Current Debates in Economics

This course will expose students who are not majoring or minoring in economics to certain current debates in economics professions, such as free trade vs. protectionism, work fare vs. welfare, pros and cons of federal deficits, deregulated financial markets, bank bailouts, immigration, and environmental activism. Basic economic tools to facilitate better understanding of the assigned readings will be covered in the class lectures. In addition, students will be required to read and present key articles which focus on some of these ongoing debates. The main objective of this course is for students to have a better appreciation of the opposing opinions in such debates. (Not open to economics majors/minors; not open to those students who have received credit for ECON 0150 or 0155)