In the first part of this course we discuss why socioeconomic inequalities pose a challenge for sustainable economic development. We will debate questions related to the measurement of inequalities and the relationships between various dimensions, such as income, consumption, wealth, education and environmental inequalties. In the final part of the course we will critically discuss various policy options aimed at reducing inequalities.

After completion of the course, students will have acquired knowledge about the social and ecological context of economic activitiy. They will acquire a comprehensive perspectice and understand how the economy is embedded in social context. Students will realise that their actions in their later professional life will have implications on society and environment, that they carry social responsibility and that they can contribute to longterm sustainable development. She acquire transferable skills and competences such as self reflection, sensibility for diversity and understanding of complex relationships that are the economy. They will be able to engage with and critically analyse information, understand problems, think about solutions for them and communicate those effectively.

Students can be absent for a maximum of two units.

The course is based on 

Lectures

Weakly Readings

Discussions

Participation in discussions based on weekly readings (25 %)

Two response papers (25%)

Final take-home exam (50 %)

see syllabus

e-mail

juergen.essletzbichler@wu.ac.at

franziska.disslbacher@wu.ac.at