ECON 4960 is also offered in Spring 2024
Spring 2024 | ECON 4960 Section 001: Topics in Economics -- Perspectives in Political Economy (67557)
- Instructor(s)
- Class Component:
- Lecture
- Credits:
- 3 Credits
- Repeat Credit Limit:
- 6 Credits
- Grading Basis:
- A-F only
- Instructor Consent:
- No Special Consent Required
- Instruction Mode:
- In Person
- Class Attributes:
- Topics Course
- Enrollment Requirements:
- Econ 3101, 3102, Math 1271 [or equivalent courses]
- Times and Locations:
- Regular Academic Session01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AMUMTC, West BankBlegen Hall 110
- Enrollment Status:
- Open (13 of 40 seats filled)
- Also Offered:
- Course Catalog Description:
- Topics specified in class schedule. prereq: ECON 3101, 3102, MATH 1271 [or equivalent courses]
- Class Notes:
- This course aims to address pressing political issues that are capturing the country's attention nowadays, using the theoretical tools and quantitative methods of economics. Over the course of the semester, we will apply those tool and quantitative methods to the following topics: basic technical elements of behavioral genetics (Knopik et al); economic analysis of discrimination; theories of statistical discrimination (Arrow, Phelps, Coate&Loury); analysis of political equilibria; Condorcet paradox; median voter; empirical evidence of systemic racism; reparations; affirmative action (Coate and Loury); inequality and the American Dream; income inequality and taxation (Mirrlees); the rise of market power; voting, media, and polarization; and conflict, arms races, and reasons for war. The aim of this course is not to teach an established point of view, or to report the views that are readily available in the news, but to present and discuss ways of approaching these difficult and often controversial issues with scientific methods that are informed by theoretical models and data analysis. Students are encouraged to form their own opinions and discuss them respectfully. There is no required textbook for the class. Selected theorems and papers to be announced will be discussed. The final grade will be based on 3-4 problem sets (25%), one writing assignment (15%), one midterm (25%), and a final exam (35%). The problem sets will be similar to the models covered in class. You may work in groups. However, each group member must submit their own assignment and make sure the names of all group members are on the first page of the assignment. All homework assignments must be turned in on Canvas as a PDF file on the appropriate due date. Late submissions will be subject to 5% penalty points per day of delay. You are expected to write a 3 - 5-page long research essay on topics related to the ones covered in class. It should be typed. The ideas should be presented and supported throu
- Class Description:
- This course aims to address pressing political issues that are capturing the country's attention nowadays, using the theoretical tools and quantitative methods of economics, emphasizing discrimination, polarization, inequality, social justice, and reparations. The aim of this course is not to teach an established point of view, or to report the views that are readily available in the news, but to present and discuss ways of approaching these difficult and often controversial issues with scientific methods that are informed by theoretical models and data analysis. Students are encouraged to form their own opinions and discuss them respectfully.
- Learning Objectives:
- · Students will identify, define, and solve problems related to important social issues such as inequality, social justice, etc. through theoretical and quantitative tools established in class.
· Students are expected to locate and critically evaluate information while completing their assignments.
· Students are expected to master a body of knowledge and a mode of inquiry through the presentation of different perspectives on important social and political issues.
· Students understand diverse philosophies and cultures within and across societies with different points of view provided in the lectures.
· Students can communicate effectively through discussions in the lectures and written homework assignments.
· Students will acquire skills for effective citizenship through comprehensive analysis of social issues; and life-long learning after gaining rigorous economic tools.
- Grading:
- The final grade will be based on 3-4 problem sets (25%), one writing assignment (15%), one midterm (25%), and a final exam (35%).
- Exam Format:
- As described in the syllabus.
- Class Format:
- As described in the syllabus.
- Workload:
- As described in the syllabus.
- Textbooks:
- https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67557/1243
- Syllabus:
- http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/rusti001_dmr_ECON4960_Spring2024.pdf
- Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
- 21 November 2023
ClassInfo Links - Spring 2024 Economics Classes
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