FALL
2007 HONORS COURSES
HONR 258Y Economic Well-Being
Tuesday/Thursday, 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Dr. Mahlon Straszheim, Chair, Department of Economics
If you have completed (or will complete) both ECON
200 & ECON 201, you may not earn credit for HONR 258Y.
This course will introduce students to economics through
examination of current policy using economic reasoning to address issues
in the distribution of income and economic well-being. Most economic
policy debate involves a blend of economic theory, measurement, and
reasoning with an assessment of what is politically feasible; understanding
past policy frequently depends on examining the politics underlying
decisions.
The first half of the course examines issues in the
distribution of economic opportunity and earnings. Topics include analyzing
the effects of education and other factors on family income; reviewing
our tax system and work incentives; considering how the welfare system
affects family structure and work; reviewing problems with our current
national health care system (or lack theroef); and assessing the long
run problems and prospects for Social Security. The second half of the
course considers issues of the overall economy’s performance: why we
have periods of unemployment and inflation, the federal budget, and
the effects of international trade and the North American Free Trade
Agreement. In each topic the class will develop specific policy proposals.
The course presumes no background in economics, and
analyzes issues topic by topic, developing needed methodology in the
process. Papers will address current issues in policy design and evaluation;
examples include revising and reforming welfare entitlement programs
or designing a national health care plan. Students will participate
in a stock market competition on the Internet to learn about financial
markets.
Readings: Schiller, The Economy Today
selections from Congressional Hearings
Reports of the Congressional Budget Office
other articles to be provided by the instructor
CORE–Behavioral and Social Science [SB]
