ECON 371T(S) Economic Justice
This tutorial will examine normative and empirical aspects of economic justice, with a special emphasis on concerns related to income distribution. The course is loosely structured around three questions: a) How ought income be distributed? b) How is income distributed? c) What policies should be considered when a) and b) differ? The first question moves us into the area of ethics. We will spend several classes discussing the connections between economic analysis and ethical theory. The second question moves us into the area of facts and theories surrounding income distribution. The third question moves us to consider policy responses to any perceived problems. In considering question c) we will focus on issues related to the distribution of income and status in the United States.
Format: tutorial; will meet weekly for one hour in groups of 2. Evaluation will be based on six 5- to 7-page papers and on the quality of the student's oral presentations and commentary on the work of his/her colleagues.
Prerequisites: Economics 251 and 253 or 255 or Statistics 346 or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limit: 10 (expected 10). Preference will be given to Economics majors.
Tutorial meetings to be arranged. ZIMMERMAN