Description: Processes of social change (related to poverty reduction, peace-building, environmental sustainability, economic development) can be supported or inhibited by economic forces. This course will examine and apply (in a non-technical manner) key economic principles that impact efforts to create social and environmental change. It also examines the assumptions of economic approaches, and the role of economics in the social sciences.
Objectives: This course aims to both enrich and challenge traditional economic concepts by incorporating relevant concepts from a variety of other disciplines. The emphasis is on lines of inquiry relevant to contemporary economic challenges, including sustainability and inequality. Ideas to inform policy
Supplementary textsDEFINITIONS
What is Degrowth? by Frederico Demaria et al Towards a Society of Frugal Abundance pt 1 by Serge Latouche HAPPINESS The State of Happiness, by Nicola Bacon et al Is a happy life different than a meaningful one? by Jill Suttie and Jason Marsh Why Loneliness is Toxic, by Wendy Leung In extremis, by Nabeelah Jaffer DREAD, FEAR, HOPE Gen Dread by Birtt Wray (subscribe for access) ENERGY Revisiting the Limits to Growth, by Hall & Day The Physics of Energy and the Economy, by Gail Tverberg TECHNOLOGY A Critique of Techno-Optimism, by Samuel Alexander BEHAVIOUR Thinking Fast & Slow, by Daniel Kahneman INSTITUTIONS Governing the Commons: The Evolution of Institutions for Collective Action, by Eleanor Ostrom The Tragedy of the Tragedy of the Commons, by Matto Mildenberger POLICY DESIGN Ecological Economics as a Policy Science, by Tian Shi Doughnut Economics Acton Lab LIVELIHOODS A World With No BS Jobs, by David Graeber The Disappearing Company Job, by Mary Lynk Why Radical Homemaking Makes Sense, by Starre Vartan (re: Shannon Hayes) Other curiosities can be indulged under "Citizenship, Land, Economy," here. |
Other courses
Ecological Economics Politics, Society, & the Mass Media Social Entrepreneurship Citizenship, Land, Economy Social Innovation Lab Social Welfare Democracy & Dissent: Intro to Politics |