Paper should be 4-6 double-spaced pages in 12-point Times New Roman font with 1-inch margins. A separate cover page and references page must be included, adhering to APA formatting standards for any citations. The paper must encompass the key questions provided below for the selected topic. Proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation are expected throughoutStudents should choose one of the following two paper topics:
Poverty Traps
- Provide background on the economic concept of a “poverty trap”, explaining it in detail with historical context.
- Analyze key factors that can lead populations into persistent poverty traps.
- Give at least two real-world examples that exhibit cyclical poverty traps. Justify your examples.
- Evaluate government programs that aim to alleviate poverty. Assess strengths and limitations.
- Offer evidence-based policy recommendations that could effectively combat entrenched poverty in communities.
Income Inequality
- Explain the problem of income inequality in the US historically and evaluate how it has progressed over the past two centuries. Use data.
- Discuss structural and policy factors that have contributed to current income inequality.
- Analyze government programs and reforms that aim to decrease income inequality. Assess strengths and weaknesses.
- Provide reasoned recommendations to address income inequality on a structural level going forward.
Evaluation
Papers will be graded based on demonstrated understanding of course concepts, depth of economic analysis, thorough coverage of all required sections, quality of research and citations, and clarity of writing. Please cite a minimum of 3 academic sources not including the textbook. Students are encouraged to explore relevant peer-reviewed journals in economics for resources via the college library. This assignment will compose close to 20% of the course grade.