Economics of Wealth and Poverty
ECON 313
Spring 2007 not offered
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Who are the very wealthy and how do they acquire their wealth? Why is poverty still with us after three decades of antipoverty programs? What explains rising inequality in the distribution of income? What types of welfare reform are most likely to succeed? These are just a few of the questions that we will be addressing in this course using cross-country comparisons, perspectives from economic history, and the tools of modern-day economic analysis. The problem of scarcity and the question of production for whom are basic to the study of economics. Virtually all courses in economics address this topic. Yet few study the distribution of income among households in depth. This course takes a close look at evidence on the existing distribution of income and at the market and nonmarket forces behind the allocation process. A central topic throughout the course is the role of policy in changing the level of poverty and inequality. Specific topics to be covered include the following: the normative debates surrounding the notions of equality and inequality, analytic tools for measuring and explaining income inequality, determinants of wage income and property income, the importance of inheritance, the feminization of poverty, and policy options for reducing poverty. |
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Essential Capabilities:
Quantitative Reasoning, Writing |
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS ECON |
| Course Format: Lecture/Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: ECON301 |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: None |
Major Readings:
Bartik, JOBS FOR THE POOR
Darity, PERSISTENT DISPARITY
IT TAKES A NATION
Danziger and Gottschalk, AMERICA UNEQUAL;
Wolff, TOP HEAVY: THE INCREASING INEQUALITY OF WEALTH
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Examinations and Assignments:
Two in-class tests. Several short writing assignments, and a final paper. Class participation is counted. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Regular attendance and active participation in class discussions. Prompt submission of papers or assignments: no unexcused absences. Please note that if you do not match one of the prerequisite listings EXACTLY, then you need a prerequisite override. |
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