POL 258 - Topics: Global Poverty and Inequality (1)

In this course, students will learn about and participate in the global debates about poverty and inequality. The course explores the nature of poverty in the developing world. What causes it? What behaviors does it induce? Particular emphasis will be given to the dominant paradigms of development and welfare as it relates to the history of capitalism and liberal democracy in the 20^th century. Furthermore, the course will introduce students to the field of poverty action. It examines key institutions and actors - from the World Bank to global social movements, from national and local governments to nonprofits and NGOs, from multinational corporations to philanthropic foundations. The course is concerned with philosophies of global justice and the ethics of global citizenship. While the emphasis of the course is on the experiences of the developing world, students will have opportunities to analyze poverty in their communities and the United States.
(Social Science)