COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this course, we will examine the fundamental tensions and dilemmas that arise in a society that is both capitalist and democratic.  Are there inherent tradeoffs between economic liberty and political equality?  What is the proper role of government in a capitalist system?  Do markets strike an adequate balance between public and private goods?  Do corporations need to be regulated, or do markets hold them accountable for their behavior?  Is it desirable or even possible to have an economic system that is democratic?  How pervasive are market and polity failures, and how do we remedy them?  A multitude of ideological perspectives and empirical evidence will be presented to address these and other critically important questions about American society.