Political Research Seminar (395-0-27)

Topic

The Politics of Inequality and Poverty

Instructors

Jeffrey Rice
847/491-8916
1908 Sheridan

Meeting Info

Scott Hall 212: Thurs 9:00AM - 11:50AM

Overview of class

In political economy there is an interesting question as to whether poverty is the problem or inequality is the problem. One theory has it that poverty and not inequality needs to be fixed. An alternative theory holds that these two phenomena are sufficiently intertwined that the reduction of one is a prerequisite for. the elimination of the other. This seminar will examine this debate.

Registration Requirements

Juniors/Seniors

Learning Objectives

How to think about an abstract ethical question in societal terms with real world arguments and data.

Teaching Method

Seminar discussion, minimum of lecturing. Students will lead discussions in a rotating fashion.

Class Materials (Required)

Piketty, "A Brief History of Inequality" (Harvard, 978-0674295469), Milanovic, "Visions of Inequality" (Harvard, 978-0-674-26414-4), excerpts from Max Weber, Daniel Bell, Martin Wolfe, and others.

Class Attributes

Advanced Expression