ECON 4317

Poverty and Inequality

Lec 01 selected

Why are some people poor, while others are rich? Why do some nations have more poverty or inequality than others? What can or should be done? This course examines the extent of poverty and inequality in contemporary societies, and the theories underlying alternative measures and explanations.

Sections

Lecture

From the syllabus

From the Fall 2025 syllabus by Lars Osberg. Open the PDF

Grading

2%Team work planDue October 16
15%Group presentationWritten and oral
3%Essay outlineDue October 16
25%Final revised essayDue December 16
25%Midterm examNovember 6
30%Final examDate set by Registrar

Textbooks

  • The Scandalous Rise of Inequality in Canada, Lars Osberg
  • Not Fair: Inequality of Opportunity in Canada, Lars Osberg (free)
  • Global Inequality: A New Approach for the Age of Globalization, Branko Milanovic
  • Income Inequality: The Canadian Story, David A. Green, W. Craig Riddell, and France St-Hilaire (editors)
  • 10 Facts on Global Inequality in 2024, WID.world

Course rules

Late work
Weights for missed or late assignments or exams may be reassigned proportionately for a plausible reason.
Absences
Students are not expected to use the Student Declaration of Absence form for term-time missed or late requirements.
Academic integrity
Essays must be student-written, cite sources, and may be assessed through an oral defence.
Teamwork
Students coordinate presentations with their team but are graded individually on essays and presentations.

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