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Academic Year 2005/2006

The Economics of Gender
ECON 217 FA
Crosslistings:
WMST 235

This course uses economic methods to analyze gender differences in employment and earnings. Topics covered include allocation of time between the household and the labor market, consequences of employment for family structure, theories of discrimination, and occupational segregation. Historical trends and cross-cultural comparisons are discussed at length along with current U.S. conditions. Policy areas studied include antipoverty programs, comparable worth, provision of child care, parental leave, affirmative action, and antidiscrimination legislation. While this course primarily uses the economics perspective, it also draws upon political science, psychological, sociological, and anthropological analyses. One goal of this course is for you to understand current research and policy debates in the economic gender issues and to be able to formulate coherent positions on the topics covered. Another goal is to improve your writing skills. To achieve these ends, written analysis of current and proposed policies will be stressed.

MAJOR READINGS

The text is Jacobsen, THE ECONOMICS OF GENDER, second edition. Additional short items will occasionally be handed out in class. I may recommend that you read other articles or books in preparation for the final paper.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

There will be four short writing assignments (3-5 pages), two in-class quizzes, and a final paper (15-20 pages) in lieu of a final exam. Class participation will be counted.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS ECON    Grading Mode: Student Option   

Prerequisites: ECON101 OR ECON110 Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006

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