Social and Economic Policy in the United States

This course will explore the economic and political aspects of critical social issues, discussing a range of policies and policy alternatives that address these issues at both the national and local levels. To provide a framework for these discussions, we will examine the relationship between government, the economy, and the variety of policy approaches historically employed to address social issues. Students in the course will focus on specific urban issues such as poverty; welfare; housing; health-care; public education; and urban crime. The course will conclude with an analysis of the public-sector labor force and the future of municipal unions. While the main focus of this course is on municipal issues and policies, students will examine both federal and local policies for economic growth, seeking to understand the relationships between national and local economic policy.

Fall, Spring