (functionalists). GW argue these definitions are arbitrary and modern-biased, combining elements (sovereignty, bureaucracy, charisma) that do not always co-occur historically.
GW identify three forms of social power:
Violence (sovereignty) – power through force (e.g., kings, armies)
Information (bureaucracy) – control over knowledge and recordkeeping
Charisma – personal appeal or sacred authority
Examples:
Olmec: a charismatic polity rooted in spectacle (e.g., sports) without armies or administration
Chavín: ruled through esoteric ritual knowledge
Natchez: ruled through violent power but lacked charisma or bureaucracy
These societies show that power doesn’t always lead to systemic domination. In fact, elites could hold power without spreading control throughout society. What matters is how power crystallizes, not just whether it exists.
Day 10: Markets, Milkshakes, and Meaningful Conversations
Tuesday's class delved into the fascinating world of market economics. We explored the rules and ideas governing our economy, broadening my understanding of market dynamics. The intellectual discourse at Harvard continues to exceed my expectations, pushing me to think critically about global economic systems.
Post-class, I enjoyed another delicious poke lunch with Chloe and Analiese before diving back into our studies at Lamont Library. The collaborative atmosphere among students here is truly special, fostering both academic growth and lasting friendships.
The evening brought a delightful dinner outing with Jemma, Soyoka, Kantara, and Cade. Despite being at a seafood restaurant, I opted for the safe choice of chicken tenders, prioritizing clean nails over culinary adventure. Our conversations flowed effortlessly, touching on everything from our academic pursuits to our personal lives.
We capped off the night with indulgent milkshakes from Shake Shack. As I savored my chocolate salted caramel shake, I couldn't help but reflect on how these moments of joy and connection perfectly balance the intensity of our studies.
As I drift off to sleep, exhausted but fulfilled, I'm grateful for another day of growth, both academically and personally, here at Harvard. The macroeconomics course is challenging my intellect, while the vibrant student life is enriching my soul. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings in this incredible journey of learning and discovery.
Class Notes :
Exchange, Gift Economies, and the Philosophy of Money
Mainstream economics views exchange as a rational mechanism for distributing goods. Anthropologists, however, emphasize how exchange shapes and reflects social relationships. Gift exchange is personal, moral, and binding. The person is “in the gift,” making it socially significant and often emotionally difficult to discard.
Three forms of reciprocity:
Generalized (e.g., giving without expecting exact return) – used among close kin
Balanced (e.g., repaying dinner) – used among friends
Negative (e.g., trying to get more than you give) – used in risky or competitive situations
In gift economies, social bonds—not profits—drive exchange. Goods are exchanged even when unnecessary, to maintain intergroup ties. Prestige, obligation, and honor guide transactions more than utility. Gift exchange reinforces social cohesion, especially in kin-ordered societies.
Day 11: Market Dynamics and Widener Library Privileges
Our class delved deeper into the fascinating world of market economics, exploring how markets shape societal behavior.
The interdisciplinary approach, linking economics with anthropology, showcased the depth of Harvard's academic prowess.
Lunch with Chloe and Analiese was bittersweet as we savored delicious acai bowls, knowing it was our last meal together. Afterward, we headed to the iconic Widener Library, reveling in the exclusivity our Harvard IDs granted us. The envious looks from tourists as we breezed past the entrance made us feel quite important!
Inside Widener, we discovered hidden study nooks and captured memories with photos. Finding a private study area, we buckled down to work on our finals, making the most of this world-class facility.
The day ended with a lively karaoke session, followed by a late-night cereal dinner in Annenberg Hall. As we played Roblox before bed, I couldn't help but marvel at the perfect balance of work and play that Harvard offers.
Class Notes :
Capitalist Markets and Social Coordination
The class explored both pro-market and anti-market perspectives. Neoliberal “market fundamentalists” argue that markets are efficient, voluntary, fair, and natural. Critics contend that markets produce inequality, coercion, and moral harm.
Charles Lindblom’s concept of the market system shows it as a form of mutual adjustment, not top-down planning. Like a conversation or a soccer match, people adjust to each other in real-time. This system allows for:
Cooperation – aligning interests without a central authority
Peacekeeping – preventing violence by limiting people’s claims to what they can offer
Lindblom says the market doesn’t just coordinate economies—it organizes society itself. However, while the system avoids central coercion, it doesn’t guarantee fairness or equality. It organizes, but doesn’t always do so justly.
Day 12: Independence Day at the Beach
July 4th brought an unexpected day off, and we seized the opportunity for a beach trip. Despite the cloudy weather and frigid water, the day was filled with laughter and relaxation. My adventurous spirit
led me to try a strawberry banana freeze, which surprisingly became an instant favorite.
The highlight was an impromptu nap on the beach – possibly the most refreshing sleep I've ever had. Returning to campus, we indulged in pizza and ice cream, balancing our holiday fun with diligent work on our finals.
The night took an amusing turn when Vasco, locked out of his room at 4:30 AM, ended up crashing on our couch. It was moments like these that made me realize how quickly we've formed close bonds here at Harvard.
As I reflect on these past two days, I'm struck by the unique blend of academic rigor and youthful adventure that defines my Harvard experience. From exploring the depths of Widener Library to spontaneous beach trips, every moment has contributed to my growth, both as a student and as an individual. With each passing day, I'm more grateful for this opportunity to learn and live at one of the world's most prestigious institutions.
It has now been over a year since my incredible Harvard experience and to this day I can confidentially say that this program helped me grow so much only as a student but as a person and friend as well. The memories I made with the people I met continue to vividly stay in my head and we all texted in our group chat today about how much we all miss each other. Getting to meet people from all over the world while learning about a subject that I love has only increased how much I am looking forward to a college experience!
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