Government and Society, 5 op

The Study module consists of two courses which are offered by turns: - Inequality - Dictatorship and Democracy Course options will be provided yearly in the teaching schedule. Inequality Inequality is a crucial issue in world affairs. It is both a political and economic issue, and the problem is addressed very differently around the world, with strong policy differences perceived between the United States and the Nordic countries. This class will examine the issue of inequality from a range of perspectives. Subjects include: economic causes of inequality, political causes of inequality, economic and political repercussions from inequality, the impact of inequality on demand for public goods and income redistribution, labor policy and inequality, health and inequality and welfare state policy and inequality. Dictatorship and Democracy The course examines the issue of what constitutes dictatorship and what constitutes democracy from all angles. We will explore the definitions of each and evaluate the goals of various types of dictators as well as of democratic governments. We will analyze the tools used to meet these goals and compare the constraints placed upon various forms of governments. From this perspective, we can assess the potential effects of various types of dictatorial versus democratic rule upon the economy, the welfare state, upon the population itself, and internationally.