Introduction to
Political Economy
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Professor Nancy Folbre
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General: This class will explore five controversial issues, applying economic analysis and encouraging political debate. Students will be expected to attend all lectures (which will occasionally include video clips) and a weekly discussion session.
The Issues: 1. Greed: Sin or Virtue?
2. Globalization: Good or Bad?
3. Tax the Rich: Why Not?
4. Educational Choice: More or Less ?
5. Fighting Poverty: Carrots or Sticks?
Grading: 10% will be based on class attendance, 30% on 4 out of 5 short in-class quizzes (you can drop the lowest grade), 30% on homework assignments, and 30% on three short papers.
Homework: assignments will be handed out in class, and can also be accessed through this web site. They will require some library/internet research.
Class participation is also required. Please purchase a package of 3x5 index cards to bring with you to class--they will be a vehicle for class attendance and participation. At the end of every class, you need to turn one in with your name, the date, a comment and/or a question.
Papers: The three short papers you must write should answer the question posed by the title of the section of the course being covered. Since there are five sections, this gives you the option of skipping two. The papers are due in your discussion section during the week specified on the syllabus. They must be typewritten, no less than five and no more than seven pages, double-spaced. Each paper must 1) review the main points made in the assigned readings, 2) include some discussion of points made in lecture and/or in video clips, and 3) develop and defend your own point of view. Teaching assistants will grade papers and homework.
Books: (can be purchased at Food for Thought,
106 North Pleasant St.; also
available on reserve at the Tower Library. )
Sam Pizzigati, The Maximum Wage
Jonathan Kozol, Savage Inequalities
Randy Albelda, Nancy Folbre, and the Center for Popular Economics, The War Against the Poor: A Defense Manual
Photocopy Packet: (available at Collective Copies, 29 South Pleasant St.).
Other Readings: In addition, you are expected to read the Boston Globe or the New York Times on a daily basis and be prepared to discuss current economic events. This is part of your assigned reading and you may be held responsible for it on exams.