This course will cover the rationale for US welfare programs and analyze their effects on behavior. Although some attention will be paid to the history of such programs and the politics of reform, the class will focus primarily on economic analyses of the behavioral effects of welfare programs. The course will cover traditional welfare programs such as Aid to Families with Dependent Children as well as modern alternatives to welfare such as the Earned Income Tax Credit. Time permitting, the course will compare US welfare policy to welfare programs in other OECD countries. Students will prepare a term paper that will be presented in class and will be expected to participate in lectures.
