Students in this module will learn to:
understand and critique the main economic rationales for current social insurance programs,
understand trade-offs in the design of social insurance programs between providing risk protection and promoting efficient efforts to avoid losses,
read and evaluate current empirical research on the impacts of social insurance programs
construct written and oral arguments for specific policy reforms
Class Attendance + Participation: It is important that you attend each class and make an effort to participate constructively in class discussion. Repeated absences from classes can have a negative effect on your overall grade. Problem Sets (15%): I will assign three problem sets that cover the material in the first part of the class. You may work in groups on these problem sets, but you must write up the answers in your own. You will receive a grade of check, check minus, or check plus for these problem sets.
In-Class Quiz (25%): There will be an in-class quiz covering the material in the first part of the class.
In-Class Presentations: You will be asked to work in a group to lead class discussion of a current policy reform proposal in the areas of health insurance, unemployment insurance, welfare reform, and social security reform. These presentations will not be graded, but will help guide you in writing your policy memos. Failure to complete one of these presentations can have a negative impact on your grade.
Short policy memos (40%): You will write two short policy memos that present an argument for or against one of the proposals discussed in class. Each memo must be 3-5 pages, double spaced.
Final Group Projects (20%)