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2018/2019 KAN-CPOLV4001U Inequality: Concepts and Measurement
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| Inequality: Concepts and Measurement |
Course information |
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| Language | English |
| Course ECTS | 7.5 ECTS |
| Type | Elective |
| Level | Full Degree Master |
| Duration | One Quarter |
| Start time of the course | First Quarter |
| Timetable | Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk |
| Max. participants | 100 |
| Study board |
Study Board for BSc/MSc i International Business and Politics,
MSc
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| Last updated on 21-02-2018 | |
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| Course prerequisites | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Knowledge of basic statistical concepts, e.g., mean, percentile, and standard deviation. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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The course has 14 lectures, spread over 7 weeks. The first part of the course focuses on the concept of inequality, and the philosophical background, the second part of the course focuses on the theoretical definitions and measurements of inequality, and the last part of the course discusses the political and ethical dimensions of inequality.
Since the great recession inequality has resurfaced as one of the most important and contested topics of academic and political debate. The publication of Thomas Piketty's (2014) book "Capital in the 21st Century" has further ignited interest in the topic. The aim of this course is to introduce the concept of inequality, i.e., what is inequality and why does it matter? Students will be introduced to the economic theory of inequality and its philosophical background. In the course we cover various definitions of inequality, and discuss in detail different methods of measuring inequality. We will look at inequalities within countries and across countries, and discuss inequality along various dimensions, such as class, race, and gender. Additionally, we will explore the links between inequality and other associated outcomes such as health, poverty, and social mobility. Finally we address the ethical and political aspect of inequality: We will discuss the top 1%, hidden inequalities, and the existence of an optimal level of inequality. The course also covers potential policies to address inequality, including a discussion whether such interventions should actually take place. |
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| Description of the teaching methods | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| The class activities will involve lectures, discussions, and problem-solving exercises. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Feedback during the teaching period | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| There will be a feedback activity (e.g., a quiz
or a review session) approximately half way through the course. We
also aim to give constant feedback to students in the form of Q and
A in the classroom. We encourage students to ask questions and
participate in class discussion. Furthermore, we encourage students
to form study-groups with other students to secure peer feedback on
their work. Finally, students can take advantage of office hours,
offered by full-time staff members.
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| Further Information | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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The course is part of theInequality Studies minor. It can be taken as a component of the minor or on a free - standing basis. |
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| Expected literature | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Journal articles and selected book chapters. A finalized reading list will be published on CBS Learn three weeks before the course starts. |
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