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OBJECTIVES:
The course objectives are for students to learn to use economic reasoning and theories of democratic
governance to analyze domestic economic policies and their consequences on different sectors of the
economy. Students will explore the political, historic and economic influences that drive public policies
addressing poverty and avarice. They will also explore how the market economy can lead to an increase
in wealth inequality. Students will exam market success and failure and explore the government’s role
of ensuring equity and justice in a capitalist economy

COURSE ACTIVITIES:
Student assessments will be based on two examinations, a term debate presentation supported by
debate papers. The examinations will be essay questions. Students may request to take exams
early but no make-up exams will be allowed.

The quarter debate will require that each member of the team participate in the presentation. Any
material submitted late or failure to make a presentation will result in an automatic F for the course
Students are encouraged to submit drafts early for faculty review. See schedule for details.

READINGS:
Ellwood, David T. 2000. A Working Nation New York: Russell Sage
Krugman, Paul 2006. Conscience of a Liberal . New York: Norton Press
Schwarz, John E. 1997. Illusions of Opportunity, New York: WW Norton and Company

University Reader:
Madison, James 1789. Federalist Papers 10, 51 and 63. Belleview Washington: Merril Press
Collins, Chuck et. al 2004. The Wealth Inequality Reader. Section 1. Cambridge MA.: Dollars and Sense
Krugman, Paul 2005. The Great Unraveling Chapters 12 and 15. New York: W.W. Norton Company
Sargent, Lyman Tower 2006. Contemporary Political Ideologies, 13th edition .Belmont CA.: Thomson Wadsworth.

On Line Articles Through CPP Library [Note: select article title to view on-line. To access from a remote location be sure to have you Cal Poly Bronco ID number and your Library pin number. If you experience difficulties, utilize the "view or print" option and/or contact CPP Library for assistance during regular working hours.]

Beitel, K. 2008. The Subprime Debacle. Monthly Review 60 (1), 27-44.

Crittenden, M. R. (2007). Bracing for Default Day. CQ Weekly 65 (17), 1168-77

Sargent, Lyman Tower 2006. Contemporary Political Ideologies, 13th edition .Belmont CA.: Thomson Wadsworth. CHAPTER 3

MODULE	DATE	TOPIC	READINGS (CHAPTERS) AND WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS
1	September 28	Introduction	SYLLABUS The Smartest Guys In the Room
2	October 5	Foundations of the Republic	University Reader: Madison, Federalist Papers 10, 51, 63 and federalism 39, 44-46. Text: Schwarz, Illusions of Opportunity, Chapters 1, 2, 5 and 9. On-line: Sargent, L. Chapter 3 FYI: Declaration of Independence
3	October 12	Theories of a Free Market & Monopolies	University Reader: Krugman Chapter 12, California Screaming. See web resources for Week 4. TOPIC SELECTION, DEBATE SIDES & TEAM MEMBERS CHOSEN See week 5 for mid term topics
4	October 19	Capitalism, Socialism, Conservatism and Liberalism	See web resources for this week. University Reader: Sargent, L. Chapter 4 and 5. See web resources for Week 3. See PROJECTS for term topics
5	October 26	MID TERM Bring Blue books to class.	Texts: Schwarz, Illusions of Opportunity, Chapters 1, 2, 5 and 9. University Reader: Madison, Federalist Papers 10, 51, 63 and federalism 39, 44-46.. Sargent, L. Chapter 4 -5. Krugman, P. , Chapter 12 California Screaming and web materials for 1 through 4 including Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution and Sargent, L. Chapter 3 are on-line or have a hyperlink
6	November 2	Government Policy	On line with CPP Library Beitel, K. 2008. The Subprime Debacle. Monthly Review 60 (1), 27-44. Crittenden, M. R. (2007). Bracing for Default Day. CQ Weekly 65 (17), 1168-77
7	November 9	Issues of Income Disparity	University Reader:: Collins Chapter 1 Text: Krugman Chapter 1-3 and 12
8	November 16	Labor Market Economics and Discrimination	Ellwood Chapters 1and 2. University Reader: Krugman Chapter 15 and web page
	November 23	Furlough	Preparation of debate/discussion papers and power point presentations workshop. Students may utilize the classroom for finalizing debates, developing and rehearsing presentations. The faculty is furloughed.
9 /10	November 30	The Great Debate- All debate papers are due at 6:00 p.m.	Each team will have 15 minutes to present their position followed by a 10 minute Q and A. Total air time =30-35 minutes max.
FINAL	December 7	Final. See study topics on line for WEEK 10.	All assigned readings and materials for Weeks 6-10. Bring blue books and Section C. Grades are on-line via Bronco Direct.