Inequality and poverty - analysis and policy

Inequality and poverty - analysis and policy

ECTS credits: 6

Syllabus

Lecturer: Ryszard Szarfenberg Ph.D. Hab., prof. UW

Faculty of Political Science and International Studies
e-mail: r.szarfenberg@uw.edu.pl

UPDATE for academic year 2023/2024

This is full semester course: room 4, Nowy Świat 67, ground floor.

Lecturer's office hours: 13:15-14:45, room 108 or 109, Nowy Świat 67, first floor.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Course aims and description

Economic inequality or inequality in income and wealth is a very hot and controversial topic discussed in many countries and international organizations. There are more dimensions for discussing and researching inequality than economic one. If some have power and the rest are powerless it is another important dimension for concern. Think now how income and wealth relations influence distribution of power and vice versa. Another dimension is a prestige or social respect. We have in our societies those who are mostly respected and those who are not valued at al. If you have wealth and power you could have social respect also or you could be respected very little. Poverty is a very important part of the inequality issue. We can focus our discussion and research on those who are economically poor, politically powerless or socially disrespected. If there were full equality in economic resources, power and prestige it would be difficult to see the rich and the poor, the powerful and the powerless or the respected and those disrespected. If substantial inequality exists we can focus on those people closer to one or the other extreme of the scale or somewhere in the middle. Many thinkers and researchers focused their endeavors on poverty issues in the rich and in the poor countries. Poverty was rediscovered in rich countries in sixties and seventies of the 20th century. For some commentators poverty or extreme poverty is more important or at least more urgent issue than inequality. It is not only an economic and political issue but also moral problem. What are the obligations of the rich to the poor, what rights the poor have? Economic, political, social and moral issues are the subjects for economics, political science, sociology, psychology, philosophy and ethics. Inequality and poverty are at the intersection of social sciences and philosophical inquiry. Economics has its positive and normative branch and the same is with many other social sciences. Positive side is more scientific and avoid engagement with practice. Normative side is looking for engagement and ready to answer the question: "what we should do about it". This is a second part of the course topic. Inequality and poverty were described and explained scientifically and simultaneously they were considered as social problems or policy issues searching for solutions.

Course grading policy

Attendance: There will be an attendance list you should sign every class. If you miss two classes it has no consequences. If you miss more than two classes you should meet the lecturer on his duty hours next week and pass missed topic. If you miss more than 6 classes you fail the course.

Exam: test during summer examination session.

Class participation: you are expected to read course readings and do the online assignments before the class, asking questions and making comments during the class.

Other requirements: there will be online questionnaires and low-stake online tests during the course (low-stake means obligatory, but not graded).

Optional (non-obligatory) academic paper on topic related to the course content: the intention to write a paper should be notified by 27 February by e-mail to r.szarfenberg@uw.edu.pl.

Grading: your final grade depends on the exam test result with class participation, other requirements and attendance results and on the grade for optional essay, if declared, delivered on time and in line with guidelines.

Topics, readings and lecture presentations (will be updated during the course)