Economics of Inequality (ECON446) | GSÜ

Content

Objective

The aim of the course is to examine the causes of economic inequalities and their evolution over time through theoretical approaches and empirical studies.

Course Content

In this course, students will have the opportunity to examine the emergence, evolution, and measurement of inequalities in different areas of economics through theoretical models and empirical studies. A significant part of the course will be devoted to the analysis and comparative discussion of academic studies adopting different methods and approaches. In addition, students will develop their ability to apply and evaluate the methods and approaches covered in the course through empirical work focusing on the case of Turkey.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

• explain the main causes and different dimensions of economic inequality;
• evaluate the main indicators and methods used to measure inequality;
• comparatively analyze different theoretical approaches and empirical studies;
• critically interpret the methods and findings used in academic articles;
• analyze data and empirical studies on economic inequality in Turkey;
• conduct an independent empirical study using theoretical and empirical approaches.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Theoretical instruction, analysis of academic articles, discussion of empirical methods and findings, comparative analysis, student presentations, and applied studies on the Turkish economy.

References

Atkinson, A. B., & Bourguignon, F. (Eds.). (2014). Handbook of income distribution (Vol. 2). Elsevier.
- Atkinson, A. B., Piketty, T., & Saez, E. (2011). Top incomes in the long run of history. Journal of economic literature, 49(1), 3-71.
- Deaton, A. (2013). The great escape. In The Great Escape. Princeton University Press.
- Goldin, C., & Katz, L. F. (2009). The race between education and technology. Harvard University Press.
- Piketty, T. (2021). Une brève histoire de l'égalité. Paris: Éditions du Seuil.
- Salverda, W., Nolan, B., & Smeeding, T. M. (Eds.). (2009). The Oxford Handbook of Economic Inequality. OUP Oxford.

Assessment System

Contribution to Overall Grade
Activities	Number	Contribution
Contribution of in-term studies to overall grade	2	50
Contribution of final exam to overall grade	1	50
Total	3	100

In-Term Studies
Activities	Number	Contribution
Assignments	1	6
Presentation	1	6
Midterm Examinations (including preparation)	0	0
Project	0	0
Laboratory	0	0
Other Applications	0	0
Quiz	0	0
Term Paper/ Project	1	12
Portfolio Study	0	0
Reports	0	0
Learning Diary	0	0
Thesis/ Project	0	0
Seminar	0	0
Other	0	0
Make-up	0	0
Total	3	24

Relation of Proficiency

No	Program Learning Outcomes	Contribution
No	Program Learning Outcomes	1	2	3	4	5
1	Demonstrate a basic knowledge of different economic theories and main discussions driving current theoretical approaches				X
2	Demonstrate ability to use basic qualitative and quantitative methods to asses different economic questions of applied fields				X
3	Show a sound understanding of current economic discussions and problems				X
4	Have an effective and clear communication in written and oral formats in different public and professional contexts.	X
7	Demonstrate knowledge of standard quantitative techniques and empirical models used in economics					X
8	Show ability to apply basic economic theory to an applied topic			X
9	Show a basic understanding of analytical methods, both theory- and model-based			X
10	Show ability to use economic concepts to discuss current economic issues		X
11	Reason logically and work analytically			X
12	Show awareness on social aspects of the economics in different applied and theoretical fields				X
13	Identify appropriate economic models to analyse problems			X
16	Show understanding of basic statistical and econometric concepts and ability to apply basic concepts to own empirical work					X
17	Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the current economic issues in Turkey and a general knowledge of the issues in the world economy				X

ECTS

Activities	Number	Period	Total Workload
Class Hours	14	5	70
Working Hours out of Class	14	5	70
Assignments	1	6	6
Presentation	1	6	6
Midterm Examinations (including preparation)	0	0	0
Project	0	0	0
Laboratory	0	0	0
Other Applications	0	0	0
Final Examinations (including preparation)	1	6	6
Quiz	0	0	0
Term Paper/ Project	0	0	0
Portfolio Study	0	0	0
Reports	0	0	0
Learning Diary	0	0	0
Thesis/ Project	0	0	0
Seminar	0	0	0
Other	0	0	0
Make-up	0	0	0
Yıl Sonu	0	0	0
Hazırlık Yıl Sonu	0	0	0
Hazırlık Bütünleme	0	0	0
Total Workload			158
Total Workload / 25			6.32
Credits ECTS			6